Is it worth me applying for DLA?

[zen1]

I went to see my HV recently with my DS and she was surprised that I hadn't applied for DLA and Carers allowance. The thing is, I don't know whether it is worth me filling all the forms in if he is unlikely to get it.
He has no diagnosis apart from "mild delays", but is unable to walk independently due to extreme hypermobility. He is harder to look after than my other 2 DCs were at the same age as he is unable to amuse himself like they could and I have to be with him all the time, BUT he is only 2, so is it a waste of time applying for these benefits? She was even going on about a blue badge, which I find it hard to believe that I'd be entitled to. Just wondered what others thought?

My DS is 2.3 with GDD - we applied last aug/sept thinking we would be surprised if we got lower rate - about two weeks after form sent in we got middle rate care back dated six weeks. I put off applying for 8 months. I'd definitely apply - although the mobility element can't be applied for until the child is 3 and it's only the higher rate and you can't get the blue badge until you have the mobility element of the dla (I think).

you can apply to your council for a blue badge, you don't have to be getting hrm but that is the automatic entitlement. If your dc is under 3 I think you can apply if you have to carry loads of medical equipment and you'd have to get a doctors letter.

It's worth applying for care I think

I actually found the form ok - the one I read online looked a nightmare but I got sent a special one for under 5's I think it was - the main bit seems to be a need for your child to have more care than NT children of the same age - (lower rate, on one occasion during the day and middle rate, more than one occasion) so I just compared what I do on a daily basis to friends who have dcs of a similar age. Do you do any therapies with your DS eg physio for the hypermobility as that would immediately show that he require additional care to another child of that age.

Love the new name Ninja

Hi, thanks for the replies. I think I will apply then. My DS was having hydrotherapy, but that's stopped for now as they tend to rotate patients. He also attends a SN nursery which I have to get 2 buses to, so that if definately something additional.

1980Sport, how is your DS getting on? He is the same age as my DS and I seem to remember has similar problems too.

please apply my son 6 has autism and hypermobility and we get middle rate care and he is in a mainstream with no statement

Hi Zen - he's doing great, we've had a flurry of firsts in the past few weeks which is all very exciting! But his progress is still very slooowww! More test results recently but all clear so still no dx - waiting for microarray next.

How's things going with your DS?

Re DLA: I'm not sure the bus journeys would equate to extra care as people who live rurally may also have two bus trips too. Look at the CAF website it has a good helpsheet, also the DLA form also comes with a booklet which is really helpful.

Does your DS go to a private Nursery. I'm due to go back to work soon and I'm getting myself in a bit of a tizzy about childcare - we have a place booked at a local private nursery but I'm really not sure I'm happy to leave him there but he's not going to be educationally assessed for another few months.