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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

SN children

DLA Application

27 replies

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 30/05/2017 09:51

Hi All,

I sent my very first DLA application away last week for DD2. I know they say 40 days from when they receive the application but I wondered if it's actually takes that long?

I don't know why, but I feel really nervous about.

Thank You

OP posts:

Report

Friendlylightupbear · 30/05/2017 10:12

Hi, I did DDs first claim a couple of months ago, she is 1 and profoundly deaf. Exactly three weeks after they received it (got a text message telling me they had got it) I got a payment into my account, and a couple of days later got the letter. So not long at all really.

I felt nervous too. It's a horrible form

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 30/05/2017 10:42

Thank you for the reply. Did you get the text quite quick to say they had received it? I haven't heard anything but it was only posted on Wednesday.

Good to know it may not take the full 40 days.

Sorry to hear your DD is profoundly deaf. Is she well otherwise? My DD is also 1 (well 21 months so almost 2 really) and is severely delayed in her development. She, as yet, has no diagnosis but has zero mobility or communication and seems to have lots of sensory issues. She also seems to suffer from crazy anxiety/clingyness. To the point she is only happy if she is hanging round your neck for dear life. It's very challenging at times.

I don't even know why I am so nervous as an award doesn't change anything but it would help with all the extra costs that come with providing her with everything she needs!

OP posts:

Friendlylightupbear · 30/05/2017 13:36

I got the text about a week after they received it. Really hope you hear back from them quickly.

It must be hard not having a diagnosis for your DD, sorry to hear about her issues I hated filling in that form because it forced me to write down everything that my DD can't do/struggles with etc, not a very nice thing to have to put yourself through! I know what you mean - it doesn't change anything, but it's a big help to have the extra bit of money and also the other benefits that come along with getting DLA.

Thanks, my DD is well otherwise, although going through various tests at the moment to try to find a cause for her deafness, and also because we are hoping the she will be able to get cochlear implants. They're not sure how well they will work for her, but we think it's worth a go to give her some access to sound.

You probably already know, but if you get the middle or higher rate DLA care component then you can also apply for carer's allowance if you earn under a certain amount or have given up work to care for your DD. I've just applied for that x

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 30/05/2017 14:15

It really is a rubbish thing to do isn't it. Totally makes you focus on all the negatives rather than the positive and I have been trying really hard to focus on what she can do rather than what she can't.

Unfortunately I work 4 days at the moment so wouldn't qualify for carers allowance. Although if she was to be awarded DLA I could possibly reduce down to 3. Would be a definite possibility if she was to get higher rate, and if she was to get middle then possibly not right away but definitely sooner rather than later! I think that's why I feel so nervous as I know she deserve as an award but without a diagnosis and because she is so young I am very nervous about it as she would really benefit from me being home more.

I think I will be upset whatever the outcome. As if she is awarded I will feel it's confirmation she has a disability but if she isn't I will feel cheated somehow as she has so many problems and issues other children her age don't have to contend with.

I really hope your DD can get her implants and that they can allow her to hear some sounds. Hearing is something I think people take for granted and don't necessarily realise how important it is.

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Allthewaves · 31/05/2017 22:55

Carers allowance - I only found this out recently that you can deduct childcare, expenses and half personal pension from your wage to get to take u under the earnings threshold. It can be worth stashing loads into a private pension to get carers allowance - giving pension a huge boost. Plus pension contributions come off tax credits wages calculations too

Sleepyblueocean · 01/06/2017 06:27

Ours for a renewal took 8 weeks from them saying they had got it.

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 01/06/2017 10:15

Really Allthewaves I will keep that in mind for future if I can ever afford to drop hours at work etc. Very useful. I'd love to stay home with the kids full time but it's just not an option at the moment. Maybe one day...

I hope it doesn't take as long as 8 weeks sleepyblueocean! It's a new claim rather than a renewal so hopefully it's at least within the 40 days they say it will take. It's been 8 days since I sent it away and haven't heard anything yet.

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Damonlufc88 · 02/06/2017 11:36

Sent mine off 3rd May, with lost of information attached, and got our decision letter 30may

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 02/06/2017 13:21

Thanks Damon! Got the text yesterday to say they have received it so hopefully the wait won't be too long now then

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Weemika31 · 02/06/2017 14:11

Sent mine on 2nd of May got a letter on the 9th saying they have received it, I hope they make a decision soon hate waiting for the postman everyday.

Damonlufc88 · 02/06/2017 15:00

I think you will get any back pay dated to the day they recieved you application if your successful.

