DLA WAIT TIMES THREAD 63

[zoeybrooks45]

Please feel free to add your scan date and whether it's a new claim/mandatory reconsideration/change of circumstances or renewal.
New claims (NC) - people are being told the wait time has increased to 25 weeks! I would say most are done before this though around the 20 week mark?
Mandatory reconsideration (MC) and Change of circumstances (COC) is around 20-25 weeks.
Renewals tend to be between 15-20 weeks.
If you disagree with the outcome of an MR you can appeal and go to court (tribunal)
Scan date is the date DLA scan your application forms on to their system, if you downloaded your application forms then this will be from when your award will be backdated from. If you called up for forms then the date on those is the date yours will be backdated from.
If successful and claiming universal credit (UC) please update them as this will entitle you to disabled child element adding extra to your award.

Impressed with UC timescales. Reported change 27/1, verified next day 28/1. 29/1 with UC decision maker, today 30/1 letter saying accepted and the amount.

Says will be in account in two working days!

If you've already sent quite a bit of evidence then I'd leave it out personally but @PositivityRipples may have a better answer.

Like you say positives are wonderful to read but that doesn't mean they don't also have additional needs. But I'm not sure if DLA see it that way.

@B2B25

Exactly, I'm concerned they may jump on this recent progress as a reason to not award. I hate that I am having to think in terms of 'playing the game'.

@mumofoneAlonebutokay It is very upsetting and overwhelming to think about or explain or write down your child's struggles and disability isn't it..
The route to HRM through smi has a very clear threshold ( physicallly unable to walk and virtually unable to walk is a different threshold)..
Which is why i was asking you the questions.. One of the thresholds is that the child displays severe behavioural problems and extremely disruptive behaviour which could mean things like, physical violence ( lashing out) at others, hurting others and themselves, the need for very frequent restraint to keep them and others safe, running around unable to sit still, throwing themselves on the floor, running out into the road, head banging, emotional extreme outburst, throwing things, and having to be redirected away from dangers, ( these are just some examples and the kids child doesn't have to display every single one to be classed as extremely disruptive or severe behavioural problems and there are other examples I've not mentioned ) does the child need restrainting at school because of these behaviours?
Do any of these apply to your child or would you say your child is extremely disruptive and severely behaved?
That's kind of what I was asking I don't think i worded it right xx

it’s always great news when kids make progress. However the DM may interpreted as now they are having therapy they don’t have any extra care needs. I will hold off personally and keep for MR. It’s up to you at the end of the day x

That’s really really fast Iv been waiting for decision maker to do decision on my journal since 7th jan

Hey everyone, new to this thread but not new to DLA (Eldest was issued November).
My 9 year old has now been referred over to the pediatrics to look at dyslexia, dyspraxia possible ASD and ADHD. I only found out about DLA MONTHS after my eldest was diagnosed and as am sure you all know the wait was LONG (24weeks).
My question is, my son 9yo does also have additional care needs but I know we need supporting evidence. Do you think a pediatrician referral and a statement off his teacher would be sufficient?

Is anyone able to help me. I have been awarded dla and I’m unsure how to update this on my UC. I won’t be claiming carers as I’m think I’m over the earnings.

So just need help on how to add the disabled element! X

You can still get the carers element on universal credit earnings doesn’t matter with that one it’s carers allowance we’re you can only earn so much and just go on and report a change and it will ask you what date you want you report it from and what rate your child gets x

I work aswell I don’t qualify for careers allowance. But careers element is added on and deducted depending on income that month. Please make sure you write backdate of disabled child element AND careers element otherwise they will not do it automatically x

@mumofoneAlonebutokay i am SO angry reading your reasons. They have compiled a load of s#it!!!!! Please ensure you appeal.
Of course your child will be described as sweet and most children want a hug, what planet are they actually on!!!!!!!
No disrespect to you, if a school setting had reports which stated your child is awful, horrendous or horrible, even if those descriptions were true, I'd have more to say about the setting speaking of a child in that way.

I'm so sorry they are doing this to you. Wrong, totally wrong and stopping a child getting what they deserve x

@Mummyto5beautys I would leave a note on your journal chasing it up! Maybe it all depends on the area?

No that's okay! I understood what you meant

Her behavioural problems are there but she's a soft girl rather than being a physically rough boy - she will hold strangers hands or touch their clothes that she finds interesting

She's always eloping and I'm forever chasing her - I've bought a safety tether for her, which I'm sure i put on the form

She's always being redirected from danger and restrained, I don't know why they haven't taken that seriously 😐

Her behaviour is super dangerous and she does have her meltdowns but its more a quiet danger. We literally rely on the bluebadge as she will run into the road if I don't hold on to her

As I type this, I even feel annoyed, like I did make this clear! But they've taken 'dd is sweet and beloved' and run with it 😪 xx

Thank you, agree with everything you've said here. They've just jumped on her being described as sweet

She's your sterotypical 'girl' in terms of disposition, but she's definitely no different from sen kids and really needs support

I'll be appealing ofc, just need the weekend to get my head around it all xx

Had to reupload this as left dd's name on the original 😅

@mumofoneAlonebutokay I understand, like you say they do misinterpret what's being said and explained sometimes, the DMs are not medically trained they have a DM guide to follow and they have to cross reference the 6 points to award under smi and sometimes if you or the evidence presented haven't worded it as a extreme behaviour problem or extremely disruptive then they don't award as they don't feel the child follows the flow chart, if you look at your letter the top section will tell you the 6 point markers for HRM under smi if you feel your child displays every marker then take it to appeal, dla may respond before appeal and over turn it. Good luck.. Fingers crossed for you

Getting more anxious now SD 27/09 might phone them tomorrow x

@PositivityRipples i like your mindset and I think you have a good guage on the way in which they consider awards.
However, I personally feel many autistic children show all 6 points, and many families are fighting and then being knocked back.
For e.g that letter of reasons - one reason is because she can reach out and feed herself.
I am very close to a tube fed cerebral palsy child who cannot consume food at all, she still reaches out for food and no doubt if left to it, would place the food inside her mouth
The criteria is very vague in my opinion. It should be clear!! So parents can make a judgement that actually yes my child really does meet it or actually no my child probably is a bit more independent and can put food in their mouth and so won't claim.
If they think a child has to meet criteria then tell us parents the exact criteria, such as: can't feed themselves, can't hand lead an adult. Etc etc.
Because families are aching for this support and being turned down because in reality they do feel their child meets all 6.
But it seems according to dla they are like all 6 (but hidden terms and conditions apply)
It isn't fair - do you know what I mean? Xx

Same here,SD is 24/9.x

Checked my bank account this morning, our little one was awarded MR with a back pay of 26 weeks

Great news!!What was your SD please?x

Thank you! Ah the endless phone calls and stress. It was 29th July 2024. Very long wait time for us

Oh wow,that is a very long wait😯x

What’s the wait times like this morning? Anyone tried getting through.

I had about 30 min wait yesterday at 930am. I’m tempted to call again but no need really… wondering if I can think of a reason to call! (Steps away from the phone!)