Disability Living Allowance

[Scarlett]

I just looked up on the website to see who could claim and this is what it said you need to be in order to claim the mobility bit:

• You have had both legs amputated at or above the ankle, or you were born without legs or feet.

It says if this does not apply to you then you can claim but you almost certainly won't receive any benefit. Does this fit in with your knowledge of DLA, or have the government recently changed it? Thanks!

[cazzz1975]

that is not the only option scarlett

[Jan1957]

Well I get the highest rate of mobility and I still have both legs and feet. I just can't walk very far and cannot manage steps at all.

[looby1914]

That's not all the reasons to be able to get mobility part.. my son is autistic and has hypermobility of his joints along with hypotonia of his leg muscles. He struggles with walking and gets pain. He gets the lower rate of mobility dla.

[Buenchico]

You refer to "the website". Which one? It certainly doesn't seem to be the official one!
http://www.direct.gov...ledpeople/DG_10011816

Further information here:
http://www.direct.gov...ledpeople/DG_10018702

Chris

[Scarlett]

It was a DWP site, so a bit misleading I reckon. Do you have any advice on applying? I have applied twice over the last couple of years but have been turned down.

[paddywak]

I too have both my legs and get the higher rate of motability,and same as Jan I can't do steps and stairs. When I'm walking I carry a shooting stick as I it's a good day when I can walk 25-30 yards with out a rest.

[sara3]

"To get the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, your disability must be severe enough for you to have any of the following walking difficulties, even when wearing or using an aid or equipment you normally use:

because of a physical disability, you are unable or virtually unable to walk without severe discomfort, or at risk of endangering your life or causing deterioration in your health by making the effort to walk
you have no feet or legs
you are assessed to be both 100 per cent disabled because of loss of eyesight and not less than 80 per cent disabled because of deafness and you need someone with you when you are out of doors
you are severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems and qualify for the highest rate of care component
you need guidance or supervision most of the time from another person when walking out of doors in unfamiliar places"

[emmie]

Not at all. Hasn't been changed, look up any info on DLA there are lots of criteria for receiving it.

[Scarlett]

I'm not sure if I should just fill in the form or whether medical letters would help. Filling in the form hasn't worked so far. I'm like you- can barely walk now. I am down for a knee and ankle operation; had the other ankle operated on last year, and have severe back problems. This is caused by ulcerative colitis, ie- inflammation in joints which is making them deteriorate. I seem to be able to do less every day, and can't take anti-inflammatories cos of the colitis. Today I can't even stand up. I'm not sure how I can apply without just getting turned down again.

[paddywak]

Take a trip to your local CAB, they have people who will fill the forms in for you and tell you exactly what you need to claim

[emmie]

Get help from your GP, they can advise firstly, they have a fair understanding of the system, do you get any benefits at all, because there are some im sure which link together, bit difficult to explain. Not suggesting this as your problem, but some people with mental health difficulties can get it too, it would depend on the nature, but physical difficulties can be getting up stairs, needing help with your personal care, have trouble going out. Sometimes takes more than one go at the forms, two maybe three, and as much information of the problems you have, whatever they are. Its a bit of a maze i admit, and some don't get it who should.

[albaqwerty]

paddywak beat me to it, if not CAB then any AdviceWorks if your council runs them. Give as much detail as you can, even if you think it is trifling or not relevant.

(It's a belter of a form isn't it?)

[Jan1957]

My original claim was through the CAB and then a local charity that does the same sort of thing helped me last time as the CAB are so busy these days. Check local charities to see if there is one that gives similair help.

[emmie]

sorry we crossed over posts, can see the problems, there are options, do not give up, as said its a horrible form, and takes an age to complete, did you keep copies of your last ones, as they help, if you have to do them again. Try the CAB, if they can't help, ask your GP, perhaps they can put you in touch with a welfare officer, who can run through the paperwork with you.

[Scarlett]

Thanks for your help- I will get down the CAB asap. I think the problem was that I was trying to do it on my own. Really though- I've never needed help to fill in a form before!! I am on ESA (contribution based) now, following my appeal. Don't know if this stands me in better stead. Once again, am completely unable to walk today :(

[emmie]

The DLA form is a bastd, pardon my french, its long and complicated and you generally need help with it, even those people who are adept at filling in forms, Any info as well that relates to the problems you have, letters, doctors notes, prescriptions details, anything, take them with you, its amazing what they ask for. CAB, then if they aren't able to help, go back to doctor and ask if he can advise where you could get to see a welfare officer, or CAB for that matter. Good luck

[smart1]

Contact your local Welfare Rights office - they will help you with the form.

[Dee Sa]

my hubby is reg blind, a bad diabetic suffers from vertigo and can only walk from the front door to the car and tats if I suport him, when he applied for mobility they sent their doctor to our house to assess him, then they sent another doctor round with some excuse the forms had been lost, we got CAB to fill in the forms and eventually they gave him higher mobility.
Guess how much I get for looking after him £11.20 per week ! an agency carer would not work for that amount per day !

[Scarlett]

Hmm, looking at what the government plan to do to the lower rate recipients, I'm wondering whether I should even bother...?