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Original poster

how to get dla for a DC with autism and complex needs. Just been turned down - AGAIN!

21 replies

chocjunkie · 15/12/2011 13:49

we applied for DD first time without dx. got turned down. asked for a reconsideration (in the meantime dx for autism cam through and informed dwp about it). DD is almost 4 but s&l is 2 years behind, not toilet trained, huge anxiety issues, no sense of danger. EP things DD will need special school as nursery are struggling with her despite a lot of 1:1. we send in tons of reports (paed, EP, salt, nursery) all highlighting DD's problems. paed said her autism is on the "low functioning" side.

I was sure we would get dla after reconsideration, esp as we had dx of autism. but we just got turned down again Angry

i don't think i will have energy for an appeal but wondered if anybody here has experienced the same and been refused dla twice despite having a dc with complex needs and a dx of autism. why do they do this? do these idiots actually read the forms or do they just toss a coin?

we desperately need the dla to fund private therapies for DD as we get hardly anything on the nhs. I just could not wait 1 year or so for tribunal...

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Chundle · 15/12/2011 13:55

So sorry for you choc:( I would put in for appeal as I know people that have put in for appeal and received phonecall few weeks later saying they've been granted it. It seems dla are trying to see how far people are willing to go to get dla. Keep pushing for it choc I can't believe you haven't got it!

Original poster
chocjunkie · 15/12/2011 14:00

thanks chundle, neither can I. I am in total disbelief. I was not surprised about the initial refusal (no dx). but now? i just hate all these struggles. struggles to get people to listen when you raise concerns about DC, struggles to get referred, struggle to get a dx, struggles to get therapy, struggles to get support at nursery, struggles to get dla. as if life with a disabled child is not hard enough the way it is :(

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Chundle · 15/12/2011 14:03

I hate the dla lottery! It seems like its all down to the indivdual who looks at forms instead of being a standard set of rules. A friend of a friend was declined and it went to appeal and she went along with her child! Needless to say she got hrc no problem for a long time but it shouldn't have to be thatvway

Original poster
chocjunkie · 15/12/2011 14:08

that is what i cannot understand. some people seem to get it easily but others struggle no end.

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Calally · 15/12/2011 14:58

could you get someone to help you fill in the forms. like citizens advice, they are usually very good, and no exactly how to word it. i would definately appeal it. good luck

ouryve · 15/12/2011 16:09

Definitely appeal and I second the advice to get someone to help you with the wording and help you to emphasise how much more help and looking after your DC needs than a typical 4 year old.

Bakelitebelle · 15/12/2011 16:44

Appeal. There is a big rise in DLA refusals since this lovely government came in. They are just trying to save money by turning down DLA applications from people who are actually eligible, despite DLA being one of the least fraudulently claimed benefits.

Agree about getting someone to help you, and spelling out exactly what help your DC needs above and beyond that of typical child of the same age, including help with communicating, which affects absolutely everything. Get someone who really knows how to fill in children's DLA forms to help if you possibly can

sadalot · 16/12/2011 10:51

the national autistic society have got info how to fill the form in - i used the guidelines but was awarded MCR but no mobilty - had to appeal and got HCR and LM. You are entitled to dla - have u got consultants letters with the diagnosis on it -sounds like you should receive HCR - dont give up -they want u to give up and save money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck

ArthurPewty · 16/12/2011 21:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
chocjunkie · 16/12/2011 21:42

i used the cerebra guide and got the application checked by a benefit advisor...

did not know they will reconsider once again on appeal. thanks. might give it a try. just find it so difficult to find the time. DD1 is just so demanding and never seems to sleep, DD2 is still a baby and I go to work everyday. just so tired of all this struggling and battling and juggling autism, children, work and household.

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perceptionreality · 16/12/2011 21:45

This reply has been deleted

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Original poster
chocjunkie · 16/12/2011 21:52

oh, my application is littered with these terms. I did my homework, used the cerebra guide, got it checked by an experienced advisor. Not to mention all the HCP's reports and we have a dx of autism. I have no clue why what went wrong. I actually do not think they actually read what I wrote. seriously!

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ArthurPewty · 17/12/2011 08:56

This reply has been deleted

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lisad123 · 17/12/2011 09:22

Dd1 was turned down twice so I took it to appeal. On the morning of the appeal I got a calm to say, don't bother coming! They gave us mrc and lrm. Dd2 was awarded hrc after reconsideration and a strongly worded letter from pead.
Dx makes no difference to DLA, it all based on need. Please go to tribunal they shouldn't be allowed to get away with it Angry

FanjoForTheReindeerJumper · 17/12/2011 09:43

we were told by paed that we might well get turned down first time as it was a bit of a lottery at the moment (DD, 5, severe ASD amongst other things) but to appeal, as we would undoubtedly get it on appeal, so you should definitely appeal.

FanjoForTheReindeerJumper · 17/12/2011 09:43

i doubt it would go to tribunal either

perceptionreality · 17/12/2011 10:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Grey24 · 17/12/2011 15:12

chocjunkie I am busy filling in my DLA forms right now & am really cross to hear how badly you are being treated. I really feel for you. It's so dispiriting to think that even with a diagnosis and all the advice and specialist wording, you could still be refused. As you say, as if life with our DCs isn't already hard enough!

It feels, from what I've read on here recently, as though DWP have an unwritten policy of refusing so many of the new applications.
I'd rather they were at least honest, so that we didn't have to waste so much time and effort, and energy that we don't actually have, in completing the forms, just for them to assume that those who really need it will appeal.
That feels like cruelty to me. So unfair.
I wonder whether MN would be willing to make a point to DWP on all our behalf?

tallulah · 17/12/2011 15:51

I'm quite sure that they have been told to refuse all claims ATM, plus I'm pretty sure they didn't even read the form I sent in for my DS's renewal. He has had DLA since he was about 9, always renewed no problem. He is now 22 and was turned down flat. I did kick up a stink about it, especially when we asked for a Statement Of Reasons (have you had this?) and it was ridiculous. (Based it seemed on personal opinion and a chip on the letter writer's shoulder about students, rather than on any objective criteria.)

I think you need to just keep fighting, tho it isn't fair.

Original poster
chocjunkie · 17/12/2011 21:08

thank you your encouraging posts :)
does anybody know if i need to use this gl24 form or can I just write a letter where I tell them that I want to appeal?

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Original poster
chocjunkie · 17/12/2011 21:18

ignore my question. just found the form and it is easy and straight forward (and not another nightmare as i thought)

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