DLA - worth applying?

[annanouska]

My son is two, we do not claim any benefits of any kind so this is really alien.

He has sensory processi g disorder and epilepsy, he is hyper mobile too but can cope as I pay for special shoes (doesn't qualify on NHS). He doesn't speak and is behind on social communication he will get an autism screening when older.

Is it worth applying for care element or not really? All I here about is people being refused so I never thought of doing it. De to spd he eats i edible things so has to be watched very close (sand, pebbles etc) he has absence seizures of a day and some nocturnal seizures too. W have just started medicine for it.

Every time he has a therapy something is suggested to make things better, eg specialist chew toys, his special shoes etc. I work part time as hubby has a good job and spend every penny on his shoes, chew stuff, therapies etc

 

[maisie78]

I think it would be worth doing, it does sound like you have to put a lot of time and money in to his extra care which is what it is there for.

Just remember when completing the form to go in to as much detail as you can and describe your absolute worst days.

 

[sequeena]

Of course it's worth aoplying. DLA works in how a child is affected by its condition/s even if they're not diagnosed. It's not given automatically because of a condition. A child may have something serious like a heart condition but if they are generally healthy and have no issues they may be refused DLA.

In Thomas' case his main issue is GDD which isn't a diagnosis but alongside that he has eye issues, a congenital deformity/abnormality, HMS/EDS, sensory issues, behaviourial problems etc. He has issues with food sleep walking doesn't understand social cues doesn't know when he soils himself and more. Added up it's a lot to deal with.

The PP is right when you apply you need to describe your worst day ever
It's hard but it's the only way. I recommend getting a professional to help you do it. Portage, welfare rights, CAB etc and get as many reports and professional letters as possible to back you up. I also sent a list of professionals who are involved with T and their numbers.

You both deserve the help.

 

[annanouska]

thanks. I feel like a fraud but thinking about it we spend so much time and money trying to help him. He's Improoving slowly which is good, I will deff contact the cab to help x

 

[RachA]

It's worth filling in as if you don't get it all you've lost is the time spent filling the form in but if you do get it then every bit of money helps.

We've applied for E although we have t heard back yet. Not sure how long we should leave it really before chasing up.

 

[maisie78]

Apparently they have an enormous backlog and it is taking months for some people. I would start chasing up after 4 weeks if you haven't had an acknowledgement of receipt, 8 weeks if you have x

 

[RachA]

Thanks

 

[Feathers]

It took 8 weeks for DDs DLA claim to be processed, we got a text message informing us of the decision to award her, although I had to ring and see what she had been awarded lol. Probably took another 4 days for the letters to come through. They did tell me it could be up to 12 weeks with the backlog when I rang to check after 6 weeks.

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

Its worth it because you can use it for them. We uses my sons for his 1:1 swimming lessons and other stuff. If you get HRC you can claim a tax bonus too x