Received DLA finally - post here-don't start a new thread!

[rubygloom]

congratulations sidsaracer
that must have been so scary going in there
but its all done you brave thing

[hannah]

well done sidsa!

[curlysue]

Hey all,

Just wanted to post that I have received my DLA award letter this morning. I'm getting higher rate mobility and higher rate care, for an indefinite period - the care rate I've been awarded was a shock to me as a) I didn't think I was that bad and b) I didn't think they'd be that sympathetic. It still hasn't sunk in to be honest. It's quite emotional. At the moment I feel like I don't deserve it (especially with the amount of people not getting what they're entitled to and having to appeal) but I'm hoping that feeling will pass!

I think the main factor in my getting it was the doctor who came to visit me - he seemed really shocked and concerned by all my problems. If I'd had a doctor who wasn't so considerate I don't think I'd be posting here now because I'm pretty sure they didn't take into account my consultants' opinions.This makes me feel like the whole process is a bit of a lottery and I feel lucky that it's gone my way this time. Having said that the guides from http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk were invaluable too.

I'm hoping that one day I can say to them, I don't need this any more, but in the meantime DLA will be so helpful. Thanks loads to everyone on this forum who gave me advice about DLA - I couldn't have coped with the application process without the support of this site.

CurlySuex

[Englishgremlin1]

Well done and don't be thinking the doctor did a favour - he assesed your needs and for once things worked well.

Is it now nromal for a visit from a dcotor?

[hannah]

Great stuff Curlysue congrats. You do deserve it too.

EG - I don't know, but when they aren't clear about the condition they tend to.

[barkingmad]

Thats really brilliant CurleySue! I am so glad for you.

[Rosie]

Hi CurleySue

Congrats on getting your DLA. I used the same website and filled in my forms using their guidance only, no help from anyone else. I was also awarded high rate care and mobility on a indedfinite award, although I didn't have a Dr come to see me. It also made me rather emotional, (am I really as bad as that?) but over time this has gone away. Sometimes I think there is no logic to these decisions, but start planning what you can now affrd to but that will hwlp you.



Rosie

[Englishgremlin1]

I had a look at the website about claiming DLA and wonder how much they charge for their guides. It looks like I will have to be replying all going through a view and have always looked at these websites and thought they were a bit of a con.

I'll be very interested to know how much they charged the guide and how good it was.

[curlysue]

Thank you for all your kind replies!

The site I mentioned costs less than £20 for a year's membership and then you get access to all their guides and resources. I know what you mean about some websites being a con, but honestly this one was very helpful to me and I would say it was worth it. The people who run the site and write the guides are ex-welfare rights workers and some of them also have chronic illnesses themselves.

I did apply for and get IB guaranteed until 2011 without any help, but I found that I was much more confident filling in the DLA forms with the help, and I found their guides to preparing for a medical especially helpful - for example I had no idea that some visiting doctors make assumptions based on how your home is furnished/arranged. My doctor didn't do this, but there have been reports of some doctors going into rooms in claimants' houses to gather evidence about how they live, etc. Because I was forewarned I made sure that my partner didn't tidy up the house for the doc's visit, as the doc can assume that if your home is neat, you have tidied it yourself! Etc.

At the end of the day it's up to the individual whether they feel that they need help, I was very insecure and worried about the application process so I found it was worth it!

CurlySuex

[Englishgremlin1]

thanks for this - I think I have made up my mind to use them. I am nervous of some epxert tistes and like to check my ground before I give them any money.

Many thanks

[sidsaracer]

Its great to hear that other people are getting the DLA that they deserve.

One question though - of those of you who won via appeal how long did it take for your paments to start coming through? My appeal was 3 weeks ago now and i have been told that i should expect to wait another 3 weeks minimum for any money - i find this laughable as only last week i called tax credits and informed them of the decision and i have recieved a lump sum into my account this morning and they have sorted all future payments.

now very miffed it seams that i am still banging my head against a wall.

Louise

[barney]

Hi louise, i had to go to appeal and it took 3 weeks until i received the money into my account. If u dont hear anything soon id ring them up, after all u deserve it
Sarah

[sidsaracer]

Thanks Sarah, i will give them a ring today and see what they say now!!!

[Helly Welly]

OMG i'm in shock. I've been awarded high rate mobility AND high rate care!!! And no need for a medical visit. I'm still in shock. Going to start looking at cars asap. Oooh, and i'm going to get some fold-up crutches. In fact, i've got a long list of things i want. Yippee!!

[hannah]

Yippeee Helly!