Dla renewal forms

[Rose220]

I received the forms Friday as my sons dla runs out on the 20th of November. Looking through them I forgot how difficult they are. He receive dla at the moment but I am concerned they won't be renewed. He has autisum and is on a waiting list for reffural for adhd. I'm sitting here and I just don't now where to start. I rely on this money as I previously left my job to look after him as now his in secondary school I have to drop him and pick him up everyday as the busy journey is all so much for him. The last three weeks have been very difficult due to his anxiety and the changes going on in school and home. Meaning I have been collecting him at all different times from school and meltdowns seem to be all the time. Any advice how long till u send the forms in do you hear back.

I had mine filled out by DIAL, though I don’t know if they are nationwide.

My son/I have to apply for PIP soon as he’s nearly 16. He also has ASD and there is 0% chance of getting him to the renowned appointment so goodness knows what will happen there.

Did you keep a copy of your last application form? That's a good place to start.

You won't be able to fill it in quickly, just write a few notes on spare paper as you remember things.

As you work through the form, the thing they are most interested in is how these difficulties impact your son and the extra care you give. This is care over and above the care for the average child the same age.

Always back every statement of difficulty with an example from real life.

The form isn't suited to autism, you'll have to slot your sons difficulties in where you can. I called NAS for some help and they were great,

When you've finished, keep a copy before your post it off.

I did keep a copy last time, only I can not find in anywhere. I now the renewal was going to happen so I did start writing notes as things happen in a diary. Only sometimes I'm unsure how to word them correctly. My sons 11 but has the mental age of 7. His loving and amazing yet a handful and very challenging. He needs a regular routine as changes can just cause meltdowns.

The CAB can help you with the forms. It’s not easy but I know what you mean about relying on the money. I work freelance so I can have the flexibility to help DS when he needs me.

I was working full time only I was called out of work so often to collect him school. I had to chose my job or child and he will always come first. I don't think people who don't have children with additional needs now how hard life can really be.

I was in the same situation. Work were quite understanding but I always felt I was letting someone down, which made me really stressed and anxious - and that didn’t help anyone.

Take the forms to CAB or an advocacy service along with the cerebra guide you can find online. They will help you fill them out.

You could join the benefits and works forum.
They have complete step by step guides on how to fill in all the forms for DLA/PIP etc etc.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk