This blog is firmly aimed at those that ask weekly, I have just been told I have mild/moderate COPD. Can I claim DLA now. I have on this blog often answered, and going by some replies to my answer, been met with hostility by those that are not getting the answers they want. I tell it like it is.
Disability Living Allowance is an allowance for the severely disabled with two parts. One a mobility component that is to help with mobility, either by parting with some or all the award for a car, or for help towards your own car. The allowance though can be used for anything. The other component is a care component, for those that require help with their essential needs. The high rate of mobility allowance is now £54.05. While there is a lower rate for those needing supervision when out of £20.55.
In days past it was quite easy to get this benefit. Back to the 1980's, when Thatcher was leader of the conservative party. Unemployment was around three million, and the conservative party wanted a way to hide the figures. Hence many were put on DLA or other sickness benefits, as that took thousands off the unemployed register. But times have changed.
For those thinking, I have been told I have copd, Mild/moderate, and I am now entitled to DLA, think again. I know, and the Department of works and pensions know that mild will not really effect you, and moderate while making you more puffy, will not stop you working and will most likely not stop you walking for over 100 yards without too much discomfort, if any. I know this also. When I had mild, it never really effected me. When I had moderate I still worked in quite a demanding job. Yes I had to take getting out of puff more into account and stopped to get my puff more.
DLA is not paid because you are ill. It is how severely effected with mobility that matters. Your word is not taken as proof you are disabled and you will be required to allow your consultant, respiratory nurse, oxygen nurse, and any health care person that deals with you and your illness, to be contacted by the Department of works and pensions. You will have to supply a list of all medication you take for whatever is wrong with you, and you have to prove you are prescribed these. These give an indication of the severity of your condition. Many do not realise that the Department of works and pensions have a health bible containing all disabling illness, and how they will effect you at any particular stage. If you feel you are entitled. You must claim it, and the benefit is your right. But for anyone wanting to pull the wool, the DWP is not fooled, and have 'seen it all'before.
I am writing this as I am fed up with people thinking because they have an illness they are entitled to what many consider a Kings ransom, even though many know they are not disabled. It is not an entitlement because you are ill. I would love nothing more than to get my lungs better, and to be able to manage the normal things in life without getting breathless and needing oxygen. And would be more than happy to then give up the DLA I receive. And am sure that applies to each and every one of you at my stage of emphysema. It is because of people claiming DLA when they are not truly disabled that has led to us with the most severe disabilities having to jump though hoops to claim. If you have mild/moderate, just hope you do not get to the very severe stage. That is the stage where like all of at stage 4, you will use oxygen to dress, to bath, not be able to tie your own shoe laces, or cut your own nails. Walk slow with oxygen, see every incline as a challenge. And stairs. We won't go there.
And don't get me onto the blue badge. How may have tried to park in a disabled space to see those disabled youngsters running to their car with the trolley, jump into the car while taking that badge out the window and drive off. Yes this blog today has been a gripe. And why not. Because us that are truly disabled get a raw deal. Breathe Easy.
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derrylynne
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I agree with every thing you say in your article. Many who do not need the help apply, and of those, some will get the benefit awarded. Later, when their disease has progressed, and they are genuinely more disabled, do they feel they are entitled to more? I get DLA at top rate for mobility and lower rate for care. I did not apply for DLA until after I was on oxygen and really unable to look after myself. When you apply is a personal matter that involves decisions based on need, family help, and conscience. When I see someone on benefits playing with the latest mobile phone, and bragging how they have spent hundreds of pounds on Christmas presents, I wonder how they can afford that, as most benefits are supposed to alleviate poverty, not provide some measure of luxury.
Also, I feel that ATOS are not helping the situation, by giving reports to DWP that are obviously not just inaccurate, but grossly so. When so many people are wrongly assessed, the it begs the question of how much of this is deliberate. My opinion is that the answer is 'Too much'. Too often we hear of ATOS employed health care professionals who struggle with English, or are not qualified to read reports from consultants, doctors, nurses and others who provide (often with a charge) documents to support the claim. How can they declare that they have taken all the evidence into account, when they patently have not? There is much that needs to be put right, and maybe the way to start the process is by putting these outcomes before the public in newspapers or on tv, or radio. Also report these things to your MP.
I also blame the change over the last several decades of attitudes that have come about because of the rise of 'political correctness'. So many people now cannot tell the difference between Rights and Privileges. Just another thing to sort out!!!!!
A social problem that has believers demanding what is theirs not from need but greed it is a sad reflection on what we have become this was not anything my parents generation were ever confronted with and things were much harsher then.
