DLA application / EHCP

[Babyroobs]

Please can any of you wise mumsnetters help.
I am trying to help one of my clients to make a DLA application for her 14 year old with ADHD and numerous other health problems. Mum is very ill herself, hence why I am helping. I am inexperienced at completing DLA forms but very experienced with adult disability forms.
The main question I need answering is as follows. Mum is unsure if her child has an EHCP in place and school are currently closed for the holidays. Would the Education authority also have a copy of the EHCP if I contacted them. Who is the best person to ask to write a supporting statement detailing the child's severe needs ? I cannot beleive in this situation ( they have involvement from Psychiatrists, CAHMS, cardiologists etc ) that no-one has previously helped this family to claim DLA.

I recommend the Cerebra guide for completing DLA forms.

The LA would know if the child had an EHCP. However, the mum would 100% know if her child had an EHCP. There would have been paperwork and a needs assessment prior to issuing an EHCP, and there are annual reviews. Although it sounds like one may be needed.

Who is best to write a supporting statement depends on specifics, since the school is closed I would go with whatever professional has the most involvement with the family, as long as they will be supportive. Don't delay sending the completed forms if you can't get a supportive statement, it isn't essential, it's more than possible to get DLA without one.

@10brokengreenbottles

I recommend the Cerebra guide for completing DLA forms.

The LA would know if the child had an EHCP. However, the mum would 100% know if her child had an EHCP. There would have been paperwork and a needs assessment prior to issuing an EHCP, and there are annual reviews. Although it sounds like one may be needed.

Who is best to write a supporting statement depends on specifics, since the school is closed I would go with whatever professional has the most involvement with the family, as long as they will be supportive. Don't delay sending the completed forms if you can't get a supportive statement, it isn't essential, it's more than possible to get DLA without one.

Thanks. I am going to try to get the form done this week, will look at the Cerebra guide. I'm surprised mum doesn't know if EHCP has been done but diagnosis is recent, and it may be to do with the mum being very ill. The child only goes to school very part time, cannot do the journey alone, awake all night etc. I think it will be awarded, I'm just aware that EHCP will definitely help. I will try to get the form done this week, I guess it's only a few weeks until the school re-open.

@10brokengreenbottles

I recommend the Cerebra guide for completing DLA forms.

The LA would know if the child had an EHCP. However, the mum would 100% know if her child had an EHCP. There would have been paperwork and a needs assessment prior to issuing an EHCP, and there are annual reviews. Although it sounds like one may be needed.

Who is best to write a supporting statement depends on specifics, since the school is closed I would go with whatever professional has the most involvement with the family, as long as they will be supportive. Don't delay sending the completed forms if you can't get a supportive statement, it isn't essential, it's more than possible to get DLA without one.

Do you think DLA will contact the school if we don't send one with the form or will they just rely on the medical evidence sent?

DWP may contact school but equally they may not, especially at the minute and if there is other supporting evidence. DLA applications are taking months so you could send one in once the schools are back.

The child should be entitled to school transport from the LA if they are attending the nearest school that would have been able to offer them a place and can meet their needs. Or if they do have an EHCP if the school is named in section I without it stating parental preference (although even if it does state parental preference you can challenge it).

The child should not be attending school part time. Unless short term aimed at reintegration part time timetables are illegal whether or not parents agree to them. If the child can not attend school full time the LA has a statutory duty to provide education. Depending on needs this could be online, home tutors, hospital school. This is separate to an EHCP, although if they don't have an EHCP one needs applying for.

Are social care involved? It sounds like they should be.

@10brokengreenbottles

DWP may contact school but equally they may not, especially at the minute and if there is other supporting evidence. DLA applications are taking months so you could send one in once the schools are back.

The child should be entitled to school transport from the LA if they are attending the nearest school that would have been able to offer them a place and can meet their needs. Or if they do have an EHCP if the school is named in section I without it stating parental preference (although even if it does state parental preference you can challenge it).

The child should not be attending school part time. Unless short term aimed at reintegration part time timetables are illegal whether or not parents agree to them. If the child can not attend school full time the LA has a statutory duty to provide education. Depending on needs this could be online, home tutors, hospital school. This is separate to an EHCP, although if they don't have an EHCP one needs applying for.

Are social care involved? It sounds like they should be.

The child only goes to school for 2 hours a day.

The mother, or someone on their behalf, should approach the LA about medical needs tuition, and apply for an EHCP (from your posts it is highly unlikely the child already has one). Can you direct them towards their local SENDIASS? SENDIASS aren't always brilliant, and IPSEA and SOSSEN are better, but if the mother isn't able to complete the process herself SENDIASS may have an advocate who can help.

If social care aren't involved you can point them in the direction of the disabled children's team for the son and adult social care for the mum (for both a carer's assessment and also an assessment of her own needs).

Also, point them in the direction of family fund.

I applied and was awarded DLA for DC without a supporting statement from school, as it was not written in time. I sent copies of all my letters from CAMHS and I also had an ASD diagnosis and contact details for other medical professionals. You can always send the school info later - should be SENCO or HOY doing it.