DLA and carers allowance
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 18th July 2009
at 14:03
Hi Nicky
How come you are only filling in the Carer's Allowance now? This happened to me as well, they upgraded my son to Middle Rate Care and didnt tell me I was entitled to Carer's Allowance. I found out by chance after about a year and a half, which I think is appalling. I think you should automatically get Carer's Allowance when the DLA is awarded at that level.
Anyway, they didnt look at my son's again, but I did put in a covering letter explaining why I hadnt applied for it earlier; so perhaps if you do that it will help. I do know what you mean about not having to do certain things for our kids as they get older, but like you say they will always need a degree of supervision that without the ASD they would not need. My son is 14 but has no sense of danger and does stupid things; the last one being a week or so ago when it was very sunny he was in his room and came down to show me the holes he had made in his TV remote and his trouser legs by shining the sun through a magnifying glass and burning them!!
I personally think they put these things on these forms to put people off claiming. After all, if you were claiming it when he was awarded the DLA which is what usually happens, why would they need to review his DLA? It doesnt make any sense. Its simply more government scare tactics to try and save them paying out money to those who need it most. They would be better off diverting their energies to sorting out those claiming benefits fraudulently, if you ask me.
That's my tuppence worth!! Hope it helps.
Let us know how you get on.
Josie
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 10th August 2009
at 15:50
Congratulations Nicky! Better than nothing I guess...and I hope you will still chase the other money (I'm sure you will!)
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 10th August 2009
at 22:30
Hi Nicky
Great news that your Carer's Allowance is sorted! That's one more thing done, eh! Now on to the next battle. Its funny how there are laws and regulations that prevent them paying out what is due to us because of their errors and how those same laws allow them to reclaim anything they overpay us without as much as a "by your leave". Bureaucracy sucks!!
When you got your DLA did you inform the Child Tax Credit folks? You also get a higher rate of tax credit when your child is on DLA, but you have to contact the Tax Credit folk and let them know, its not automatic either *sigh* (but the good news is that they do backdate to the date of the DLA award).
Josie
Posted by
bumblebee
on 11th August 2009
at 17:53
Just a thought, it was suggested to me to keep a photocopy of the DLA forms so at times of renewal, you can copy all the info still relevant and change/ammend the other bits........It takes so long to fill in those forms that I'm up for any time saving tips!!
I keep got turned down for a blue badge. My argument (in addition to their autism), was that when I have all 3 of my children, who all need 1-1, it is my mobility that is affected!! It got turned down because they can physically walk. We had the local councillor spend time with our family during the walk in their shoes project and I walked him through the 'school pick-up' pointing out all the dangers my kids are in......but still no blue badge. I even got a letter written on our behalf from our local MP....still no blue badge!!! I was told that the only way it would be successful is if our Paediatrician ticked the box on the form saying my children can't walk........It's bonkers......any suggestions?? Claire
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 12th August 2009
at 21:53
Hi Claire
Yes, keeping a copy of the DLA form is good. I didnt do it the first time and wished I had!! Having to answer all the same questions with all those "how many minutes" questions was a nightmare the second time round, but I learned my lesson and copied it.
I have never applied for the Blue Badge so I cant help you there, I'm afraid, but hopefully someone else will have some thoughts on it.
Josie
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 6th November 2009
at 21:58
Hi
Just came across this link to a website which looks like it could be really helpful when completing DLA/AA applications:
http://www.benefitsinmind.org.uk/claiming_dla_and_aa_1.htm
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 9th November 2009
at 12:12
Nice one, Josie! :-)
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Posted by
NickyB
on 18th July 2009
at 12:58
Hi all
I am just filling in the carer's allowance claim form. I've reached the bit where it says that my son's DLA claim may be looked at again as a result of this claim. He was awarded middle rate DLA 2 years ago (he's now 6) as he needed constant supervision throughout the day and help with dressing and going to the toilet. Although those needs are still there, they are not as severe, and we don't have to spend so much time with him on things like going to the loo. Having said that, he still cannot be left unsupervised, as he has no sense of danger or appropriate behaviour.
I'm worried that they will ask us to renew the DLA claim, and then say that he only needs the lower care rate, and so won't qualify for carer's allowance either!
I'm a bit reluctant to call them as I feel that might prompt them to renew the DLA claim anyway.
Anyone got any advice or experience ?
Thank you
Nicky >:D<