Filling in a DLA form never gets any easier

[confusedofengland]

This is the 3rd one I've done for DS2 (7) & we've had numerous meetings about his SEN over the years. Somehow, I thought it might not be so painful this time, but I still feel like crying after writing down all his bad bits & photocopying forms from other people saying the same

Kick up the backside required please!

I fill in my BILs PIP forms and I find that quite upsetting so I can't imagine how I'd feel doing it for my child
I photocopied the first one I did for him so I can just copy over the information to save me time. His conditions are unchanging though so that's probably not helpful for a still growing child.
It is horrible isn't it because you're essentially listing everything your child can't do and it goes against your instincts to praise your child.
Try to see it as a horrible but essential chore. Get it out of the way but plan a lovely treat the next day to look forward to.

No kick up the backside from me just a big hug or pat on the shoulder if you prefer.

I find any official begging for extra funding / support letter / form shite. I cried my eyes out with the last one I did - I was asking him to be considered for a specialist unit and part of the form asked for his history. I had to ring and clarify what history - they meant everything. It was 4 pages of A4 which I had to cross reference with evidence. I got the place which proves me right that he needed extra help but that makes me feel even more shite. We are not entitled to dla as deafness is not considered a disability Good luck op.

Thank you both - flowers, hugs & pats all gratefully received! I know realistically that it's for the good & part of my 'job' as his parent, but it still really stings somehow. We've got his EHCP review tomorrow & I'm not expecting that to be a barrel of laughs either, although I know he's much improved from last time

MrsPear, this seems to suggest you could claim for DLA? Certainly the form had a whole section on deafness & I'd imagine that not being able to hear traffic & other hazards would give you a strong case for the mobility element (we got low-rate mobility last time because DS2's ASC means he doesn't reliably recognise or react to dangers when out & about) www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/financial-support/disability-living-allowance-dla/

No wise words or kicks from me. Just here to say - I hear ya, you’re not wrong. Pace yourself, whip up a , do what you can. My last one (DLA renewal) took me 3 months to complete. It seems to take longer each time, because I feel less and less inclined to dwell on all the challenges my children face especially when I’m having to repeat things I’ve said before. But I have to, because we need the money for them.

Hugs to you.

I've finished it now, bedunkalilt, but it did take months. It is a lot of writing, and writing stuff that I don't necessarily like to admit to myself. Then the mammoth task of photocopying lots of reports & finding reference numbers & phone numbers etc etc. I just hope we get it again, because I have a feeling his EHCP hours are going to be reduced (currently 32.5/week) & I'm worried they won't consider him as needing so much.

.....and maybe some more .

Fingers crossed for a renewal (and a longer award)

I’ve had 18 years of it and the identical experience. You have all my sympathy. Every time I approached it, I thought I knew what was coming and this time I’d be okay. It’s the damn repetition of what they can’t do. So if your child has severe SEN and can’t speak, you have to repeat that in umpteen different sections such as Can you shop/ plan journeys .... if not why not?
DD has now moved to PIP and I actually found that form significantly better.
💐