DLA experts - Any advantages, other than financial, to applying?

[allytjd]

DLA has been mentioned in a lot of posts lately. i have never considered it up to now, assuming that it was means tested, DH is self-employed and getting child tax credit a few years ago was a nightmare due to fluctuating income levels. These days we are comparitively well off but I am beginning to realise that DS2's AS means that it is much more difficult for me to return to paid work and I could do with extra funds to pay for tutors to make up for his glacial progress at school and out of school activities to boost his physical and social development. Thing is I don't really find him difficult on a day to day basis btu that is because i have adjusted my way of life and expectations to suit him, should I apply, am I likely to get anything? Would value honest opinions about this as I am not sure wether it is right for me to apply. Does recieving DLA have any non- financial benefits, ie.disabilty rights etc.?

It can, but usually at a higher rate level (for example ds1 gets a blue badge because he gets higher rate mobility; he's also counted a severely disabled for tax credit purposes as he gets higher rate care). I think you can get carers allowance (CA) with middle or higher rate (although it might be just higher). If you're at home because of your son's disability that will be worth having (there are 2 components to CA, one means tested, one not, although you can't study fulltime with it you can earn up to 80 or 90 odd week for the non-means tested bit).

We've never applied, but DS got extra time for his SATs anyway.Like the OP, I don't think he's that difficult day to day any more, but I also don't think fulltime work would be a possibility.

Good luck with it. Remember, it's all about the child and the modifications over and above what would be done for a child without additional needs. Get some help filling it in and as you write, imagine it being read by someone who has absolutely no understanding of your child's needs, you need to tell them every worst case detail.

Thanks everyone for the advice, will think very seriously about it and get more info. One good thing about living in Scotland, we don't have SATs so one thing I don't have to worry about!

I'm just about to apply for ds, 13 with AS too, and like you have adjusted to his needs and just been coping. Its hard to look at their needs in comparison with a typical child of his age, as I am used to him, but last night having dinner with peers, I noted needed help to sit still at the table, needed supervision of drinks, needed help explaining himself verbally, which I wouldnt have thought of before.
Definately see a specialist advisor to help you. The person I saw explained that having the dx, meant he was covered by the disability discrimination law, and meant he had special needs, rather than special educational needs, which I didnt understand before. She was very understanding and helped me see some of the extra caring I was doing.

DLA is not means tested btw. In theory it belongs to your child but you manage it iyswim. It can help open doors when applying for other things, just to tick the box that he is getting DLA can make things simpler. I keep it in a separate account with CA and Child Benefit and use it to pay for holiday schemes when necessary, equipment like new PECs book recently, if I want to go to a conference or something. If he is entitled to it then he should get it, all you can do is apply and do your best job of doing that. Don't take no for an answer either but, if it is turned down, ask them to look again. At least if it is refused then you will have done everything you can. As DS is getting older (nearly 13) I can see that it is one way of establishing need across agencies/professionals as much as anything.

my ds needs are not high in mobility and although i dont find him hard work his needs are greater than other children his age so was strongly advised to apply still need to send off waiting for his doctor to fill in one part

it will help pay for all his courses that i am putting him on at his group SNAP music therapy makaton all to help him in all areas of social play interaction so will do him good to recieve this as we can get him more help than what has been offered

I always found ways to spend it on DS!