DLA Mandatory Reconsideration 2023

[Mumofboysteamginge]

Hi, I’ve been following the DLA wait times thread since I applied for my 7 year old son in October. We had the decision yesterday and it was declined 😭 I was absolutely devastated.

We applied because my son was involved in a serious RTC (we were going on holiday with our friends, he wanted to travel in their car following us, a car came round a bend missed us but hit them head on) understandably he struggles with the fact he was the only one in the car and blames us for letting him in there). He was the only one awake and conscious in the vehicle, he has chronic flashbacks, normal everyday life things (sirens, bangs, travelling, weather conditions and so on are triggers) they send him into a state of survival and all his rational thinking is gone. Nights are horrendous for him, he lives like his life is in constant threat, he fights sleep and often gets dressed in the middle of the night so he’s ready should anything bad happen. Flashbacks are more prominent through the night.

school are aware of his issues. Now he’s under CAMHS school have been asked to stop any mental health interventions as this could interrupt the trauma therapy. hes happy at school because of the structure and routine, no real unpredictability etc.

anyway I’ve done this tread for anyone going through MR and hope we can all support each other through the process!

xxx

hello just found this thread. My son was declined DLA he is 2.5 and had a stroke at birth. He has cerebral palsy. I have appealed but it is a devastating decision for me as if denying there is anything wrong with him. It for some reason really really upset me. I think it will be refused again.

What your mr date ? I hope you get what your boy deserves x

Just spoke to general enquiries and mine is with a decision maker 🙏🙏🙌🙌 she said generally takes about a week so if I haven't heard in a week I can call back. Fingers crossed for positive outcome, I will let you know and good luck to all waiting x

I honestly don’t know, it will be about 15 weeks since I applied mid September. It’s so upsetting I’ve just read a statistic that said only 14% of claims are overturned. There are two things that really upset me the first is that he has CP he’s obviously in need of more help that a child without, he’s not bouncing off the walls he can’t get on the sofa! And I have provided all medical supporting information. The 2nd is the reason the gave for turning him down was that I had not proven he needs extra help, but I did many times and I felt quite clearly so what’s going on? I feel so angry I could cry when I think about it I know well get refused again.

Send as much evidence as you can also have u tried to get anyone to help like citizens advice ? I feel for u even if it’s a family ‘reference ‘ it’s all evidence . I’ll be doing this if I have to go to tribunal x

Good for you x I will take to tribunal too, I know my son is entitled to this. It’s so frustrating and upsetting isn’t it. I’ve not though about sending a family reference I will get my mum to do one she helps me a lot. Next month he starts nursery I was thinking they might be able to provide one when they k ow him, but it might be too late by then. I think it’s a lot to do with the fact any 2 year old
would need the same amount of care but honestly he is very unstable, he can’t climb or run really, he get stuck in uncomfortable sleep positions at night and I have to help him. I still feel so not jealous (I wouldn’t wish it on anyone) but hurt when I see other kids the same age running about and clambering over things at the playground. I really hope you get what your child deserves too. Thanks for replying x

It so heartbreaking when you know your child should be entitled and you feel someone hasn't even looked at your forms properly, they don't live with it day in and day out, sometimes I feel they just completey disregard everything hoping we will give in! Fight them all the way, and I really hope you get what your little boy should be receiving x

Thank you so much what you’ve said is exactly how I feel x

Bless you it's so hard they really don't realise the impact it has on families x

Been watching for a while. My scan date for MR is the 18th of July. I always thought that MRs were quick but clearly this is not the case. Good luck all waiting

Omg your looking at next year the way this is going my mr was 14 may 😟 new claim 18 jan

Can I just confirm these are MR’s that are taking this long not COC’s?
I called DWP yesterday with a question and was told by MR’s usually take 6-7 weeks, and that COC’s are taking up to 25 weeks at the moment, is this not true?! 😬

Mine is a MR, and done it on 18th April 2024 still waiting a decision, but I was told yesterday it's now with a decision maker so hopefully not much longer 🤞🤞 good luck to those waiting x

I’ve sent off my MR and just realised I forgot to include something!!! Can you send additional evidence after you’ve submitted the MR?

Mr are taking 25 weeks I’m waiting mr only doing April at the moment

I did a COC which took just under 15weeks to come back with their decision, I’m now doing an mr on it. They told me up to 15 weeks that was when I submitted it in July. Gonna call next week and see what they say I’m sure I’ll get a rubbish response

For SMI criteria, do you need an official diagnosis letter in your evidence?
I submitted all of my sons initial developmental paediatrician reports, his EHCP etc, got mid rate but he has clear night time needs that I honestly think the decision maker must have skim read so I’ve asked for MR, since this I have now got his official diagnosis letter through - it basically summarises everything that’s already been said in the previous reports and that he concludes a diagnosis of ASD.
Does this need to be sent as well? After I’ve submitted the MR?

SMI criteria is used for HRM and yes you need an official diagnosis for that criteria. You don’t need a diagnosis for high rate care. I would send it in as mrs are taking a while atm x

Also middle rate care covers some night time needs, I would cross reference with your statement of reasons as to why your child fits the high rate care. Wishing you all the luck, it’s a nightmare that we have to fight for our children!

Has anyone heard back yet who’s date is after the 18th April please?

I had my decision on MR today 18th April was made 23.8 we won! 🥳 so happy for my boy. Good luck everyone waiting

I had my decision on MR today 18th April was made 23.8 we won! 🥳 so happy for my boy. Good luck everyone waiting

Might just ring and see what they say even though it’s only been 6 weeks😂 I hate waiting lol

Good luck I’m 16 weeks total of 41 weeks wait they said November now 🤣 then it probably be after Xmas that be year wait think best thing is to do not bother thinking about it otherwise your gonna go crazy waiting just wait till you get letter with decision 🫣

Had a missed call this morning from this number - +44 800 072 0161, could that be DLA?