DLA application

[tinks269]

Just starting to apply for this as a) we had not idea we could and b) we are very obviously just about to have to both reduce our work hours and so need all the support we can get.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom?
Good phrases to include?
We are guessing that we include a covering letter explaining that they have been adopted?

w3.cerebra.org.uk/help-and-information/guides-for-parents/dla-guide/

Oddly enough I've just been thinking about this myself! The kids haven't been with us long enough yet, but we will be applying for this as DC tick a lot of the boxes! I found the about guide quite useful and has some helpful phrases to use.

*above

Thanks crazycat. We hadn't even considered it till I talked to hr where I work about reducing my hours and they asked if I had tried. I thought we would have no chance but reading the questions is making us realize quite how unique our LO is.

The main thing is to look at anything you do for your DC above and beyond what an average child of that age would require. It can be quite tough emotionally filling it in because you do realise just how not 'normal' your family life is. Get supporting letters from any professionals working with your DC. And be prepared for your first application to be rejected! DD got her DLA awarded after I appealed in writing, others I know have had to go to tribunal. It seems a very random system - I know one person whose DC got middle rate when her DC has partial hearing loss, but someone else whose DC is profoundly deaf got lower rate!!

Can't remember if I put anything in about her being adopted, at that point still didn't have the adoption order.

Crazycat I don't think there's a set amount of time you have to wait, DD had been with me less than 3 months when I applied.

Dependent on need's DLA can be claimed for a child/baby as young as 3 months , think this would apply too care element middle rate increasing as
and when their needs are more. We are in this situation child is 2.3months.

We got our SW to write the supporting statement (because they were really fab and understood) TBH I drafted it and they tweaked it a bit to make it even stronger, and then signed it. We were successful with the application and it makes a big difference as LO struggles with the separation of a school day, and has very disrupted nights. PM me if you would like to know any more about the kinds of things we included in the form