False claims for DLA?

[CatWreathkeith]

Can someone explain to me how this is even possible?

My dm has undergone cancer treatment twice, and this has left her with osteoporosis. Two of her vertebrae have crumbled completely, and the rest aren't looking great.

She can't stand for any length of time, can't iron, do her housework or go shopping, nor can she lift more than a couple of pounds.

We recently applied for dla (or pip, as it is now called) so she could pay someone to do her housework/ironing and have been told she doesn't meet the criteria, so I am travelling 60 odd miles twice a week to do it for her (and blow dry her hair, she can't even do that without intense pain)

She's got medical evidence for all of this, but the assessment is that she isn't in enough pain to qualify.

Yet I still hear people bashing people who do receive dla on a regular basis, particularly for 'having a bad back'. How the fuck do they think it's an easy thing to claim fraudulently, and how as a country have we become so unsympathetic?

[MinceSpy]

Korma the mobility points are a combination of Mobility points 1 & 2. So if you can walk with a stick for no more than 50 metres you'd score 10, then if you need prompting and support to avoid distress you's score 4. So total of 14 points. If you circumstances mean you qualify for 12 points in category 2 then that will do. It is a bit tricky

[LL12]

It will be interesting next year when I have to renew my autistic daughters DLA to PIP.
I understand somebody comes out to see her this time, I wonder what they will say and do when they ask her something and all they get back is a nearly 16 year old reciting Teletubbies videos.

[ilovechristmas1]

sorry,enhanced for care,no mobility which i knew i didnt fill the criteria

[chocismydrug]

OP, appeal appeal, appeal. this is part of the process to get DLA it seem. my DD is severely disabled and we were refused twice (also on reconsideration). We appealed and finally got it. It happened to a few people I know. the DWP are justbtrying their chance - a lot of people just accept the rejection. Don't. Good Luck.

[diaimchlo]

Please contact Fightback 4 Justice, they have a FB page, PIP and ESA applications, appeals etc are their forte and they do not charge.

There is lots of info and they can help with appeals etc.

I read their notes etc and got a home visit, which resulted in enhanced care and standard mobility.

Ask for reconsideration and a copy of your report. Anything you send to them mark Private and Confidential as Royal Mail employees open the DWP mail and send it recorded delivery so it can be proved you have sent it.

Hope everything goes OK.

[Puzzledandpissedoff]

Can I just mention there's a lot to be said for using an "advice agency" (CAB, Age Concern, Disability Direct, etc) to help you appeal - or even to fill out the form in the first place

Firstly they know precisely what to put; also it marks you out as someone who'll "bring in the big guns" when they get awkward, which can magically produce the right result just by itself. Apparently over 70% of appeals are granted, so yes - definitely go for it

[MairyHinge]

There's an absolutely brilliant website. Benefitsandwork.co.uk
They do charge a yearly subscription, usually £19.95 but often they do offers at £14.95.
The advice on there is invaluable, I've used them to get help applying for DLA and ESA. Both times I've been awarded without fuss, using the guides on that site.
I'd highly recommended trying it, yes you've an initial cost but the benefits of paying and using the site are immense.
They have seperate guides for each type of benefit, and literally take you through step by step, every page, and every question.
It can take hours, or even days ( takes me days as I can't do it for long, I get tired and irritable), but it's so worth it.

[blanklook]

As well as applying for whichever financial help she needs, have you asked for an OT (Occupational Therapy) assessment for her via your GP? They can advise on different helpful aids to make some day to day tasks easier whilst keeping her independence and depending on their budget, they may be able to supply some aids for free, like chair risers and bath boards etc.

When you are looking for aids for her, do shop around because the variation in price of disability aids between companies is massive. Also try before you buy wherever possible because some things you just don't think about. I bought dd a four wheel rollator like this one, www.betterlifehealthcare.com/view_product.php?prodID=9346&ref=google_base&gclid=CIDPktm5yMICFeISwwodiQoABg found the best price online and initially she was very pleased as she can now rest anytime she needs to when walking around. BUT the wheels are very solid and on a rough surface like tarmac and very fine gravel or uneven "feature" paving, it vibrates all the way up her arms and is uncomfortable to push. On larger gravel, it's impossible for her to push. She is young so wants to get around different areas, not just towns. I thought about getting spongier wheels for it, the cheapest quote so far was for £25 per wheel If I'd known to look for a rollator with spongy wheels to start with, maybe it would have been better for her and perhaps cheaper for me.
Caveat Emptor indeed.

[simbacatlivesagain]

I am bemused why your dad cant do all of these jobs. They are not women only roles! Not being able to do the ironing in a house with an able adult in the house doesnt sound to me like something that should be paid for by the taxpayer.

[LarrytheCucumber]

I don't think it is fraudulent claims as such that are the problem, but people whose condition improves and then they carry on claiming.

[Bellerina2]

The only person I know who is IMO fraudulently claiming DLA is someone who is very well off. They do have a condition that requires medication for life but they can afford the best care possible and paying the bills will never be an issue. Additionally they have the funds to afford a solicitor to fight their case with the DWP if they need it. And meanwhile they go on about how single mothers and the homeless are scum and shouldn't be given benefits.

[SoonToBeSix]

Christmas you do get extra tax credits for lower rate dla you getting confused with carers.
Also there are NO TARGETS and NO automatic refusals.

[ilovechristmas1]

SoonToBeSix

i was getting £123 ish a week ESA but because i get enhanced PIP now and dont have a carer i get a Severe disability premium (think thats what its called) of £60 ish a week that makes my ESA £185 a week

also when i got put in the support group i didnt have to pay the 20% council tax so what i had paid got refunded back

i dont get any extra on tax credits

[SoonToBeSix]

Christmas the poster you were referring to claimed dla for a child therefore they would have got tax credits at low rate.

[WillkommenBienvenue]

OP re-send the form in and explain the pain more clearly.

It's a pain but they have to have everything spelled out very clearly.

[ilovechristmas1]

i was referring to the op's dm's claim im getting confused

[Bellerina2]

Cameron, who I expects vastly wealthier than the person you know, claimed DLA for his son.

Not by much! This person has been the subject of investigations but because they can afford a solicitor (which a less well off person cannot) they win their case. Yes I guess it isn't really fraudulent but the fact that they show off about it (and the grant they get for running their Mercedescar) and are vile about others on benefits really get my goat!

[GratefulHead]

Yes David Cameron claimed it for his son which he was entitled to do. Like your friend though he is very judge,entail about people on benefits as is his friend IDS. How very dare they claim the same benefit he did?

DLA is not for ironing etc but for personal care, my auntie got it in the last six months of her life. My Uncle did the ironing! He also care for my auntie, nursed her, cleaned her, changed her and bought all the extra aides necessary for doing g so such as Incintincence sheets etc.

[SoonToBeSix]

Sorry Christmas thought you were talking about " baby" friend.