If you get DLA....

[mummyblueyes]

My DD started getting DLA a couple of years ago and I didn't realise all the extras we were entitled to. (she gets middle rate care allowance).

For instance, I just found out I've been missing out on Carer's Allowance (I can't work cos of hosp appts etc although I do do a tiny amount of work from home).

Then I phoned up to book theatre tickets and was asked if anyone gets DLA. I said my DD did but we didn't need special seating arrangements because she's not in a wheelchair and the lovely lady said 'no, I wasn't asking for that, you will get two half price tickets that's all'. Nice!

A friend has just told me I can get a cinema card too??!

I will certainly be looking out in future.

[Peachy]

there's quite a bit- but you have to ask. Ww're getting free panto tickets for the whole family because of being on the Sn register, for example.

[mummyblueyes]

This is a panto too! I never thought of asking before.

What do you have to do usually? Take a DLA letter or anything?

[Peachy]

I normally take a letter yes, it's probably more obvious with ds3 (newly registered) as he's on reins, but with DS1 who looks NT, a letter is usually needed.

Once you ahve the letter though, people can be really helpful- eg we were in a queue at bristol Zoo and the woman spent a while working out exactly what the best payment combo was our f=our family, saved us laods!

[mummyblueyes]

Just the letter you get from them every year?

I really never thought to ask. It's not apparent why my DD1 gets DLA, do they ask? I think she'd get embarrassed!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

[dustystar]

Some local authorities run schemes that allow you cheap access to theatres, swimming pools and lots of other leisure activites. i live in Poole and they have an Access to Leisure card that I can get for me (as i get CA) and Ds as he gets DLA. Its not obvious then why we are getting money off - you just hand over the cards and get a discount.

Have you informed the childrens tax credits people? You may be entitled to an increased amount - depending on your household income.

[mummyblueyes]

Thanks dusty.

Yes I told the tax credit people and they put it up and then when I got CA, they took it back off me as the £196 a month or whatever took us over the threshold!

[mummyblueyes]

Oh my dusty you are right. Just called them!

For £2 I can join a scheme which gives 50% off leisure including bonfires, shows in town halls etc for me and anyone at my address under 16.

When I think about what I could have saved.....oh well least I know now!

[Peachy]

Do you not get flyers from your LA about what's on offer then? We do, one every half term or thereabouts.

[mummyblueyes]

No I don't, I don't think I'm very clued up on this!

[Peachy]

Ask why not, they may not have you on the list (they only seem to have one of ours but thats enough to keep up to date), its a good way of findng out about other stuff- eg DS1 found a Sn rugby club he adores through it, and if DH ever finds a day job (night shifts atm) then there's now a peer NT / Sn group he can attend.

[mummyblueyes]

Maybe I will start getting one now I've let them know.

Thank you!

[geekgirl]

Tax credits are quite a bit higher if you have a child on higher rate DLA (dd2 is on the higher rate - it's actually not too hard to get, the main requirement for moving from middle to higher is the nighttime element - dd2 certainly does her bit for that![bags under eyes])

[mummyblueyes]

oh my DD is fine during the night. We get middle rate. They went up from the £43 a month to £170 when I first told them about DLA.

Then I told them about CA and it went back down to £43. I have NO idea how they work it all out. I give up trying.