DLA NEW CLAIM SPECIAL NEEDS ASD

[luckystarshine]

Hi everyone, advice needed please.. i have just applied for dla for my son who is 15 and has just been diagnosed with asd, he already has speech and language and social communication disorder but i never claimed dla before but decided now i should and just wondered how long it will take?

many thanks.

Get cracking right now with the dla. If you call here they'll post you a date stamped form, and payment will start from that date, providing you get it back to them within six weeks. If you print it out yourself, then there's no backdating. Use this guide to help you fill the form in accurately.

At 16, the benefit is re-named PIP, and is a total pain in the backside to claim, so don't wait around.

Send it by recorded delivery and keep a photocopy, so if it goes astray he won't lose out.

Do you have anywhere to get advice on filling in the form? We saw a benefit adviser for disability related benefits and got lower rate mobility and middle rate care first time. DS has ASD and ADD and is recently diagnosed, he's 14.

Thanks everyone, Ive got the claim form already and will post it of very soon, i was worried about leaving it too long due to the new PIP, i will send it off and hopefully it wont take too long for a decision, I have written about his needs and how it affects him and family etc, i read on mumsnet to follow the celbra, i have no idea of what he may be awarded if anything at all! will have to wait and see. The form itself i found very stressful to complete but i will remember to post it recorded/ and take a photocopy, great advice-many thanks.

Hi Drcoconut,
I filled it in myself but got it looked over by DIAL the charity organisation who are a real godsend, they said it was filled in well and i had explained it well. I just hope it will be okay.
How long did it take to hear back?
Im finding it difficult to find services to help and feel like im running out of time as he is almost 16, it has taken a long time to get diagnosed
and at an older age.

My form arrived with them on 30th October, got letter this morning confirming all the details and first payment went in bank yesterday.

notapizzaeater, that was fast i hope mine will be as quick and successful.
i have read on other sites that the dla may phone for more details but i am hoping i have enclosed enough details- diagnosis letter, speech and language report, school report and prescription list and also put doctors contact details on the main form.
wish me luck, i will keep everyone posted on the outcome!!

Awarded DLA first time claim, so pleased. Thanks to everyone for there advice. Good luck to everyone else who is applying.

That's great Lucky :)

Thanks Maxy :)