If you get DLA....

[mummyblueyes]

My DD started getting DLA a couple of years ago and I didn't realise all the extras we were entitled to. (she gets middle rate care allowance).

For instance, I just found out I've been missing out on Carer's Allowance (I can't work cos of hosp appts etc although I do do a tiny amount of work from home).

Then I phoned up to book theatre tickets and was asked if anyone gets DLA. I said my DD did but we didn't need special seating arrangements because she's not in a wheelchair and the lovely lady said 'no, I wasn't asking for that, you will get two half price tickets that's all'. Nice!

A friend has just told me I can get a cinema card too??!

I will certainly be looking out in future.

there's quite a bit- but you have to ask. Ww're getting free panto tickets for the whole family because of being on the Sn register, for example.

This is a panto too! I never thought of asking before.

What do you have to do usually? Take a DLA letter or anything?

I normally take a letter yes, it's probably more obvious with ds3 (newly registered) as he's on reins, but with DS1 who looks NT, a letter is usually needed.

Once you ahve the letter though, people can be really helpful- eg we were in a queue at bristol Zoo and the woman spent a while working out exactly what the best payment combo was our f=our family, saved us laods!

Just the letter you get from them every year?

I really never thought to ask. It's not apparent why my DD1 gets DLA, do they ask? I think she'd get embarrassed!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Some local authorities run schemes that allow you cheap access to theatres, swimming pools and lots of other leisure activites. i live in Poole and they have an Access to Leisure card that I can get for me (as i get CA) and Ds as he gets DLA. Its not obvious then why we are getting money off - you just hand over the cards and get a discount.

Have you informed the childrens tax credits people? You may be entitled to an increased amount - depending on your household income.

Thanks dusty.

Yes I told the tax credit people and they put it up and then when I got CA, they took it back off me as the £196 a month or whatever took us over the threshold!

Oh my dusty you are right. Just called them!

For £2 I can join a scheme which gives 50% off leisure including bonfires, shows in town halls etc for me and anyone at my address under 16.

When I think about what I could have saved.....oh well least I know now!

Do you not get flyers from your LA about what's on offer then? We do, one every half term or thereabouts.

No I don't, I don't think I'm very clued up on this!

Ask why not, they may not have you on the list (they only seem to have one of ours but thats enough to keep up to date), its a good way of findng out about other stuff- eg DS1 found a Sn rugby club he adores through it, and if DH ever finds a day job (night shifts atm) then there's now a peer NT / Sn group he can attend.

Maybe I will start getting one now I've let them know.

Thank you!

Tax credits are quite a bit higher if you have a child on higher rate DLA (dd2 is on the higher rate - it's actually not too hard to get, the main requirement for moving from middle to higher is the nighttime element - dd2 certainly does her bit for that![bags under eyes])

oh my DD is fine during the night. We get middle rate. They went up from the £43 a month to £170 when I first told them about DLA.

Then I told them about CA and it went back down to £43. I have NO idea how they work it all out. I give up trying.