Can somebody please talk to me about DLA

[crazyhamsterdisguisedasahippo]

I applied for DLA for Ds on the advice from Mumsnetters .
I don't know much about it as didnt think I could apply until Ds had been statemented .
Ds has suspected ADHD/ASD/OCD & is 4.5 .
Sent the form off two weeks ago & I have just received a letter saying they have requested a report from Ds' consultant

I guess this is going to take months to hear back from them now & I don't have a clue what to expect though im not confident that he will be entitled

I would give your consultant's secretary a call to let s/he know to expect a request for information from DWP regarding your ds. This should ensure it doesn't sit in someone's in-tray gathering dust.

Pretty standard for them to request this, although they don't do it every time.

Don't worry, it doesn't mean it will take ages or that he will be turned down.

Ok thanks

Did you send any supporting evidence with the dla form eg letters from any professionals/ doctors?

No as I didnt really have any , all I have are letters saying when his next appointment is which is months away

That will be why they wrote to your ds's consultant then as they need some evidence other than your form. It is a good sign though as it makes your claim a " maybe" rather than a " nil"

Ah right that makes sense thanks

I put a claim in on the 12th of June, and it was in payment on 5th July. Don't assume it will be ages, in my experience it never has been before.

If you are awarded some dla for your son, let tax credits know as it can change your entitlement to a higher amount, also apply for carers allowance.

I was claiming for the second time, and they still wanted to talk to ds1's consultant. They rang me and asked for her number. Don't panic.

It was less than a month between me applying for DD & money in the bank.

Ok thanks , just hoping that the consultant doesn't drag it out .

What's Carers allowance.

Carers allowance is payable if you care for someone who receives middle or high rate care. You have to earn below £100 a week yourself to claim it. I think it's around £60 a week and it is counted as income whereas dla is not.

It £59.75 and the £100 you can earn is net.

So I will have to wait & see if I get Dla first before I can apply .

What can I do if I don't get Dla [confused{

Sorry to be so dim I just don't know

Yes you have to wait for a dla decision before you can claim carers.
If your ds doesn't get an award ask for a reconsideration that way another decision maker will look at the claim. If that fails then appeal.

You aren't dim it's a confusing

Ok thanks