Another query sbout DLA

[macwoozy]

My ds's DLA doesn't run out till April 2006, but this morning I've recieved the renewal claim forms. It asks me to send the forms off ASAP, but surely 6 months beforehand is a a bit extreme. I don't feel I have the energy to go through all this again just yet, and wondered if it'll be O.K to do it 2 months before it runs out instead. Didn't Mrs F once have problems sending them back too late? On the forms it states the average clearance time for renewal forms is 32 days, it just doesn't make sense. Could I actually be turned down if I've not send back in time, or will I just lose a bit of money if I am succesful again. God I hate these forms so much.

I don't think they can turn it down if you're late, but your first award would stop, so you might not get payments while they considered your renewal.

I guess they might also treat it as a new application, which might go against you!

if you send it back late it will be treated as i new claim and all money will stop - i know there a nightmare to fill in but the sooner you do it the sooner it's out the way - that way if for any reason you are not awarded you hve time to appeal before it runs out.

Although it asks for the form to be sent back ASAP, it doesn't actually state a date for which they want it back by, they only say the DLA runs out in April. Thing is I've got my reasons to wait till Feb, that'll be 60 days before DLA runs out. Do you think that'll be enough time for them to process it, although that would be 3 1/2 months after they sent the forms. Sorry I don't mean to be picking hairs, I just want to get it right.

I think they do them so early because of needing time to sort out a car on mobility for some people.It should be alright to leave them for a bit if there is no return date on them.

they will send you several letters reminding you to send them back.

Oh that's O.K then, if I get a reminder. Thanks.

I would send them back as soon as possible. Ds2's claim has just taken nearly 5 months to go through - despite the recorded message on the helpline saying it should b done within 8 weeks. You also have to take into account that the profesionals you name may take their time in sending in a report to back up your claim.

Well, I think that just about answers it then, 5 months is an enormous time to wait. I just wanted to wait until his statement had been agreed, and I'd recieved all the necessary reports, but TBH I didn't even want to think about it till after Xmas.

Snap Macwoozy - my ds's dla runs out in April next year too! I only mentioned to a friend that I probably would not get it next time round as at school they will say his behaviour is fine.

I will start on the form this weekend, even if it is the simple stuff like name and address etc. That way, I feel better it has been started and can then relax a little and observe the things I need to include in the form. I find I am so close to his routines and behaviour, I don't even think of it as different anymore!

Just out of interest, who would you get to fill out the statement at the back of the forms, the one where it asks to be filled out by someone who knows your child? It's got to be a professional to have any standing do you think? My ds doesn't have his paed appt before end Feb, I hate the idea of asking the school, and currently he's not actually being seen by anyone else, well no one that I feel I can ask anyway. I get embarrased to ask for some reason.

In my humble opinion- I think the emotional stress and anxiety of the forms are worse than the actual forms themselves. I left Amelia's for ages, lurking in the cupboard, and to be honest I just couldn't really relax knowing that I should be filling them in.
Once I actualy started working on them and gathering all the info together I felt so much better.
I put all the relevant info together in a box file and tried to tackle a few questions at a time.

Good luck.

You're absolutely right. I always need a kick up the bum to do anything.

That's a good idea Dingle. I was wondering about the "someone who knows your child" bit too. Does it have to be a professional - would it hold more weight?

I asked my portage worker to do it but they still contacted Ds2's preschool also. I also wrote to my GP in advance with a potted history of Ds2 (the GP hasn't been much involved and I didn't want her to get caught off-guard). We did get awarded DLA so hopefully some of that paid off.

It does suggest you try and use a professional here - see p42.