New to dla

[OlafJensen]

Can anyone advise me on completing the DLA form pack, As I find it a minefield of trick questions for the layman. I have heard there are some good free web sites that help.

[Nystagmite]

You need to break the questions down into small parts. You must think about every activity relating to that question. For example, there is a question on getting dressed. You need to think about picking out clothes that are clean, suitable, etc, putting your clothes on properly, doing them up, etc.

 

When it comes to aids, you need to explain what help you need using them and any limitations that arise.

 

The form has to be filled in with help you need and not what you're getting. For example, if you would like to go out with friends; but don't, write down that you'd like to go out with friends.

 

Don't assume that they'd know that because you have a specific diagnosis, that you'll have certain care and mobility needs. They won't.

[OlafJensen]

Hi,

Has anyone got some advice about filling out my first DLA claim form? I have heard that there are some good web sites, but I cant seem to find them.

Thank you in advance

[AnnoyedByDCAs]

benefits and work (sorry don't have enough posts to add links yet) is a really good resource although it costs £19.45 for a year membership. I've found the guides really quite helpful though. If you're short of cash drop me a PM and I'll have a look and see what guides might be relevant for you.

[Crocdoc]

Your local CAB or Welfare Rights have specialists who complete DLA forms on your behalf free of charge.

[AnnoyedByDCAs]

Your local CAB or Welfare Rights have specialists who complete DLA forms on your behalf free of charge.

 

This is true but sadly the CAB are hugely overworked with the benefits system right now and it's only going to get worse with the current joke of a government making cuts to legal aid funding.

 

I don't know if anyone here is willing to get involved but it might be worth getting a professional membership at Benefits and Work for CAG with a view to helping with benefit claims. Obviously funding might be an issue but perhaps a donation drive for this might work.

[Nystagmite]

There is some free stuff from Benefits and Work.

 

Can I ask what your disability is please? Because there are some charities (such as RNIB) who have information about DLA.

[OlafJensen]

Hi and thanks for all reply's. My claim is for a broken disc in the back which causes lower partial paralysis I.m now on support allowance due to myself obtaining MRI evidence for the medical services. Therefore they have now conceded that I do have a genuine back problem.

As for CAB you are right the poor folks are snowed under and look very unhappy to say the least. I therefore do not with to load them also with my problems.

.

[OlafJensen]

AnnoyedByDCAs

 

Sorry cant pm you at the moment because I do not 30 posts on this site.

 

Any help is very appreciated

Edited January 10, 2013 by 42man
Edited email address

[OlafJensen]

Hello everyone. I have just been awarded higher rate DLA. Is there anyone who could please advise me on what I am entitled to in regards of council tax reduction, walk in shower, and can I get carers allowance? Thank you in advance.

[padja]

I would contact your local social services, I know that what you get can vary council to council due to cuts etc. Social Services should be able to answer these questions much better and make sure you dont miss out, my mother in law was awarded higher rate DLA and after 3 months of being passed from pillar to post, one call to social services got shower room, stair lift, central heating fitted, and rewired house, but some of those were grants from different pots so thats why its best to go to social services they know whats out there

[Nystagmite]

Care or mobility?

[OlafJensen]

Mobility. Can I also now claim care as well

[Nystagmite]

You should be able to, yes. You could have done both at the time. Or did they say you have no care needs?

[OlafJensen]

To be honest I did not know really. They will not tell you if you dont ask I suppose

[OlafJensen]

Well got the award letter this morning. Have only awarded higher mobility. They have knocked me back on carer. I suppose I should appeal as there is a lot of points in their letter that are wrong. Seeing that I am virtually bed bound. I have a friend does my shopping and some persona hygiene(ugh). So what now? Do I push this for tribunal, can it back fire? Who has been through this?

[Nystagmite]

It may back fire; but it may also go in your favour.