shocked!

[lorraine]

I have just asked for my DLA to be looked at again after 18 years with low care due to Industrial Injury to my hands. I was awarded on main meal test. In addition I now have Carpel Tunnel along with a host of other medical problems including being insulin dependant and having out of control blood sugar around 25 which makes me feel awful almost of the time including drowsy and sick. I am under Eating Disorder and Psycology unt and have needed a fair bit of help from my family and claimed a review begining of May 2012. I worked as Benefits Advisor for DWP 1999-2009 so know the rules and how to claim and was sure as my condition has deteriorated I would not loose my current award.

Imagine my surprise when decision is my condition has IMPROVED and as I have been a Carer for my disabled daughter and Husband for three and a half years I cannot have had a problem as stated either now or in 1994 and they want back pay for those years I have had Carers Allowance and have suggested I am exaggerating my current problems and have attempted to " up" my own DLA so someone can claim Carers Allowance for me, possibly my husband. The same Decision Maker had removed my husbands High Rate Mob and Middle Rate Care on review and we had sent photos of us on holiday with my husband on a scooter as he could not walk, we thought it may help his reconsideration but instead they have used these against me to say if I can go on holiday including a flight I can not have been disabled as I had one disabled child and another child to care for (who is 11 by the way)

So it appears even when you are worse you have improved and don't dare take a holiday. I cried for three days more out of anger I think, I was only ever awarded on main meal test yet cannot be a Carer which I most definately am. They have also mentioned that if I am caring the said child cannot be that disabled. My poor daughter was born Spina Bifida,Hydrocephalus,double incontinence, deformity of legs and feet, no sensation in lower legs feet. Her bladder leaks but doesn't empty so I catherter every 2-3 hours, I have no freedom beyond these 2-3 hours and have not had a break since 2003, I get no help with her care. I am happy to be her carer but sickened at the suggestion I am a liar.

I am quite fearful they may try to take her high Rate Care and Mob. I do not know how I would manage without her adapted vehicle. I know they have to make cut backs but this is ridiculous.

[Hera]

You need to ring carers uK on 08088087777. see if someone will come around to see you, or for you to see someone. So that they can go through all your benefit claims, and see if they can assist you with your reconsideration or appeal. plus they should offer advise about local authority schemes,including direct payment schemes, grants, and restbite help. You should remember that if you appeal or reconsideration, carers are encouraged to take holidays or restbite days. See directgov.com, you should refute every line of the decision makers decision, and ask your own doctor to comment line by line on that decision. Remember these days you have to list every single personal problem you have, and every single amount of help you/your family require. The decision makers are now trained to look at evidence only, and will not make any assumptions on your behalf, you must give explict details. If you are struggling for further help please visit;
http://dwpexamination.org/ you will find a lot of people there who have had similar or worse experience

[jakemason24]

Hi lorraine. This is truly shocking. As HERA said you need some proper face to face advice on your situation and i really hope you can get it sorted soon.

Regards

Jake

[davewhit]

I have just asked for my DLA to be looked at again after 18 years with low care due to Industrial Injury to my hands. I was awarded on main meal test. In addition I now have Carpel Tunnel along with a host of other medical problems including being insulin dependant and having out of control blood sugar around 25 which makes me feel awful almost of the time including drowsy and sick. I am under Eating Disorder and Psycology unt and have needed a fair bit of help from my family and claimed a review begining of May 2012. I worked as Benefits Advisor for DWP 1999-2009 so know the rules and how to claim and was sure as my condition has deteriorated I would not loose my current award.

Imagine my surprise when decision is my condition has IMPROVED and as I have been a Carer for my disabled daughter and Husband for three and a half years I cannot have had a problem as stated either now or in 1994 and they want back pay for those years I have had Carers Allowance and have suggested I am exaggerating my current problems and have attempted to " up" my own DLA so someone can claim Carers Allowance for me, possibly my husband. The same Decision Maker had removed my husbands High Rate Mob and Middle Rate Care on review and we had sent photos of us on holiday with my husband on a scooter as he could not walk, we thought it may help his reconsideration but instead they have used these against me to say if I can go on holiday including a flight I can not have been disabled as I had one disabled child and another child to care for (who is 11 by the way)

So it appears even when you are worse you have improved and don't dare take a holiday. I cried for three days more out of anger I think, I was only ever awarded on main meal test yet cannot be a Carer which I most definately am. They have also mentioned that if I am caring the said child cannot be that disabled. My poor daughter was born Spina Bifida,Hydrocephalus,double incontinence, deformity of legs and feet, no sensation in lower legs feet. Her bladder leaks but doesn't empty so I catherter every 2-3 hours, I have no freedom beyond these 2-3 hours and have not had a break since 2003, I get no help with her care. I am happy to be her carer but sickened at the suggestion I am a liar.

I am quite fearful they may try to take her high Rate Care and Mob. I do not know how I would manage without her adapted vehicle. I know they have to make cut backs but this is ridiculous.

there is always the chance if you ask for a review that DLA can be cut also its bigger if apart from getting DLA you care for someone IMO as the care given should not conflict with your needs its not hard to see where they are coming from if you get lower care because of making a meal how can you care for someone else ? its not just benefit advise I would be looking for I would also be looking for legal advice .. I think you need to show how you managed to care for your daughter with your health problems and how at the same time someone supported you


did you get your husbands dla back at appeal ? good luck

[Stepheninleeds]

Yes, you need help on this. CAB may also be able to help, if needed. As anyone knows a lot of disabled people care for other disabled people. My mother & I do. The reason we all do it is because we cannot get anyone else to help, or we can do it better, even with our limits. In our case it is simple how we care for each other yet are in need of care. I cannot to most things, my mother cannot. What we can do we do. What we cannot we do not do. Simple as that.

[Paul]

Possibly write to your local MP too?