Would you bother applying for DLA for 15.5 year old?

[SpookySpoon22]

Just that really. Would you still try and complete the form to try and apply for only 6 months' worth of DLA? Especially if you were feeling a bit overwhelmed in general? Even if the money would be handy?

@SpookySpoon22 I did! I applied for the form in January, sent it back in February and I'm still waiting. DD's 16th birthday is in middle of May, so wondering if we'll actually hear before then! Apparently it is backdated to the date you applied for the postal form so not really a wasted 6 months. I assumed we'd at least be in the system for PIP and I've done the hard work already by gathering evidence etc.

Thanks for your reply @VMJ1 I suppose it's just that the form looks so daunting and time-consuming, and I'm not sure I have the energy on top of all the other things I've got on. I've also heard that it doesn't help get PIP as the two are entirely separate, so wondered if I'd be better just applying for that in a few months. I suppose it comes down to personal choice at this stage. Wish it went by diagnosis and evidence, rather than a ridiculous exercise in adding up minutes - if you are caring for enough minutes to be entitled to DLA, you don't have much time to fill out the form!

I would apply, but I don’t think there is a right or wrong way, rather what is right for you and your circumstances.

If you do apply for DLA the Cerebra guide is helpful.

The problem with basing decisions on diagnosis is the same diagnosis can result in vastly different needs.

VMJ1 even if you haven’t had a decision about DLA by the time DD is 16 DD, or you as appointee, should apply for PIP then.

Thanks, I've shelved the idea for now as I'm feeling so overwhelmed and under the weather that the thought of that form is tipping me over the edge! But I am definitely going to apply on DD's behalf for PIP when she turns 16 and think I'd be better off saving my energy for that plus the more immediate EHC needs assessment! Maybe I'll change my mind when things have settled a bit but I'm taking the pressure off for now either way.

Just to warn you, when you do apply for PIP you have a month to return the form by. If I were you, when you can face it, I would look up the PIP descriptors online to get an idea of what questions you/your DD is going to be asked. This way you can start preparing yourself and start jotting things down. I would start noting down examples of the things she has difficulty with. I normally start my son's DLA form around 6 months before the award runs out with a document on my laptop so when it does drop, it doesn't feel so overwhelming.

If you're applying for an EHCP needs assessment, hopefully you will also have up to date reports from that, that you will be able to submit as evidence for PIP.

@Toomanyminifigs thanks, that's good advice. Little and often sounds like the way to go at the moment!