DLA Question

[Bluekitty]

Hello all,
I need some help, I'm filling out (seems for days)the DLA form for my ASD son. I am wondering when adding additional pages, can I type these? This form is exhausting enough, and it would be much easier for me if I could type and print out and paperclip these to some of the questions. Will DWP accept this?
Sorry for any typos, eyes are starting to cross.
Thank you xx
Very tired mum up late doing DLA form

[Emily7708]

Hi, yes you can do that but did you know you can complete the claim online instead? It's so much easier and you can save and come back to it as many times as you like.

www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/

[Bluekitty]

I just seen it tonight Emily, I've already had a form posted out to me with a backdate stamp on it. I have to have it returned by the 29th though! eeeek!
Can I still fill it in online and get it with the same backdate?
We've had to move house while I've been filling it out.
Thank you for your quick response!
xx

[lougle]

Bluekitty it's best not to use the online service.

Firstly, if you use the postal pack and return the claim pack by the date stamped on the cover, they will back-date your claim to the day you phoned up for it.

Secondly, the online service has a habit of losing hours of progress.

The best thing to do is put the following in the header text of a word document:

Full name; Date of Birth; NI number if you know it (2 letters, 6 numbers, 1 letter); Address.

Then, type the question number and title for each answer, eg. "Part 6: getting around" so that it's absolutely clear which question it relates to.

I also used page numbers at the bottom, so that I could write in the answer box 'see additional sheets, page 4.'

At the end of my answers, I included a 'reports list'

[lougle]

You'll lose the backdate if you fill it in online.

[Emily7708]

Oh yes shame about the backdate. Sorry I didn't realise the online service was dodgy, I was really lucky and didn't have any problems with it, mind you that was a year ago now.

I hope your claim is successful OP.

[Blessyou]

I did what Lougle did.
Got a v fast and satisfactory response too!
Are you using the Cerebra guide? It's marvellous.
or for you, it's a bloody awful process.

www.cerebra.org.uk/English/getinformation/publications/Pages/DLAGuide.aspx

[Blessyou]

Actually, on re-reading, I did a seperate sheet for each question. So the header was eg Additional information for Part6: getting around . Even if there we only a couple of points to make.

[Bluekitty]

Thank you for all the lovely responses, I am now using Cerebra guide Thank you Bless you :)
I had to have a lie down and felt abit sorry for my son and myself, last night after writing question 22 out. It's so hard writing out what a day is like and focus on the negative and how Autism has affected my little one. My son is a twin, so I see daily what the different is. Ended up 4 pages.
Brilliant idea Lougle will do that.
Up and working on it again hopefully going to finish and get it in post today.
Although....Might be back with more questions later xx
Thank you!!

[Emily7708]

Bluekitty, my DS is a twin too, it's hard isn't it when you have that constant comparison. And having twins is hard enough work as it is without throwing autism into the mix.

[LadyMaryQuiteContrary]

Hi I used the Cerebra guide, there's things on there that you wouldn't even think of putting down. Ds was turned down a couple of years ago (I didn't use the guide then) and we're waiting to hear. I have fingers and toes crossed (the form is a PITA!)

[Blessyou]

Sympathies from me. I found that form one of the hardest things I've ever done. I put it off for ages before phoning up for one then took the full 6 weeks to submit it. Could only face a little at a time.

[LadyMaryQuiteContrary]

Ds's should have been sent in during December 2012. I sent it in last month. They sent me a letter asking why it was so late (I was shocked about that!), I told them that it was a nightmare to fill in and I didn't want to miss anything out in case they turned us down (again). I don't care if it's backdated, he needs some help. {goes off to sob}

[Bluekitty]

Finally finished. I feel completely drained but relieved, will take it tonight and post special delivery. Not will to take any chances after all that effort. I don't know if it will be successful or not, and will be upset after pouring all the effort into it. Just have to cross fingers. :) G
aw Emily, it is hard work isn't it. Thank you for your kind words. xx
Thanks so much for all the encouragement, lovely people here!

[LadyMaryQuiteContrary]

Good luck!

[Bluekitty]

Thank you Lady :)
Update, Received letter today stating the received the claim for my DS. Dunno how long from now?
Hopefully it won't be turned down, I've been told a lot of ASD claims do. anyone have thoughts or experience on that?
Thank you so much xx

[LadyMaryQuiteContrary]

We're still waiting, it's supposed to be less than 3 months on receipt but it depends on whom they contact. I gave them a pile of paediatrician letters and the contact details for his physio so I hope his won't take too long. Ds has hypotonia which affects his walking and things he can do around the house. He also has a sensory processing disorder and there's possibly a little ASD there too but they can't make their minds up about this.

[salondon]

Does one have to get the form from them? Can't I download it? www.nidirect.gov.uk/sm/dla1a_child__nov_2011_notes.pdf