DLA wait times 2023 Part 10

[JimnJoyce]

hi thought i'd start a new thread as the last one is completely full and won't let me post.

Well I've just spoken to a very understanding man on the phone who confirmed that my daughters application is with the decision making team and I should hear within the next 3 weeks which would take us up to 16 weeks.
I told him I would like to make a formal complaint about the inordinately long wait times and he assured me he would make that known and pass it along as soon as we were off the phone.

I have never done the form before either but I think I over explained everything. i.e. physically able to walk, I checked yes but then put in the explanation box that my child refuses to because they don’t like the sounds of vehicles on the road and will not wear ear defenders as they don’t like to be different from everyone else. Plus, they can run into the road despite oncoming traffic if they are triggered or are experiencing any negative emotions so it’s safer me to drive. Even to the school which is less than half a mile away. I did that for every question; can get ready independently but needs prompting all the time as they will leave the bathroom and get involved in the activity that they fixate on. If they make you do the form again, maybe fill it in like that? I hope that I have helped in some way. I feel so guilty that people who have sent evidence are being declined.

Definitely appeal.

@JAJ85 That's interesting as I basically filled mine out the same. I was wondering because I had filled it out saying they basically can and needs prompting That's why they had said she doesn't need extra care and she can still walk.

She has mobility issues (deformed ankle) so can't walk too far and is very slow when is walking and needs to keep stopping. She needs help and obviously can't go too far.

They told me because she is not blind or deaf she can still walk .... I mean what kind of reason is that in regards to my daughter's mobility issue which there is also evidence for.

It definitely goes on what DM you get! The call handler was lovely and she basically told me this! She said to do a MR, which I definitely will do. Here goes another load of forms/hassle/stress and waiting.

Thank you and congrats glad you was awarded.

Wow! I have no words. That’s absolutely ridiculous. You don’t need the stress of more paperwork but stick to your guns. I have faith that you will be awarded as your daughter has a physical reason as to why her mobility is impaired.

@JAJ85 thanks for that I definitely didn't explain reasoning enough as you have. But I'll address those in detail in my MR. I just assumed a simple explanation of her needs and the evidence would've been enough 🤦🏻‍♀️

That’s why I thought I would explain how i answered in case it helps anyone else. I heard that you need to put as much information in as possible, no matter how insignificant or obvious that you think it is. My child only leaves home willingly to go to school (routine) or do the activity that they are fixated on. If I suggest going to the park, to visit someone etc, it’s always “no, I just want to stay in and play” (things related to their fixation.” In the holidays, we can be in for days on end.

Can I ask.... what evidence do you get, or are you supposed to have to prove the following:

Your child doesn't stay in bed, and you have to be up multiple times through the night to attend to them?

Your child needs prompting to go to the toilet, and when they are on the toilet, they will stay there day dreaming until you get them off the loo and sort them out?

Constantly prompting your child to wash, clean teeth, brush hair, dress, have showers etc this is a constant thing all day every day.

I mean these are all things at home which to me are everyday things but I've been told this is not normal for an 11yr old. They're are many other factors not just this listed and I have evidence of certain things and also child been refferd for a ADHD/ASD diagnosis.

Other than photos/videos which they don't accept what evidence are you supposed to have of this to prove to DLA your child does all these things and all the extra care needed day and night.

Anyone who can help me as I don't know what to do.... seems like the DM just doesn't belive any of this (maybe because we don't yet have diagnosis).
despite school /sendco supporting and believing this and referring said child plus have evidence from them.

Does anybody know what happens with the disability element on universal credit? I have told them about the change on my journal and I've had a reply saying it does to a decision maker to see if it can be back dated, is this normal. TIA x

@mooneigh I wrote the same on my form and they didn’t ask for evidence. My child has great concentration on the things that they fixate on so they will just stand in the shower with the water running over them unless I prompt. Same with getting dressed, they will quite happily run off to partake in their favourite activity whilst half dressed.

@Ch91 I put it on my journal and it stated that I had to “accept new commitments.” Nothing about a DM.

Hi, I applied back in April. I had to complete the form by 24/05. I had support from CAB and sons nursery to complete the form, meaning I had to book appointments with them around work. Anyway I posted the form 16/05.
Got a letter a couple of weeks later saying received 30/05 and it would take up to 15 weeks.
Typically I received sons diagnosis report 3 weeks later. So I posted a copy along with a cover letter explaining why there was a delay with form,could they consider backdating to April date and asked for confirmation they'd received it. Sent tracked first class to the address which was on the form.
Received a letter yesterday saying they hadn't made a decision yet but can take up to 15 weeks. No acknowledgement of receiving the further info.

I read somewhere online about the massive back log in dla and pip. They've put in overtime, nights and weekends to get through it all. You'd think they'd just employ more staff.

My scan date is 25/5 but was meant be back by 17/5 I sent it in time to get there and was worried about this myself. I also received letter yesterday saying they haven't made a decision yet I reckon they just send them to try stop people calling and they do still have it . My letter also said 15weeks so I have until at least 7th September.

Morning all,
Tried calling this morning to see if they have anupdate, I have been repeatedly cut off 😑 has anyone managed to get through at all?

Morning, yes I keep getting cut off today too! Sooo annoying! Seen on Facebook a few people have managed to get through this morning though so I will keep on trying 🙄

My scan dates 6th april, anyone had a decision around this date? Currently 15+ 4 weeks. X

I finally got through only to be told the date on my letter is wrong and my scan date is NOT 19/4 it is in fact scanned in May even though I have proof of a letter stating they received it on the 19/4!! She tried to tell me that 19/4 was the postal date.

Please check that they have given you the right scan date, I've been told its an 18 week wait now and I still have 10 weeks of waiting. I requested to speak to a manager to be told none are available and to just wait! This woman was actually laughing down the phone at me. I'm so angry for my son 😭

My scab date is 5th April & I haven't heard anything yet. I rang on Friday & was told it would likely go to a CM today, & then be allocated to a DM from there.

I just had a call back from manager, mine was supposed to be done weekend in over time pile she did say it was being looked at now 😬and hopefully get a decision by the end of week 😬🙏🙏🙏🙏I’m the 30/3

I just got through and they told me that mine has gone to a dm this morning! Scan date 3/5 which is exactly 16 weeks today! So hopefully won’t be much longer! 🙏

I'm 5th April. My son got awarded today. I'm beyond lost for words, I was certain I didn't do enough on the application as it was coming off the back of me having covid and having trauma therapy, tbh our application was a mess but I have continously sent evidence and updated the application via phone since. Good luck to everyone this week, fingers crossed for all you

Congratulations those awarded. What a relief for you guys. Did they call/text you when you were awarded or did you have to call them? Everyone else waiting fir beginning of April hopefully we all hear something very soon.

Great news. Same scan date as me, hopefully I'll hear soon 🤞🏻

Hopefully I hear Soon I'm the 5th April to

I received a text message and just followed up by calling to confirm. Hopefully you will hear very soon

Fingers crossed. The wait is terrible.

I’ve had 2 missed calls from a number withheld today, does anyone know if the dla call you from number withheld or is there an actual number they call from?