Portage have suggested DLA but...

[Arabica]

I'm not sure I can handle applying for a disability benefit, altho not sure I can really articulate why. Maybe because it means officially admitting DD is more complicated to bring up than an NT child. I don't know. Is DLA worth claining? We are totally skint so even the smallest amount would make a difference...

The forms are horrible but it's definitely worth applying IMO. If you get tax credits you also get extra on those IIRC.

Definately worth claiming, not only for the extra benefits (carers allowance, DLA, extra child tax credits, etc).

But also some services use DLA as proof of disability (for instance, DS1 needed his higher rate mobility in order to get blue badge) iyswim.

If you do decide to apply, definately seek help with the dreaded forms, my portage worker was particularly helpful with these when claiming for DS1.

Definitely apply. I used the BHAS site and it really helped.

I applied for dd3 a few weeks back, still waiting to hear as they are writing to her physio for a report. My advice would be get help, you don't always realise all the extra things you do, even when you have older kids. Dd3's teacher of the deaf helped us, pointed out things I hadn't even thought of, I hadn't realised how much of my day I spend messing around with hearing aids! I felt very depressed when I'd completed the forms and wished I hadn't bothered, but I feel so much better now and realise why I had to get it done. It will mean I can at least afford to park in the hospital car park on our many visits! It's hard to face up to the fact that your child is different but its all part of the process and does eventually help. Don't forget to make a copy of the forms before you send them off, I'm told it makes it easier when a review comes up.

We recently started recieving DLA and it was very upsetting filling in the forms as all of things that you do daily and 'cope' with really are NOT normal, and also like bigcar I realised what a big part of the day hearing aids play, how difficult it is just going out for a walk to collect other ds from school etc.

We did get the middle rate and whilst we are very grateful for the extra money, (it just about covers the extra mileage, parking etc for all of his appointments)I did shed a few tears on reading the letter as they obviously also felt he had a significant disability.

I would second bigcar's advice about making a copy of the forms, also allow yourself alot of hours to fill them in, don't forget to have a big box of tissues handy!

Again what Fio said - do not wait. You are entitled to it! I am now quite mad at myself for not applying earlier as I have also been unable to return to work properly due to his poor health.

I think I was talking to you on another thread Arabica, has your dd had her grommets and ABR done yet? Are you getting any more support locally?

Good luck with the DLA and as one of your dd's problems is hearing related you should be able to get help from hearing services filling in the forms.

Caroline.

Although it can take a while before they make a decision if they agree to award DLA they backdate it to the day you rang up to request the forms.

Arabica, have you been onto the National Deaf Childrens Society(NDCS). They are absolutely fab and have a leaflet that goes over what sort of things to put in each section of the DLA forms. They also have family support workers that are local to where you live that can be a great support and put you in touch with the local deaf kids clubs. There are plenty of knowledgeable people on their parent place if you need help too.

Thank you, thank you for the emotional support! I've done the same as you, Fio. I earned so little last year I didn't even have to pay tax. Thinking, oh well, I'll just wait until she's a bit more settled and a little easier to leave with people, before I admit that looking after DD kind of is my job now. After all, this month alone we have been to the child development centre x 2, Moorfields x 1, Great Ormond St x 2, local hospital once--each requiring bus journeys. We also have daily exercises we are supposed to do from the physio, visits to the GP for repeat prescription, daily fiddles with hearing aid, Makaton practice, feeding taking up to 90 mins (we have to do lots of distraction to get her to consume anything), etc...
My portage worker (I heart portage) will be helping with the forms but thanks for all the suggestions about places to go for help.
Cazcaz, she is on the waiting list for grommets to be fitted at GOSH. They will do ABR at same time. Hoping they'll find only minimal permanent hearing loss. Previous results have varied considerably because she's hard to test, apparently (although I can't imagine any toddler becing particularly cooperative).

Have telephoned to ask for the forms. Even if we only get the lower rate it will still cover bus fares and (second-rate, dishwater) coffees at our various hospital appointments.