benefits

[frances22]

Hi

was going to ask ms nurse today about filling in dla forms but shes not coming now till 3rd nov, and the forms need to be in by the 7th . can I ask what we can get with msI am virtually housebound at the mo, hubby helps with most things as I can't do much, im not a lazy person and I am so frustrated by this just want to feel better ,. x

[vix]

it depends on your level of Care and mobility

 

it is set as:

 

Lower Care

 

Higher Care

 

Low mobility

 

High mobility

 

I get low mob and high Care and I get i think

[Patb]

Hi, suggest you join a website called 'Benefits and Work' (google it). It is run by lawyers who are benefits experts. It's about

[frances22]

Hi, suggest you join a website called 'Benefits and Work' (google it). It is run by lawyers who are benefits experts. It's about

[Nick]

That is really good advice about the extension.

I was in a similar situation where I was simply too ill to do anything and did not know this was possible, which it is.

 

My own advice is to get help filling in these forms from a proper advocate, The CAB is always quoted but many of these are snowed under with work so that can be a long process.

Other local disability organisations can help. They need to be done accurately by somebody who understands both the paperwork and also the condition. That is the biggest problem with regard to MS. It is a particularly difficult condition to assess using such forms. Backup references from health professionals are also a must. That should include the neurologist, MS Nurse and GP.

[Bigbird]

Frances

 

I completed the forms myself. My physio, who is wonderful, said to complete the forms as though on the worst day eg if some days you can't walk then don't just say it happens occasionally fill in the bit that says it happens all the time. Never forget with MS you never know how you're going to be from one day to the next. Always do worst case scenario. If you think the decision isn't fair or right you can appeal. I did this with a letter detailing the problems caused by my MS and they reassessed my needs to give me max award which means I can now pay for someone to clean the house.

Plus the info from Nick about references from professional is a good idea too especially if going to appeal

 

I have spms and get max mobility and care. With max mobility you can have a car or a mobility scooter if you want.

 

See if there is a mobility group locally. They will know how to complete the forms. I don't think you need to pay someone to do this.

 

Edited 25 Oct 2011, 3:35 pm by Bigbird

[suzyt]

hi i was advised to contact my local DIAL office, they filled the dla form for me. they even offered to come to my house to fill it in with me. try ringing yours.

[Bigbird]

Yes def get in touch with Dial

 

I would have recommended this but didn't realise they were national. Dumb or what. They are really good and know their stuff.

 

(that's me being stupid!)

[Christina]

Agree with Bigbird about Benefits and Work. It used to be the case that you were advised to complete the form along the lines of worst day. That advice has changed, especially for fluctuating conditions, such as MS can be.

This is quoted from B and W advice:

 

"How to explain fluctuating conditions

Your condition may be one that varies from day to day, week to week or month to month. People often find this a real problem when filling in a DLA form. We suggest that you explain how you are on your bad days and then how you are on your

[frances22]

Thankyou so much Chris for your advice.

 

frances x

Edited 25 Oct 2011, 9:09 pm by Christina