DLA

[DontYouLeaveMe]

I’m really not sure if I’m being unreasonable here so coming straight to the viper pit 😁
I've recently applied for DLA for my son. I say recently, 12 weeks ago. It’s taken 12 weeks and I finally got a response today saying my family don’t meet the criteria, and I’m so disappointed. DS has ADHD, global developmental delay, dyspraxia, and a sensory processing disorder. We are waiting for genetic testing for a muscle disorder and for a referral for an autism assessment.

DS is lovely, but he needs help with most aspects of daily life. He can’t dress himself, needs help with food as he can’t cut up meals and struggles with scooping. He can’t read or write, struggles to sit still in school and has daily extra help with the SENCO and headmaster. He does OT twice a week and has regular doctor, paediatrician etc meetings. I’ve had to go part time because I couldn’t keep taking time off work to deal with everything. I know that they don’t consider my financial situation when making a decision, but I really could have done with the extra support to pay for petrol, equipment etc. But they’ve turned me down. Is it worth appealing? Will they change their minds considering nothing about my situation has changed?
YABU- you don’t automatically get money, suck it up
YANBU- keep pushing, fight for the money

Do you have a social worker or HV who could write and support you with his night time needs? Or can nursery write about how he is tired in the morning?

Or film his behaviour at night, go to GP and ask for a referral to a paediatrician for melatonin. Once they've agreed, offer to pay for a letter to write a supporting blurb about night time needs.

Also write a one night sleep diary and include with your MR eg

7pm, pyjamas, brush teeth, put in bed
7.15, put back in bed x 5
Asleep by X time.
Household go to bed at 12am.
1.10am awake and soiled
1.20am put bqck to bed
1.30am return to bedroom
2am watch cartoons etc

They only care about after the family bedtime eg the stuff at 7pm isnt as important as the 1am stuff.

I’ve worked in benefits (not DLA) but I’ve heard they will turn most claims down initially. It’s easier (for them). You need to to do a MR as pp mentioned, then appeal. See CAB if you require assistance, make sure your letter is in depth, don’t be rude- this can get backs up and can be passed to an assessor with more experience who will really scrutinise it, quote case law, then turn it down again. Keep it entirely factual.

You have to be really basic / explain every tiny little thing that is happening and how it affects the person on the worst day. Make sure there is medical evidence /it’s noted on the G.P notes.

@FatEaredFuck - Yes that’s spot on OP. For everything you do for your child.

@Malimum it does sound like your DS should qualify for higher rate care - that is not typical for a 3yo. IME it’s all in the wording - you need to describe him on his worst day/night. The guidance I found most helpful was from Contact:

contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/benefits-and-tax-credits/disability-living-allowance/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/

It pays to be persistent as the system is designed to trip people up and put people off appealing. Good luck!

Thank you guys it’s genuinely got to the point I sleep with him most nights cause Getting up and down is so tiring I can’t bring him into my bed as there’s no stair gate there and he will get up in the night and do as he pleases. He has a twin and a sister and he will genuinely wake up the whole house jd I’m not in the room, sometimes I’ll find myself singing row row ya boat at 2am , may I ask what is melatonin? Also to dad , I did his claim in June he then turned 3 in august but awarded in October for what I wrote in June and I strongly believe since turning 3 he has become challenging as a single mum this is so hard

also when attending pre school he still goes for afternoon naps

Usually the benefits are paid from when you first apply. There's a knack in completing these forms and you really should get help with them, maybe your local benefits advice centre.

The most common reason for refusal is lack of evidence. Unfortunately the DWP won’t just take your word for what your child needs, you need to back it up with as much evidence as you can. Use the cerebra guide. And as others have said, ask for mandatory reconsideration

Welfare rights advisor here.

@Malimum , with DLA for a child you have to explain exactly what help your child needs that a child of similar age, but without any problems, wouldn't need.

To get the higher rate, I'd advise you to set out precisely why you need to check on him during the night, when a child of similar age but with no issues could safely be left to sleep alone. Make clear which of their health conditions make this level of supervision/care necessary.

Hi guys I’ve been on the phone to my health visitor today and she has referred my son to a sleep support service( scope ) I’m hoping this should help in supporting his reconsideration

I've PM'd you.

Great news! Ask her for a letter detailing this so you can provide proof to DLA.

Melatonin is a sleep hormone and some children benefit from it as a prescription. I've no idea if its suitable for your son but hopefully the sleep referral may look into it.