They will also be telling that active life is best in looking after lungs health from the BLF own website which is also very good information for how life can be with lung condition.
Yes very well put I do agree with your sensible comments.
Lib
With you 100% on that Derek. SOB and other symptoms are not usually felt until we drop to at least below fev1 50% - which is the reason why so many of us aren't even diagnosed until the severe/ very severe stages. I was still doing sports and remedial massage all day, six days a week when I was in the mild, moderate and early severe stages - I hadn't realised anything was wrong until then. I was finally diagnosed at 29%.
What we really need is better education and encouragement to exercise, lose weight etc for those in the earlier stages who may be de-conditioned. The worst thing someone can do is sit back and hope for DLA or ESA before they really need it. The general outlook for anyone diagnosed at fev1 50% or above is really good - assuming they avoid smoking and exercise, the majority should have a pretty normal lifespan with normal function. They only do themselves a disfavour if they sit back and relax. P.
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Education on life not a label that writes lives off as nothing more that can be done which is such a depressing negative treatment by society.
On the button no shilly shallying some forget how to lookout for their own when put in cotton wool and spoon fed not how things are meant with it being for most deserving cases not a lottery ticket.
i was awarded DLA before being diagnosed with COPD, having had long term mobility issues .i was refused several times, was finally successful when i appealed.
now i have severe COPD,i am dependant on oxygen, need a scooter to get around, i am now trying to fathom a way to transport a walker on scooter, to carry the oxygen, when i need to get into a public loo, for example.....the things we previously took for granted we now have to carefully consider.
grateful that the opticians come to my home now,,oh .and .on line shopping does makes life easier .....very grateful for the care i now receive......it all makes life that bit easier....
i have never heard Derek complain,i too, am not complaining,we just make the most of what we can still do.
No Derek was right in everything he said,
It will be there when needed if it is not abused the same as the blue badge scheme that had to be changed due to abuse by a minority that took advantage of a scheme that helped those in need.
Full support derrylynne
Well done Derrylynne and johnwr?
So refreshing to read it in black and white, where others walk on eggshells for fear of offending.
I get higher rate mobility and lower care, it was a struggle, I lost it after one year because a incapacity "doctor" lied and put a false statement to DLA ( this was reported and taken up by CAB)
Ironically incapacity awarded me full benefit! At the tribunal, fifteen minutes into the interrogation I had to tell them I was here for the DLA not the IB. They didn't apologise but I was finally given back my DLA! because I had evidence of my disabling condition MRIs
Prescription and doctors evidence ect. ect.
It becomes very tiring explaining to the 'bad back' society we live in that genuine inoperable back conditions do exist! I would love to swap my 'bad back and bad lungs ' to walk in the shoes of yet another claimant who believe they are 'entitled'
Although my chronic asthma diagnosed this year, causes me to be sob most of the time, I feel reluctant to put it in my renewal claim in MAY 13 in case I look 'desperate'
All I will say is I am diagnosed moderate with 55% Fev 1, I work, i no longer smoke, I can do mostly everything I have always done, I look after myself, keep fit and watch my weight.
I do, and will continue to do as much as I can for my own health and well being.
Well said lynne, i also have copd and am greatful that i have worked outdoors for most of my career. I am sadended to hear of people that dont or cant do moderate exercise. I can still go cycling and take on a good walk, Ido think sometimes people give up and dont make an effort. The more people try to do for themselves they would feel better and possibly there health.
Well said derrylynne and it needed to be said! Was getting quite fed up of looking in and just seeing post after post asking if someone was entitled to DLA!
We are not entitled to anything - we may qualify for a benefit, but there is absolutely no entitlement.
I do get DLA, but that is because my lungs are cr@p, I am on LTOT and cannot walk far - as for stairs, forget it. However I do the best I can with what I have and try to enjoy my restricted life
Also agree with the following "It is because of people claiming DLA when they are not truly disabled that has led to us with the most severe disabilities having to jump though hoops to claim" and, I would add, to the government having to cut back drastically.
Spot on Derek. I worked until very recently and I am classed as very severe and have been an oxygen user for over 5 years. My FEV1 was 18% when I gave up work.
Well said Derrylynne, love it when someone is forthright and straight to the point. I have DLA, ESA and Blue Badge for my brittle asthma. I do consider it my right, but only because I am in genuine need. If I had the choice I would swap my life for a healthy one any day and do a full days work. Despite being labelled as disabled, it doesn't mean that I sit around all day thinking well I have an income I don't have to do anything. I do my best to look after the health that I have, engage in studies, and take exercise with the daxie daily. I know that if I don't that there is the potential for me to cost the state more in care packages in the future, something I wish to avoid because disabled doesn't mean you can't do something, just means you have to make adjustments in how you do things.
