DLA eligibility - can anyone help?

[Wimbledon1983]

We have a four month old baby with Di George syndrome. He has a few health issues so far and will need a heart op in two months but is so far doing very well developmentally.

I would ideally like to not go back to work full time after mat leave to make sure I’m giving him all the support I can and so that I can make sure I attend all of his medical appointments. However I have no idea how serious all of this will be at this stage - there’s a huge spectrum for his condition.

Can any experienced Mumsnetters tell me how dla works? To be eligible do they look at a diagnosis or at symptoms? Even if he does very well I would still like to give him as much time as I can to give him the best chance I possibly can - but I wouldn’t be able to with a part time salary and no supplementary income.

Thank you in advance!

Im not sure about his condition but they usually look at how much care he needs compared to others his age,
You could also but the amount of hospital appointments he will need etc...
Hopefully somone else can give you more info & good luck xxx

Thank you! I’m sure we won’t be eligible in that case for ages if we will ever be - all babies need intense care obviously. When he’s older and is maybe delayed in walking and talking again I can imagine we won’t be eligible? Also, if he has low immunity and so can’t attend a normal nursery would he be eligible? The government websites are really not helpful in terms of this sort of thing

Hi it’s needs based, not on diagnosis.
You can have absolutely zero diagnosis but still qualify.

Like you say all babies require intense care but if your son has additional needs then you most likely are providing more care than what would be standard even if your not realising it.

Maybe as he gets older his needs will become more apparent, but you sound like you have more than enough evidence with him already having health conditions and needing an operation etc.

Read this thoroughly and it will give you plenty of advice and help in applying for dla, there are plenty of tips etc, it’s invaluable.

cerebra.org.uk/download/disability-living-allowance-dla-guide/

Good luck for the upcoming operation too

I thought it took you to the exact dla booklet, sorry they must email it to you now!

Things have changed since I applied for my sons dla x

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/disability-living-allowance/help-with-your-dla-claim/how-to-claim-dla/

Thank you! This is much better than the government site