Dla question

[ymotanasyerg]

Applied for dla beginning of the year for ds aged 3 (awaiting autism diagnosis he’s under a lot of different health professionals), we got rejected under the terms he doesn’t need any more extra care than the average 3 year old. I obviously done the form wrong as he’s harder work then my other 4 children put together (bless him)! Going off track now the question is I didn’t appeal their decision just accepted it and thought ‘okay’, but close friends and family are certain I should be getting it for him so I’m wondering if I’m just able to do another application form again? Or if there is a certain amount of time to wait before re-applying? Thanks in advance!

Didn’t mean to put voting on and not sure how to turn it off

It's not up to your family though. There is no should be getting it and unless they are decision makers they cannot tell you what should be happening. What does the report say? Have they shown examples that you can reasonable challenge?

You could have done a mandatory consideration but I’m guessing it’s too late for that now so just apply again.

Reconsideration*

You can.. and should (!) re apply straight away.
Download the Cerebra guide to DLA applications as that will help you fill the forms using the right language.

And.. don't just fill the form out. Add in as many extra pieces of paper as you need (just put his NI number, name and DOB on each) and really really explain exactly what his needs are over and above a typical 3 year old... with examples..
eg. don't put 'he needs help feeding' but ' I would expect a typically developing 3 year old to be able to feed themselves with a spoon/fork. X has to be completely fed by his carer who has to hold him because he is unable to sustain attention for long enough to eat. He has to be constantly supervised because he is at risk of choking due to sensory impairment as a result of his autism. Left unsupervised he will try to swallow food whole,' And give time scales .. if it can take 2 hours of chasing him around with a spoon.. write that down..!

REALLY spell it out . Use key words.. 'unsafe' 'repeatedly'
If he wakes 4 times a night.. spell out how often, how many times you have to go in, how long it takes to settle him (any episodes lasting over 20 mins count) etc etc. Describe in as many words as you can HOW his disabilities make his needs different.

Can you tell I've been filling in these bloody forms for 22 years?!!! (Son now nearly 24 with Autism....)

Good luck!! You do not need a disagnosis for DLA but you do need to spell it out to the assessors..they are NOT experts!

You might have someone in your area who helps with applications. Try at the CAB or volunteer bureau or contact the health visitor as they might know who to go to.

I know it’s not up to family/friends, I suppose i mentioned that as I’m just a laid back it is what it is type person but they (and I) think their decision is wrong, I was just too wuss to do a mandatory reconsideration, I don’t
really know why. Yes there were definitely things they said that I could of challenged but guessing I will have to do a new application now instead given this was a good few months ago

You need to apply again. Even if you fill form in brilliantly you need lots of evidence from health professionals and pre school/nursery. Its hard to get dla when under 5 unless child is severely effected as its expected that an NT 3 year old isnt potty trained or sleeping through the night and need constant supervision.

@StillMedusa thank you so much for that really helpful x
@Sleepingdogs12 thank you didn’t think of that! X

@Hankunamatata yes I will, I managed to get a nursery, health visitor and speech therapist report, was waiting on his pediatrician, dietician and occupational therapist for one but it never happened so just sent what I had at the time x

You need to go into a LOT of detail as others have said.

Eg it takes 1.5 hrs to settle my dd13 at night due to her anxiety - she will be downstairs 5+ times seeking reassurance.

Get letters and extra evidence from anyone who knows your child at school/ HP /HV whatever.

Good luck!

When did you get the decision? You are supposed to challenge it within a month, but you can be late. It’s better to challenge this decision instead of applying again as you can only be paid from the date of claim. Find the letter and follow the instructions about asking for mandatory reconsideration.

If you can get a letter from the GP/HV/nursery, that would help.

Yes there were definitely things they said that I could of challenged but guessing I will have to do a new application now instead given this was a good few months ago

Yes but you can use what they have said and ensure you have back in reports etc to prove your point.

Does he wake at night or have difficulty sleeping or need more care at night?

That's a big tick box for being accepted.