Jump to content
Genna

Claiming DLA for Adults

Recommended Posts

Hi,

My 18 year old son has just (last month) been diagnosed with Asprerger Syndrome. He is the second of my 5 sons to be diagnosed AS-my 7 year old was dx last year.

I am just looking at the DLA forms for him. My question is, when applying for a teenager like this, do you normally do it in the first person and get them to sign-or do it on their behalf, in the third person, and say they are unable to do the forms themselves? My son is generally intellectually able-he is doing A levels at college at the moment-but certainly would not be able to complete the forms without help. (He also has dyspraxia so lacks organisational skills as well as having the communication problems of AS). I just wondered what others have done in this situation.

Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Genna,

 

My sons 26 and although he has A levels I don't think he would ever be able to fill in a DLA form, I did try but eventually filled it in myself and asked him to check it.

 

The supplimentary form from the NAS was a huge benefit, he found that easy to fill in and I used the information to fill in the DLA Form.

 

You can find the DLA application - supplementary information below.

 

Nellie xx

 

 

Help with your claim

 

The NAS give useful advice on claiming DLA for adults, the supplementary information form is particularly useful.

 

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1041&a=3330

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=300&a=7788

http://www.nas.org.uk/content/1/c4/77/90/D...application.doc

 

 

The following website give guidance on completing the form.

http://www.bhas.org.uk/

 

These organisations can provide advice and support on completing the form.

 

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers

http://www.carers.org/

 

Welfare Rights

http://www.welfarerights.net/

 

Citizens Advice Bureau

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Edited by nellie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thatnks Nellie, you're a star - I didn't know that supplementary information document existed. I wish the DLA form itself was that clear! I'll be saving it for future reference when L's DLA is up for renewal: next year I think. :wacko:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you Nellie-that is really useful. I have never seen that "supplentary information" form either. I will go through it with my son and should be able to go from there.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have saved the suppplemantary info document too - what a great idea! We get so used to living the way we do that it is great to have it laid out in that format to remind us how many things that we do are difficult.

 

Thnks

Phoebe

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Phoebe,

 

Yes, having had a look, the links that nellie posted here are in both of the DLA threads pinned at the top of the Help and Advice section.

 

You'll find the link to the Supplementary Information Document in nellie's posts on the last page of each thread.

 

These DLA threads are useful, but very long and the important information isn't easy to find. We could probably make it more visible.

 

(Now pinned more prominently at the top of Beyond Adolescence forum :) ) .

 

K x

Edited by Kathryn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I applied for DLA middle of last month, never dreamt i'd actually get it. Letter came in the post this morning saying i had been awarded Low rate mobilty & High rate for care :wacko: really don't know how they work these things out...my son gets DLA, he gets low rate mobilty & Middle rate for care...his care needs are so much more than mine!!!

 

Mad people at the DLA :blink: lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes it's difficult to work out how the collective mind of the DWP operates when making these decisions. :wacko:

 

Good news that you've got it though, Caroline! :thumbs:

 

K

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can apply to be your son's appointee - then you fill in the forms for him.

 

If he signs them himself, then the dla will not talk to you about anything to do with his claim, and I know my son wouldn't be able to deal with any problems.

 

It is easy to become his appointee.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been thinking about applying for DLA on the basis of dyspraxia and other conditions. Although lately I've been thinking about waiting it out until I've been assessed for AS before applying for DLA. Do you think it would be better to wait it out until then, or apply now?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You don't need a diagnosis to claim DLA. You can still discuss the issues you face (eg. sensory, anxiety, getting things done, etc) without a formal diagnosis. You may have a long wait to be assessed, so you may as well apply now, and see how you get on. Getting turned down and having to appeal seems to be part of the process anyway, so you may as well get started as soon as you can. If you still get turned down, you can still apply again once you get the formal diagnosis.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
You can apply to be your son's appointee - then you fill in the forms for him.

