❌long post please read❌
made sure I had a pen and paper ready.
Got through to DLA after 55mins!
Rude man on the phone, crummy accent, I'd say late 40s/50s said the whole point of the text is so people stop ringing but they still ring making our lives harder 😳! Told him my job (civil service) which he then soon changed his tone.
He did then go on to say that they're getting round to sorting claims within 16 weeks but they're told to still say 25 weeks and the backlog has gone down massively, it all depends on who the individual decision maker, their backlog and how long it takes to receive clarification / addional supporting documents from given establishments - I.e schools, hospitals etc. Scan dates with the latest dates (dec, jan) are still given priority but all depends again how long it takes for establishments to get back to them which is why people with a closer scan date have a decision before those with a later one.
We was awarded HRC and LRM, so relieved!
He told me about additional benefits, disability child element and carers element on universal credit, you put a note in your work journal ? - however this is only available to those with a household income under a certain amount (I need to check if we are applicable for this - new to dealing with DWP).
Also addional resources such as
•Max card - discounts on days out
•CEA card - free cinema ticket for carer
•Access Card - fast pass for theme parks and free carer pass when getting a Merlin pass.
•Free bus pass for public transport.
•Disabled rail card - free carer train ticket
• Access to charities such as family fund and WellChild which has links to additional charities that can help with your child's needs.
I really hope each and every one of you get the outcome you want and deserve, don't give up! Fight for what your child is entitled too, they deserve everything they need and more, just with wee bit of extra equipment and supervision (easier said than done).
It's not easy being a parent of a disabled/Sen child, it affects us mentally, physically and financially! We are strong for our children, we are doing amazing, you've made it though another day, a lot of people forget the strain it has on you as a parent, however, our children teaches us life lessons that you could of never anticipated and throughout the journey together you learn how to become the parent that your child needs ❤️