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Original poster

Reapplying for Dla for child

13 replies

delilabell · 28/04/2021 07:38

I'm making myself sick with anxiety about this. Ds has had dla for three years. We are reliant on it.
Im having to reapply. His behaviour due to additional needs is worse than ever bevaise he's bigger and stronger.
I am so worried what if they say no? We won't have enough money to cope.

OP posts:
WaveAndShout · 28/04/2021 07:40

Have you looked at the Cerebra guide? I found it extremely helpful when I was applying.

You can appeal if you're reapplication is turned down. Sending a hug. You sound very stressed out and worried Thanks

bunburyscucumbersandwich · 28/04/2021 07:42

Contact your local citizens advice. They will help you fill out the application correctly.

It's crap that you have to reapply! Also, have you seen any doctors or similar recently who will be able to support your application?

yogamatted · 28/04/2021 08:00

Do you have a copy of the form you sent in last time, to use as a starting point?
Then you can think about what's changed since then, new supports in place, and all the things you now do to accommodate DC difficulties.

The Cerebra guide is very helpful. Do not be worried about writing too much, you can add extra pages (numbered for the right question) to fully explain the situation. Give yourself enough time, it does take ages and very difficult experience IMO but worth the effort. And remember to keep a copy of the completed form for next time!

RonniePickering · 28/04/2021 08:16

I’m going to do the same, I agree it’s daunting. My son is 6 and is on middle rate, but he requires 24/7 care. Best of luck to you with it.

RonniePickering · 28/04/2021 08:17

I was told you could request a copy of your last submitted form, I don’t know how true that is though.

PrudenceDictates · 28/04/2021 08:18

Don't worry, you only have to reapply because of an age milestone. If he received it before then there's no reason he won't again.
I do sympathise... I've had to do it so many times for my DD.

Original poster
delilabell · 28/04/2021 12:55

Thanks everyone. I've got a letter from our psychologist and also from a specialist who has listed the "issues"
I will look at the guide thank you.
Tjeu reconsidered last time so I've used the stuff on that to add in.
It's just so stressful isn't it?

OP posts:
karmakameleon · 28/04/2021 13:29

It’s not easy. I need to reapply now and keep putting it off. The best piece of advice I received was to keep a diary of his care for a couple of days and attach that as an additional item. I surprised myself at the number of things I was doing that I take for granted but are not appropriate for a child his age. The diary clearly demonstrated how significant his needs were and made sure I didn’t miss anything out.

Also does he have an EHCP? If he needs additional support at school this will demonstrate how much care he needs.

Original poster
delilabell · 29/04/2021 07:35

Stayed up until ridiculiisbtime last night but got the majority done. I've left it so late to write that I need to post it tomorrow so will be another late one tonight.
No ehcp as he masks at school so they say it's not needed 🙄 but he does have an iep. Ibe got together letters from 5different people though to put in with it as we have so many people involved.
Thanks again and good d luck anyone else who's doing them.

OP posts:
SavingsQuestions · 29/04/2021 07:39

Good luck. Ours is up for renewal next year and I'm already nervous about it - she hasn't seen any new specialists in that time.... she's still autistic! She's in a different school and its suiting her so well she isn't having problems at school.

Home has got worse...but I dont have new evidence.

I wrote pages last time so hoping that will "do."

Im worried about the money.

Original poster
delilabell · 29/04/2021 17:48

@SavingsQuestions yes thats it isn't it? It's a life long condition it's not going to get any better. Ds masks at school. Don't know whether to mention that? I've sent some stuff that I sent last time too because it's still relevant. Fingers crossed for us both.

OP posts:
BettyUnderswoob · 29/04/2021 18:13

It is a nightmare, takes forever and is so stressful.
Even if things are worse or at least no better you worry that there will be less sympathetic judges (if that would be the right term) this time. And each time is anew... like you’ve never applied before. And when I last did it (just over a year ago) it was still sending in hard copy, not a digital application, so there was the worry of it not arriving, being misplaced etc. Hate it so much.

And like PP and OP said, your child isn’t going to stop being autistic/having their disability; I do wonder if it’s set up to put people off from applying!

Anyway, good luck OP, hope you manage to get it all sorted and get the help you need. yo

BettyUnderswoob · 29/04/2021 18:14

Sorry about random “yo”!

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