 

If he signs them himself, then the dla will not talk to you about anything to do with his claim, and I know my son wouldn't be able to deal with any problems.

 

It is easy to become his appointee.

 

 

I fill in all my son's forms for him anyway - he can't write properly

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I fill in all my son's forms for him anyway - he can't write properly

 

I meant once they are classed as an adult, Caroline (though my son still can't write very well :) ).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I finally got around to printing off the DLA forms. Only several months after thinking about applying :rolleyes: Anyway these forms look rather daunting. I'm not even sure if I'm able to fill the things out, I'm really bad with forms. :unsure:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Is there anyone can help SG? Mr p used to be a DLA assessor, & he said to describe the worst you ever are which is what we did for JP. We were awarded it when he was about 6 I think, it was renewed a couple of times no probs, & currently runs till he is 21.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The forms do look overwhelming, SG, but don't be afraid to ask for help, many people need help with these. :wacko:

 

I found this supplementary information form, produced by the NAS, very useful when I helped my daughter with her renewal. Because the form is simpler and the questions are specific, she found them easier to answer, and I used her answers to complete the DLA form.

 

http://www.nas.org.uk/content/1/c4/77/90/D...application.doc

 

Have a look at the other links in Nellie's post above (second on this thread) for more guidance.

 

K x

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I got the decision back today. Denied. :ph34r:

 

Hi SG, sorry to hear you got refused DLA. I know it was ages ago that you were turned down but if you wait another 6 months from the date of decision then there is nothing stopping you from reapplying or if your condition deteriorates or you get an official diagnosis of AS then reapply as soon as. From one of your previous posts it appears that you only mentioned the "dyspraxia & other conditions" if that is so then reapply and mention the AS as well and how these conditions affect you on a very bad day , not an average or good day. Make sure you get help with these forms from a CAB/ social worker or disability rights organisation. If possible don't attempt them on your own. If the decision still goes against you then make sure you appeal within the specified time. Often original decisions are overturned on appeal.

 

All the best, SG.

 

Jannih

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hi SG, sorry to hear you got refused DLA. I know it was ages ago that you were turned down but if you wait another 6 months from the date of decision then there is nothing stopping you from reapplying or if your condition deteriorates or you get an official diagnosis of AS then reapply as soon as. From one of your previous posts it appears that you only mentioned the "dyspraxia & other conditions" if that is so then reapply and mention the AS as well and how these conditions affect you on a very bad day , not an average or good day. Make sure you get help with these forms from a CAB/ social worker or disability rights organisation. If possible don't attempt them on your own. If the decision still goes against you then make sure you appeal within the specified time. Often original decisions are overturned on appeal.

 

All the best, SG.

 

Jannih

 

Oooh! I must have missed this reply, I got approved for DLA in the end after asking them to look at the decision again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

lucky you! i'm stiiiill waiting... going to tribunal it seems now. but they dont know when and can't explain why since they have no evidence to base their decision on! turned me down based on my evidence and a doctors letter from a doctor who doesn't have any of my notes and isn't my GP... but they wont stop looking at it! the letters reasons contradict my evidence so who knows what this doctor put!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

well i'm still here, still waiting! i called today, they have had my most recent appeal form for 5 1/2 weeks, and they said it would be at least another two before any decision was made.

its starting to get really annoying that they're being so silly. if it was a borderline thing and they had good reasons then fair enough, i obviously didn't qualify, but everytime they send a letter back it says nothing except things that are clearly wrong... i dont have trouble going out of the house because of anxiety according to them, but i have agorophobia (confirmed by the GP letter). it goes on like that, and these are the only reasons they have. silly people :rolleyes: they sent the GP letter, it says he is my doctor, confirms i have all the conditions i listed, then says 'nothing' in the box how does this affect me. i'm a bit confused how you can have agorophobia, asthma, AS, hypermobility.... and have no impact on your life from them. if they didn't affect me i wouldn't have them would i?!

 

i think soon i'm going to break the record for the longest open claim, i filed the first form in may!!

how long did everyone else have to wait?

Edited by NobbyNobbs

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Mine took about 6 months to be approved, apparently I'm due to receive a renewal form soon so hoping to get middle rate care next time around. :pray:

yeah, middle rate would be nice!

i'm on a bit of a 'get all i can' kick at the moment. my mom has mouth cancer and because my parents are married she cannot claim any form of benefit even though she cant work and has had 4 surgical procedures to remove parts of her tongue!. my father is now working from 4am to 6pm to keep the household afloat, so i'm keen to help out (got a job interview later today!) mind you, when i get my backpayment (and i will win this battle) its going to be a very nice bonus!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
when i get my backpayment (and i will win this battle) its going to be a very nice bonus!

 

My amount was quite big and I only had low rate for both! The reason they gave for only low rate was because I was awaiting assessment and my needs might change :blink:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

ooh, i'll remember that one! i have one diagnosis but one GP wouldn't accept it, then another would so in the end i've insisted on getting one that they ALL will accept. i'm about 2 months into the 10 month waiting list on it

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was wondering how long before the claim runs out does the renewal form arrive? :ph34r: I'll have a lot more medical evidence for the renewal, my GP reckons I should have been on middle rate for care not lower. :robbie:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I do not know if this is mentioned on any of the DLA threads as I have not read them.

 

But can I advise anyone filling in DLA forms to photocopy it before you send it.

 

It can be hard to remember what you have written and if it goes to appeal this can make life much easier, it is also very useful when re-applying, which you have to do every few years.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Genna,

 

"My sons 26 and although he has A levels I don't think he would ever be able to fill in a DLA form, I did try but eventually filled it in myself and asked him to check it.

 

The supplimentary form from the NAS was a huge benefit, he found that easy to fill in and I used the information to fill in the DLA Form.

 

You can find the DLA application - supplementary information below. "

 

Nellie xx

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Hi nellie

 

Did everything on the application supplement from NAS apply to your son, I have taken a look at it and a few dont apply to my daughter. Would you delet what doesn't apply?

 

Thanks Teresa x

Edited by Teresa

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
You don't need a diagnosis to claim DLA. You can still discuss the issues you face (eg. sensory, anxiety, getting things done, etc) without a formal diagnosis. You may have a long wait to be assessed, so you may as well apply now, and see how you get on. Getting turned down and having to appeal seems to be part of the process anyway, so you may as well get started as soon as you can. If you still get turned down, you can still apply again once you get the formal diagnosis.

That is really usefu;l i shall have to tell my mum and try and apply for it if its gunna take for ever for a diagnosis. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just popped on to share some good news. Bill's renewal came through in the summer (he was awarded originally until his 16th birthday which is the end of this month). I put it off until early september because I couldn't face doing it. But spent a day filling it in, another day writing supplementary information. I got his teacher and one of the care staff at school to prepare something, and then went through the NAS supplementary form with him (thanks to Nellie for providing the link otherwise I wouldn't have known it existed). This morning I heard that he's been awarded higher care and lower mobility for an indefinite period of time. I'm really pleased for him as it means he'll have this money for the foreseeable future, but what do they mean by 'indefinite'? Does anyone know?

 

Flo' :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hiya Floz, good to see you. :)

 

Great news about the DLA. L has an indefinite DLA award too. I don't know exactly what it means either. I'm hoping it means "for ever" - but that may be a bit naive. :huh:

 

Hope Bill is doing well,

 

K x

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

 

Hello Flora, this has just happened to my nearly 16 yr old. I was told that he now has it for life unless things get much better-then I would need to let them know. So I have been very lucky and have only had to fill in the DLA form twice! I think it's because things haven't got any better over the years and ASD is for life. XXX

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hi,

My 18 year old son has just (last month) been diagnosed with Asprerger Syndrome. He is the second of my 5 sons to be diagnosed AS-my 7 year old was dx last year.

