DLA

[marmoset]

Something on another thread go tme thinking about how you found out about DLA? Info seems to be quite patchy - I was given the info and the forms via Council special needs pre-school education team when ds1 was about 5. It's non-means tested and non-backdatable but I wondered if everyone is given the right info about it?

[Phoenix4725]

i was told by another parent no one offical had told me

[Widemouthfrog]

NAS branch told me

[PheasantPlucker]

I was told by the portage worker early on, and also by the ASBAH adviser when she came out to meet dd1 as a baby.

[devientenigma]

I got mine through the Freemans childrens heart ward when DS was 3 month old.

[jennybensmummy]

my health visitor bless her told me

[marmoset]

definitely a mixed bag then!

[5inthebed]

My HV brought the forms around for me after DS2 got his DX bless her. Probably out of guilt as she refused to believe anything was wrong with him.

[ChopsTheDuck]

mn! I'd have never have known otherwise, or ahd a clue how the system works, how to fill it in, etc.

[TallulahToo]

MN for me too! Thanks very muchly! . But nobody here to help me fill it in though.

[meggymoosmum]

Yep, another parent told me about it too, and carers allowance. Portage/HV/paed all failed to mention it. Just waiting for dd's award at the moment...

I only found out last week as well that you can claim if you are suffering from PND, etc. Likely to be only lower rate, but i have had medication and a CPN now for almost 3 years and numerous hospital/doctors/therapy appointments and not one professional mentioned it to me, even though i was not well enough to work!

[lou031205]

MN, which was great, although in a way made me feel guilty for applying because I didn't have anyone who knew DD saying I should do it. But then a portage worker helped me through it a little.

[misscutandstick]

think ive got one that tops the lot!

my local housing association! I went in for interview to see if we could get any HB, and she asked if any of my children had disabilites, i explained that one had ADHD but wasnt statemented or anything, and she asked if we got DLA for him - when i said no she spent 1/2 hr explaining what it was, where to get forms and what to put!

[ChopsTheDuck]

lou I know what you mean, I expected to be laughed out of the paed's office when I brought it up with her! Luckily she was very supportive, jsut never thought to mention it.

[mummypig]

I knew because of my sister. Then someone on mn said I could get it when ds2 started having his seizures. No one who has dealt with him in a professional capacity has ever suggested it.

I have gone through phases of thinking I should apply but haven't ever done it. I was certainly put off by the form-filling, and also the NSE website saying that anyone with epilepsy is unlikely to get it unless they have other disabilities. Also he's been seizure-free for over a year now [hooray hooray] so although he does need more care and attention than any NT child it's not loads more. I suspect I wouldn't have a huge case and I might get very weak statements from the docs or other professionals.

[marmoset]

I am beginning to think that there might be a lot of families out there who aren't benefitting or who are put off applying without help.