Please does someone have dla advice?

[DorothyL]

I got my son's DLA award letter today. It says awarded until June 18 - does that mean I need to apply again next year? Can I appeal against that?

Also, we didn't get mobility.
Ds walks very slowly, and he has sight problems - should I appeal?

Is there an organisation I could ask for help?

Should add, we were awarded middle rate care, same as before - before it was awarded for five years

Hopeful bump

He's 11

Please anyone?

Yes, it means you have to re-apply by that date. You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration if you believe he's entitled to mobility, but be aware you could end up with less than now. Did you use the Cerebra guide when you filled out the form?

unusual to get the award only for 1 year. What is his diagnosis? Is it something that will likely improve?

did you get help with the forms or did you use the Cerebra guide?

I filled it in myself.
I'm happy with the care rate. Not sure whether I'm unrealistic wanting lower mobility - he has dawarfism so has short legs which means he walks slower than other children his age. Occasionally he develops pain in his legs when walking long distances. His field of vision is reduced and he is more prone to falling.
Does that sound enough for lower mobility?

I am mainly annoyed about the one year thing, really don't want to fill it in again so soon! And he's not going to get better, worse if anything

get help with the appeal and check the Cerebra guide. There are certain descriptors/criteria for low rate mobility which you need to meet. The Cerebra guide is really good with explaining them.

I would suggest you download the Cerebra guide and compare it with the form you submitted (hoping you kept a copy). There does seem to have been some tightening up of the mobility awards so make sure you provide as much third party evidence as possible. Is there a charity for his condition who might be able to help?

Does your LA have a Money Advice Unit, which helps patents of disabled children to get benefits? Look on their website. The benefits advisors here are very good and helped me get DD hr care and mobility, after being awarded middle and lower rate, iirc!

Citizens Advice also help with benefits, but may be swamped!

They seem to be saying that all children up to 11 or 12 need someone with them with them when they go out to unfamiliar places so are only awarding low rate mobility if the child needs a lot of extra support from the person they are with.