Help with DLA form please

[bunnyhops]

I have been advised I may be able to claim DLA for my DS ,but on reading the forms I have been sent I am not sure if I would be eligble.
My DH works full time and I worked up until having ds 4 and dd 2.My ds is currently seeing a SALT weekly and has not yet been diagnoised.The speciallist has said he has a severe phonological speech delay.His understanding is fine and his motoring skills are fine also.He does get very frustrated sometimes and quite hyper and has a problem using the toilet which means he still wears nappies.He has fitted into reception really well and likes going to school although does not speak at all in school or in the 8 sessions he has had so far with the SALT.

At home he is learning new words most days,but for some reason will not talk outside the home other than to people he knows.

Please could someone advise on whether they think that claiming DLA is suitable.We are struggling fianancially at the moment and have no family he could look after the children if I went back to work.I don't think that wouldn option with ds as he can be very demanding and I would'nt want to leave him at this crucial stage as he seems to be making progress with his speech and building up his confidence at school.

The form is quite upsetting to fill in and have to face the reality that your child is struggling.
I don't want to seem like I am trying to cash in on my ds disability.My DH has said not to feel guilty he pays his taxes and I have worked previously before having the children so their is no shame in trying to claim.

Firstly dont feel guilty.
secondly fill it in and see what happens better than not applying at all. When you fill in the forms you have to do it from the perspective of the worst possible day you could have with DS rather than some days he is like this other days he is like that if that makes sense. There is also a sheet on the back that maybe you could ask SALT to fill in to support your claim.

The criteria for being eligible for DLA is that your child needs more care than an average child of their age. It sounds as though you most definitely should be applying. The forms are truly horrible (my 2 sons both get DLA) but there are lots of us on here who would be able to help you with ideas and suggestions.

Please don't feel guilty about claiming. The money will really help to take the pressure off you and your dh. In addition, if you are eligible for Tax Credits you will also get a higher amount of these if you are awarded DLA.

do not feel guilty, your son has problems and you wont be cashing in on his disability, i have 2 children and dh all on DLA, my oldest 2 daughters have eczema asthma allergies sickness issues (dd2 can puke for no reason at all), dd2 also has hypotonia/hypermobility and am in the process of filling in the mobility part for her. dh is in end stage heart failure thats why he qualifies. without it, we'd be severely in debt. and without a suitable car.

Message withdrawn

Thanks so much everyone for your quick replys.
I have filled in section 1 but section 2 states you need not fill it in if you are claiming DLA for a child who needs help getting around.It says to fill in page 1-4 then go to page 25.
Do I need to fill in the sections between covering getting dressed,toilet needs etc.My ds does not need help getting around so I assume I need to fill all this form in stating his personal needs.

My DH has to take time off work to take ds to appointments which is 15 miles away and I do not drive.We are having debt problems at the moment so are in need of help fianancially.The school was looking into extra funding for ds as he is ina class of 40 children and could really benefit with 1 to 1 help in class.But we have not heard anything as yet,the process is so slow we were lucky to get the SALT sessions through fairly quickly.Also dd who is 2 and a half has now been referred to SALT by a HV as she has not heard her talk ethier.DD says a handful of words and like ds has her own little language and good undestanding.

Misdee-Just wanted to say I have been following your posts and think you are a truly inspirational woman and send my best wishes to you and your family. xx

Message withdrawn

Thanks Socci-That looks really helpful.

Now all I need is a bit of peace and quiet without the children to fill it in

Bunnyhops - the guide Socci has linked to is a good one. Also remember to fill it in based on your worst day. You have to be as negative as possible too, even though it's truly horrible. Make lots of comparisons with a so-called "normal" child of the same age as ds.

In the meantime please feel free to come and join us on the Special Needs board anytime you want. xx

I used the guide Socci has linked to when I had to renew DSs claim for DLA and found it really helpful. It is depressing having to concentrate on what your boy can't do so you might need to do the form in instalments (I think mine took 3 months!!). Good luck.

Thanks Coppertop I will.

For a long time we always thought ds was being lazy as far as speech is concerned and thought he would talk when read.But unfortunatly this has'nt been the case.
MIL still dismisses this and thinks he will talk when ready but DH and I have now realised the seriousness of ds's condition.The HV made me feel like we had neglected ds by ignoring the problem but he was our first child and we did not know what to expect developmently.He had his regular checks and was only referred at age 3 and half,surely the problem should have been recognised sooner.Probably why she has referred dd at age 2 and a half.Altjough the SALT I spoke to over the phone was not overly concerned about dd's reluctance to talk in front of strangers and her shyness as he said that was normal at her age.HV just made out it was a big problem and shyness was an indication there was something wrong.

Tallulah-Will properly sit down in the evenings when children are in bed when I can concentrate properly.It will be a depressing thing to do ,it's probably the realization of seeing it written in black in white in front of you.

Soooo cheesed off with DLA at moment. DD1 had liver transplant last year, hosptial advised to claim and they have turned us down!!

Somanykiddes-Did they give you a reason why you had been refused?

simanykiddies, you should have been advised to claim BEFORE the trabnsplant, we have more or less been told that after peters transplant his DLA will more than likely stop.

DD1 has another condition which lead to the transplant. Transplant was emergency, she collapsed and was given days to live so went straight to top of transplant list country wide, so we have had to claim post transplant as advised by the hospital. DLA are assessing her on her other condition not the liver, we are appealing though.

Hi, Please look at this link. here
It has a really helpful guide on how to fill in DLA forms. Dont try to do it by yourself with out referring to some thing like as you are most likely to be turned down. Whilst you dont want to lie on the form you need to write what they want to hear.