claiming for mobility car but not being 'disabled'

[HighwayDragon]

Sorry, this isn't what you think it's going to be! It's about me.

So I'm entitled to the rate of dla that means I can trade it in for a car. But I'm actually fine 90% of the time and don't feel disabled at all. So why should I claim something that I dont need? Another car would be great, and the scheme is awesome, but its like I'm taking advantage, am I?

So wyoo someone who doesn't need it claiming anyway?

Well, what about the 10% of the time? You must have considerable mobility needs at some point.

Leaving the car out of it, do you feel like you are entitled to the higher rate of mobility DLA? Do you need that?

If you have been assessed then you must be entitled to it. It isn't a free car, you will have to hand over the mobility component of your award.

If you turn your question around though.... The option of using your DLA for a notability allowance is only available for those who are on the higher rate so are you saying that you shouldn't be getting the higher rate as you are fine 90% of the time?

The other 10% can be a real struggle, luckily dp picks up the slack. No I don't feel I should get it, but whats written in front of me disagrees. I've not actually made a claim yet because I don't feel I should.

motability car not notability allowance!

I don't think I understand your post. If you are entitled to the hr mobility element of DLA, then your mobility must be severely restricted -

can’t walk
can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort
could become very ill if you try to walk
Or
are assessed as 100% blind and at least 80% deaf and you need someone with you when outdoors
are severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems and get the highest rate of care for DLA
need supervision most of the time when walking outdoors

(Gov.uk)

Which means that you are eligible for £56.75 a week or those payments can be used as payments towards leasing a vehicle. If you have claimed and are eligible then the choice of payments or car is yours. If you aren't eligible, I don't understand why you have claimed?

Sorry a bit confused. Are you saying you haven't made a claim for DLA or for a motability car?

Sorry cross posted - if you haven't yet made a claim, then I'm not sure that reduced mobility for 10% of the time would make you eligible.

So you haven't actually tried to claim it yet?

If you need it, use it. If you don't, you can choose not to. The disability benefits are there for people who need them. IME people don't get given the mobility component without quite serious needs.

I'm going by what my consultant told me, that I'll be eligible for higher rate allowance, but because I manage it fine I've not claimed it yet.

Right I see... Well thinking you may get it and actually getting it are two different things I'm afraid.

If you don't need or want it then you don't have to claim it, but there are no prizes for being a martyr.

I felt similarly when I realised I could get child benefit just for choosing to have my own child, I thought it was ridiculous that I should be paid when I fully believe that my child is my own financial responsibility so I didn't bother claiming for a while. Then I figured that if the government was stupid enough to give it to me, then I may as well take it. Never look a gift horse in the mouth and all that. Now I'm glad I did because it's built up a nice little savings pot for my dc.

In your position I'd take the money, leave the car, and save up in case your disability becomes more expensive in the future. You can always dip into it for taxis or whatever if it's difficult for your DP to pick up the slack.

You never know what's round the corner. If you never need the money, then you can give it to a charity of your choice. But you don't want to find yourself in a position where you regret not taking it when you had the chance.

Sorry, I'm confusing everyone, I have Secondry Progressive MS and its advancing quite quickly therefore the neuro I'm under plus ms nurse have told me that I'm eligible for these things.

Have you seen the form?

I'd sorry but I don't personally think you would get it if you are fine 90% of the time. They assess on your 'usual' state.

So you don't necessarily need it now but will very soon?

WooWoo that is great advice.

Maybe its also the final nail in the 'I have a disability' coffin, I wont say it out loud, because I'm not the way a disabled person should be, does that make sense?

Sorry, I'm confusing everyone, I have Secondry Progressive MS and its advancing quite quickly therefore the neuro I'm under plus ms nurse have told me that I'm eligible for these things.

You may be eligible but it may not be at the higher rate. It is only the higher rate which is eligible for the notability car.

If you have MS, take the money and spend it on physio, or yoga or Pilates. Seriously.

*motability. Stupid phone

I think what the OP is getting at is that there can be a massive disconnect between how disabled you 'are' and how disabled you 'feel'.

I was badgered by my occupational therapist to apply for a blue badge for 5 years before I applied. I've had a badge ever since, getting on for 12 years. I still feel like a complete fraud when I use it because I still don't feel disabled. I suppose it's because my limitations just feel normal to me. However I know that I am very limited in what I can do. Does that makes sense?

I'll PM you OP.