question about DLA/benefits/finance

[lingle]

I used to be a regular and have popped back to ask a financial question on behalf of another mother who is going through a tough time.

her daughter is being diagnosed with what sounds like very significant levels of dyspraxia, including learning difficulties. She is a single mother and her finances are very unbalanced at the moment. She is also pretty isolated on the playground because her other son has behavioural difficulties.

Question: can she apply for DLA? Is there any other benefit she can apply for?

Also, can she get access to any charity that would advocate for her?

As I say, she's isolated and the collective knowledge of this board would be very useful.

Of course she can 'apply'. It sounds as though she might have a good chance of getting it but the forms are hard, miserable and long.

Cereba have a good guide to how to complete the forms and some Local Authorities have monetary units or people who specialise in helping people fill in the forms. The Local Authority might also have someone available who can do a benefits and financial health check to ensure she is claiming everything she is entitled to.

If she gets DLA at mid or higher rate she would then be able to claim for carers allowance, and a DLA award letter is often enough to get cheaper entry to things or at least some assistance.

hth

Nice to see you again.

nice to see you too and thanks for your help.

I am aware another reception mum is about to renew her DLA claim - and is also a nice person. I will see if I can put the two of them in touch.....

entitledto.com is an excellent benefits check calculator

Could try a law centre or CAB or carers resource for help with DLA forms. If gets middle rate DLA care can also apply for carers allowance and extra tax credits. She could also ask for a carers assessment / disabled child assessment from social services although not everyone finds that very useful and more and more only giving help for critical needs. Mencap if LD? Their legal team are supposed to be excellent. Lots of info on Contact a Family and Mencap websites.