I am just looking at the DLA forms for him. My question is, when applying for a teenager like this, do you normally do it in the first person and get them to sign-or do it on their behalf, in the third person, and say they are unable to do the forms themselves? My son is generally intellectually able-he is doing A levels at college at the moment-but certainly would not be able to complete the forms without help. (He also has dyspraxia so lacks organisational skills as well as having the communication problems of AS). I just wondered what others have done in this situation.

Thanks!

 

My writing is unreadable so on the last page always the "the applicant is unable to complete these forms themselves" box is ticked.

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

DLA forms are a complete night and day mare, I have been in receipt of DLA for a year now, but I have to fill out the forms again, and so far I have been putting it off for the last three weeks. Not that the forms are completely difficult to understand, it is now just the fear of them, and the usual outcome, they get sent back because I have failed to fill something in correctly.

 

But a note to other when re applying for any fund, photocopy everything, then store the copies somewhere safe, not like me, my safe place, I have forgotten where. If I knew were my safe place was, I would use the information from the successful claim as a basis to work on, but as I can't find my safe place, I am stuck.

 

But I guess it's just a habit, I copy everything, which I suppose would be useful, if I could find where I put things. I have tried filing, all sorts, it goes good for a bit, then goes haywire, as I forget what headings I listed things under, and because I can be kind of secretive, I often create codes for things, then forget them.

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just so you know - you can download a version to fill in on a pc at:

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople...nce/DG_10011925

 

anyway - just a few q's

 

I'm not sure if I qualify - I have no problems washing, dressing, cooking, but have mild-moderate coordination problems, and communication/socialising - should I still apply?

 

Also - a lot of troubles aren't things I usually need others help with - but can usually cope with myself - again does that matter?

 

and - when it asks how many days a week I need help - that can vary, what shouold I put?

 

it mentions a three month qualifying period - is this from the date you submit the form?

 

and finallty - where it asks how long you've had the condition - should I just put "lifelong"?

 

ta.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you're not sure if you qualify, then you should probably apply. If you make an honest application, then they can make a decision. DLA is split into two parts; Care and Mobility. You may get one but not the other.

 

You can apply even if you don't get the support you need. It depends what you mean by coping. If you mean that you somehow muddle through but it takes you a lot longer and support could make it easier, then you can write about those difficulties on the application.

 

If the amount of help you need varies, then you should write about what you typically need (average), and what you may potentially need (worst) - don't write about "on a good day I don't need any support." As long as your application is honest, the application is asking you to write about your support needs, not about how well you cope.

 

I do not know about the 3 month qualifying period. It must be from the date you submit the form, because until you submit it, they don't know you are planning to apply.

 

If you're writing about Asperger's, then lifelong would make sense. You can always add the date you were diagnosed as well if you like.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

QUOTE (Sa Skimrande @ Dec 2 2009, 04:27 AM)

DLA forms are a complete night and day mare, I have been in receipt of DLA for a year now, but I have to fill out the forms again, and so far I have been putting it off for the last three weeks. Not that the forms are completely difficult to understand, it is now just the fear of them, and the usual outcome, they get sent back because I have failed to fill something in correctly.

 

But a note to other when re applying for any fund, photocopy everything, then store the copies somewhere safe, not like me, my safe place, I have forgotten where. If I knew were my safe place was, I would use the information from the successful claim as a basis to work on, but as I can't find my safe place, I am stuck.

 

But I guess it's just a habit, I copy everything, which I suppose would be useful, if I could find where I put things. I have tried filing, all sorts, it goes good for a bit, then goes haywire, as I forget what headings I listed things under, and because I can be kind of secretive, I often create codes for things, then forget them.

 

Can you fill it in online and keep a copy on your PC? i know what you mean with hiding stuff away, im the same esp with financial stuff.

 

Ally

Edited by trekster

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...