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 02/06/2017 19:27

Thanks everyone for replying.

weemika I hope you get your decision soon. This is the first time we have applied and I honestly didn't think I'd be this anxious over it. We aren't losing anything but there are so many things we could buy to help with our daughters physical development that DLA would really help!

Damon yes-I am sure I read online that they will backdate it to the date you requested the form or the date they receive if you get form online.

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Weemika31 · 07/06/2017 12:15

Got my award this morning so it's been nearly 6 weeks since I posted it and they have backdated it to when I phoned. He got middle care he's nearly 3 and has a diagnosis of autism.

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 07/06/2017 12:41

I am glad you finally got your award weemika31

Are you happy with the MRC award, do you feel it's fair to his needs?

I have read of applications being rejected for under 2's with the view that all kids of that age are hard work so I am prepared for getting nothing, even though her needs are much higher than that of her peers . I think having no formal diagnosis will go against her but then perhaps her lack of mobility will count for more than her communication/sensory issues? Can I ask you weemika if you don't mind. Did/does you DS have any delays physically with sitting/crawling/walking etc? Our paed heavily hinted at ASD at our last appointment but I am not sure that explains her lack of mobility?

Does anyone know how long you have to wait before you can reapply if you get refused?

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Weemika31 · 07/06/2017 12:59

His mobility has always been fine sat at around 7 months walked at a year. I have another child with autism and they had no mobility problems either.

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 07/06/2017 16:30

Thanks weemika It's just a long waiting game and patience is the key at times!

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Jemimapuddleduk · 07/06/2017 17:04

Hi - I sent my ds's app on the 3rd May and got a letter to say it was being processed several weeks later. Today I got a letter requesting birth certificate (original) which I am posting off tomorrow. I wasn't expecting to have to send that off too!
My original phone call was late March/early April as it took me nearly the full 6 weeks to complete. Hoping we have some success. My ds is 3 in September and has global developmental delay and is going to panel for autism asssssnent this year. He also had cancer (AML) last year and has some lingering bowel/toileting issues from the chemo.
I haven't applied for carers allowance.

missadasmith · 07/06/2017 17:54

our application was a few years back for DC with ASD and mod-severe learning diffs. initial decision (turned down) came after 11 weeks. We asked for a reconsideration (took 8 weeks) and were turned down again. appealed. Appeal took about 8 weeks too and got middle rate care and low rate mobility on appeal. so all in all a bit over 6 months.

good luck!

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 07/06/2017 19:09

jemima sounds like your poor DS has had a rough time! I think you can only apply for carer's if you get middle or higher rate care? So I assume you have to wait for a decision before you can do that? I couldn't apply for that currently anyway as I'm working 4 days at the moment. Currently we aren't entitled to tax credits but I know a DLA award can change that so if you get one, which I hope you do, remember to check out tax credits or inform them if you already receive.

missadasmith that is a long time! Did you get it all backdated? Who knew it could be such a long & complicated process!

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missadasmith · 07/06/2017 22:45

yes, all backdated: DLA and tax credits and Carers Allowance. was quite a windfall.

but it was incredibly stressful to deal with the reconsideration and then appeal esp considering DC's difficulties. No idea why they made it so hard given the severity of my DC's issues.

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 08/06/2017 10:19

I am dreading a rejection then the reconsideration and appeal. If we get rejected I might be tempted just to wait and re-apply again sometime in the future, even though I am fairly certain she is deserving of an award. It sounds pretty stressful, but if you were awarded MRC and LRM it just shows how wrong they can get it at times! I am glad you got it all sorted in the end though.

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missadasmith · 08/06/2017 10:38

don't think they got it wrong. I had so many reports, diagnosis, statement of Sen. they just tried their chance. I have a few friends who went through the same. not everybody is asking for a reconsideration and does appeal. they count on those who do not challenge them.

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Cph21 · 26/06/2017 19:48

Hi not sure if this is the right place to post new to this. In a nut shell my daughter was diagnosed as blind at 4 month earlier old and registered legally applied for DLA as advised by her consultant. Been told today after months of waiting that she doesn't qualify. Heartbroken isn't the word! Have sent a mandatory reconsideration by special delivery today can anyone advise if they have been through the same thing? Any ideas if I will win or if this is going to be a battle. SO very unfair to family's who have enough to deal with. Thanks in advance for any help xxx

CheeseCrackersAndWine · 28/06/2017 08:43

Hi All,

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Just wanted to let you all know that the application took 4 weeks from when they received it to the first payment being made and my DD was awarded MRC which I feel is fair as although she has night time needs they aren't that significant and I'm sure on par with NT kids her own age who don't sleep all night.

OP posts:

Friendlylightupbear · 01/07/2017 11:58

Glad to hear she got the award cheese and you didn't have to wait too long

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