DLA for 6 month old

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Hi there I am currently applying for DLA for my 6 month old daughter. She has a brain mass (likely developmental but diagnosis still unclear at the moment) along with multiple seizures a day which are still not under control. I know I'm likely eligible for something but I was unsure if I needed the supporting statement as I have a letter from her consultant stating exactly what I wrote on the claim. Can a family member write a supporting statement or does it have to be a medical professional as I don't think they'd write anymore than is in the letter I have as it's quite detailed. Also is anyone aware of the current wait times for DLA at the moment? I am due to end Mat leave soon and am very anxious to leave her as she has sometimes hundreds of seizures a day so the money would take a huge pressure off as I could return part time instead as I know you can also get carers. I've never claimed anything before so I have no idea what to expect!

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I can't really help but when I put in an initial claim for DLA for my son I didn't bother with the supporting statement - the other evidence was more than sufficient.

If you're unsure you could try a charity called Contact who have guides on completing DLA forms, as do Cerebra who are a children's brain condition charity who may be a useful source of info and support all round.

All the best 😊

Thank you @LittleBlueBrioTrain that's really helpful ill definitely contact them ❤️

My view (but view rather than certainty) is that supporting statement will have less weight rather than how you answer then questions and medical evidence you provide.

There are some really helpful regulations re the test for how DLA and carers allowance are awarded, that helps for you to know how to answer the questions and likelihood and level of award. Sorry I don’t have those regs to hand but hopefully you can find with a bit of internet research.

If you’re on Facebook, do a search as I think there are specific DLA support groups.

The supporting statement is an extra, not essential - I’ve never included it. If you did want to, you could ask your health visitor to write it possibly?

You won’t automatically get carers allowance ; it depends on the rate you get and your income/number of hours you work.

Wait times vary but 8-10 weeks seems to be average at present. It will be back dated, don’t forget.

Doing the form isn’t as bad as some people say. I break it up and do x number of pages at a time. Be honest in it and relate back to any written evidence you’ve got. (People used to say write about your worst possible day, but this isn’t correct).

Good luck!

my Daughter was recently awarded DLA and the wait time is approx 13 weeks at the moment. It will be backdated (if awarded) to the date you called for the forms if they are returned and received by the date shown on form or if you printed the forms, the date they receive them.

The suppporting statement is completely unnecessary

Hi has anyone rang dla see where there are which month .

No but on another thread I’m following it seems they’re looking at forms they received in October still

A relative or friend can do the supporting statement. The most important thing is medical evidence.

Do use the cerebra guide.

The criteria for DLA is that the child needs more care than a child of the same age could reasonably be expected to need. The younger the child the more difficult this is, as all babies need constant supervision, night time care, feeding etc. Focus on the EXTRA care your baby needs. She is too young for the mobility component.

If you are working there is a maximum income criteria for carers’ allowance.