WARNING, new DLA question, PLEASE READ

[elliejjtiny]

Whoever is in charge of the DLA forms have come up with a new question. They want to know dates of all disability/illness related appointments for the last 12 months, who it was with, where it was and a brief one line summary of what was discussed.

Thank goodness I kept last years diary otherwise I'd be well and truly stuck. So I thought I'd post this to prewarn everyone to keep old diaries or a note of past appointments safe because you will need them later for the DLA renewal.

[TheNinjaGooseIsOnAMission]

jeez, like we don't have enough to do! I've another 12 months before renewal so best start keeping notes Thanks for letting us know

[MerryCouthyMows]

I've only just sent DS3's form back, last week (though near the end of my deadline), and that wasn't on there? Though I did, in a fit of photocopying spite, decide to copy the appointment letters for the last 8 months worth of appointments. Hopefully that will be a bonus - I've seemingly pre-emptied them!

(I only have 8 months worth as that's when his issues were first discussed with the Paediatrician)

[MerryCouthyMows]

Pre-EMPTED not pre-emptied.

[MerryCouthyMows]

LOCKS. Not licks.



It's been a very trying week...

[bizzey]

mouthy ....hope you are feeling better (and not so sore !)

[coff33pot]

oh hell lol thanks for the heads up! I guess I am doing 4 years worth of diaries then lol just incase they renew early

[MareeyaDolores]

I would guess they're probably just trying to economise on medical reports etc. Which section is the new question in? Near the 'statement from soneone who knows you' / 'who is your doctor' bit?

They have to pay something (not lots, £30-£40?) for the time and hassle of the NHS trust or GP practice doing a report, so if they ended up getting a GP one when it's the physio who knows the dc best, it's a but of a waste of cash for them.

[bigbluebus]

I wonder if this will be on the new PIP forms too? DD is 18 and although she has been granted DLA for life, we will have to re-apply for PIP sometime during 2015, I think.
Most of her appointments are just tick the box monitoring her so DWP won't get much info from that!
I am currently trying to re-organise my filing system (just bought a 4 drawer filing cabinet to replace the 2 drawer. The amount of paperwork we have relating to 2 children with SEN is incredible. If DWP want us to keep all this info, I think they should supply the filing system and a PA to keep it in order!

[Trigglesx]

Hmmm...I just read through DS2 renewal pack and don't recall seeing this question. Thankfully, I still have our appointment calendar from last year. But what a hassle!!

[starfishmummy]

Oh good grief.

[ouryve]

Thankfully, CAMHS always send us a summary letter (we have 4 of those a year for DS1) but DS2 only sees his paediatrician once a year and that's only because we've asked her to please not discharge us, or else we'll be completely out of the system with him.

Is this to include non medical appointments like Ed Psych, SALT, annual reviews, etc?

[ouryve]

And what about the ones that take place at school without us there?

[elliejjtiny]

It's either page 4 question 11 or page 11 question 4. DS2 hasn't had any appointments at school without me there (as far as I know anyway!) but I would think the senco would have details in her diary. I'm assuming it includes non medical appointments as well.

I asked the SENCO to do the school question and handed over the form wondering if I'd done the right thing as the teacher always talks about him really positively, making me wonder if his disability is in my imagination or if I baby him too much. The form has come back with all his difficulties written down which has made me relieved and yet at the same time.

bigbluebus I've always said if we ever qualify for direct payments I'll be using the money for a secretary instead of respite

[MerryCouthyMows]

I keep whining that I need a Secretary too!! I'm glad I'm not alone. I'm drowning under the weight if the paperwork that having 3 DC's with SN's can generate, as well as the start of trying to get DS1 dxd with whatever is wrong which I know is Asperger's but I'm having a hard time getting the actual dx, as well as all my medical paperwork too.

I have a filing cabinet full in my room, plus 6 underbed boxes full in the loft, that I can't throw away as I occasionally need them, but by his is there a lot of it!!

[Trigglesx]

Couthy - I can only imagine. I'm swimming through a vast assortment of paperwork just for DS2 (and DS3's medical appointments). Having to sort three times that paperwork would send me sailing over the edge!! Hats off to you!! (and some )

[ouryve]

You're more organised than me, Couthy.

I organise ours chronologically. That's code for putting it all on a pile for "filing" and hoping DH doesn't mess it all up, convinced that there's something of his in the middle of it all.

[saintlyjimjams]

Oh ffs. Ds1 has DLA awarded for life, so I guess I ought to get this info ready for when he turns 16 and will be on PIP.

[saintlyjimjams]

Thanks btw - I am so unorganised I just would not have this information to hand and would be looking through mountains of paperwork!

[MerryCouthyMows]

I said I had a filing cabinet full. I didn't say it was actually filed...

It's more a sort of 'thrown in there' sort of thing until I get enough time (err, the far side of never?!) to actually file it...

So no, not exactly 'organised' as much as organised chaos...

[sneezecakesmum]

Merry.... laughing +++ at your posts!!

Thanks for info. hope they send you extra paper to write all the appointments on

[CouthySaysEatChoccyEggs]

Besides, did you know that a filing cabinet holds approximately 2.5 times as much paperwork if you just dump it in therre in a massive pile??

[bigbluebus]

[TheNinjaGooseIsOnAMission]

do you think they'll give us a photocopying grant, I will need one of they want every sodding report, pity the poor postman

[elliejjtiny]

I haven't included all the reports, just written things like "surgical orthotics - 12/09/12 - x hospital - measured for piedro boots".