Can you get DLA for a child with no proper diagnosis?

[CaisleanDraiochta]

Looking for any help or advice really as I am in quite a bad situation financially right now. I had to leave my last 2 jobs (and also drop out of uni) due to amongst other things, DD and the need for me to be there to pick up the pieces when things go wrong at school. On average I'm called by school 2-3 times per week, but sometimes its every day, sometimes multiple times a day. Then there is also the 'chats' after school and the fact they won't have her at after school club meaning I have to be there every day at 3pm.

I have had my JSA stopped because I simply can't find enough jobs to apply for that would fit the hours I'm available and is close enough if I need to leave. I can't get income support either as my DC are too old and I'm not sick. I was told to apply for carers allowance instead, but I've read through the info and it is only for people looking after someone on DLA, which DD doesn't have.

Would it be worth applying, even though she has no actual proper diagnosis of anything? It really is my last hope as the only income I currently have is child benefit and tax credits. DD does have a statement if that would help, but apart from that we have nothing else official. she has seen several other professionals in connection with that that hinted at possibilities, but then discharged DD leaving me no wiser.

So is it possible to get DLA with no diagnosis or am I (most likely) clutching at straws? and if not what the hell do I do next?

DLA is need based, not diagnosis based (although a diagnosis does help or might make it a bit easier)

Ds got DLA before receiving a diagnosis, so yes you can get it without.

DLA is awarded to children who have care and supervision needs significantly beyond that of typical same age peers. So if your DD needs more care or supervision than her school friends, which it sounds like she does, then you can get DLA.

For you to get carer's allowance, she needs to get middle or high rate care.

My ds had DLA agreed before any diagnosis and as Claw said it's based on need and the extra care required. The Cerebra Guids is really helpful .

No DX needed, go for the DLA, put down his teacher/TA to give extra information.
Keep a diary, write in it every time you are contacted by the school.
Write down, all help you give her, this can include the time spent making sure things are just perfectly as they like them, to avoid the upset. The time spent in negotiations with your child, and for your child.
as parent of a child with additional needs, it's easy to overlook the things our child needs cos we end up normalising it all, it becomes our second nature.
Get someone to help with the forms, If your child gets DLA, you can claim carers allowance, and a top up on tax credits if your child gets medium high DLA.