I have Peripheral Neuropathy which can be chronically disabling when the pain is particularly bad, I have had a tumour on my thyroid, I have had major surgery to remove sepsis from my groin and muscle, skin and part of my genitalia had to be removed. I still get regular infections in the surgery scars. I also have nerve root compression in my neck and lower spine. I also have male osteoporosis due to issues with my endocrine system. I now have suspected COPD. I have NEVER claimed any disability or sickness benefit because I have gritted my teeth and got on with my life and my job.
I do now claim carers allowance because I had to give up work 4 years ago to care for my wife who has a form of Motor Neuron Disease. She qualifies for high rate mobility and high rate care and despite medical evidence of spasticity, mobility issues (she uses a wheelchair), seizures, blackouts, problems swallowing, problems speaking, chronic pain, double incontinence etc, she has had to attend numerous medical assessments which I feel is only right for someone wishing to claim from the state. For too long too many people have been able to claim DLA and IB with no evidence whatsoever and we have created a monster that believes in entitlement rather than qualifying. Don't get me wrong, I think the errors by ATOS are atrocious and the company needs to be hauled over the coals and the Tories need to realise that some of their methods are draconian, but the system did need to change.
I am on the go all day and will not let any illness deprive me of trying to enjoy my life the best way I can. If my wife wasn't so ill I would still be working and wouldn't stop until it was absolutely physically impossible for me to carry on. The work ethic has all but disappeared from our once hard-working nation and greed not need motivates most people to claim benefits.
Great comments FBNSS. I totally and utterly agree with every word.
In a way it proves how ill a person with an invisible illness actually is and where some grieve for lost abilities for others it is confirmation that they are ill and worthy of the recognition that comes with the removal of the need to work becoming one of Margaret Thatchers secret unemployed.
For those looking for benefits before they see any affects it makes welfare a mockery of those who struggle on waiting until a point is reached that can not be passed without financial support only to meet one of the bad back brigade that picked up a walking stick and benefit cheques when unemployment began to rise. Once again, the hoops are raised because of a limited budget and to the disbelief of many there are seriously ill people put through the stress involved in qualifying which has only become a requirement that limited funds bring about not moral conscience.
well done i still park in other spaces if they are near to save spaces for those that need it more only to find someone park in it who appear fit and well,
and i have been thinking as you do ever since i came to this site
Many thanks to all you people that have replied to my blog above. I never realised so many of you guys felt the same as me on this subject. Some very important points have been raised in the comments. One being that if anyone with mild/moderate sits back and does as little as possible. that is a recipe for disaster. Even at my stage, very severe and using oxygen, I have to exercise while hooked up to 'my best friend'. Exercise cycle going nowhere while looking out the window, seraband stretches, light weight workouts, steps, these all have to be done to keep myself physically as fits possible. And if I don't do this my deterioration would be much more rapid. Sit and do nothing at risk. I guess what I have said in my blog in my mind had to be said as like many get very annoyed by those that are in reality fit to work, working the system. I would love to be as I was with good lungs allowing me to do what i used to. Work, walk up in the Brecon Beacons, climb mountains. Because this illness when you reach the upper stages does change your life - and your old life does go out the window. So those with mild/moderate, keep going and enjoy your mobility - and do not think of the disabled route. Because if you stop doing things and go down that route you could end up really disabled before you know it. The last thing on my mind would be claiming for something that in my mind I was not entitled to and I kept going more than two decades after diagnosis working and doing what I enjoyed before emphysema disabled me. . Many of us do in the upper stages need this extra help from the DWP. Without my car, I trade in my allowance for a leased car, I would be trapped in my house and could not go anywhere. Which would make my condition worse. If you feel you are disabled and have great difficulty with your mobility you should claim what you are entitled to. The BLF helpline will help you discuss your options. Again thank you very much for the replies and support
my husband has been ill for several years. He is now 78 and has been diagnosed with COPD. He was a smoker for most of his life from 17 to 41 years of age.He spent 24 years in the R.N.Smokes were 2/6 per hundred.Many times the crews of ships were fully manned while in dock while the ships were doing a full refit!! All manner of work was done,including the removal of Asbestos! .the workmen would be fitted out with masks and any other safety device that was in circulatrion.So now I have 1 husband who I watch struggle for breath.Even doing up his shoes and the act of getting bathed and dressed is a torture. He worked right up to retirement, then 4 weeks before end of working ,he had a massive brain Haemorrhage,stroke,and seizure.I am so lucky,to have him,but I admit than I will ask for DlA to get a scooter,so he can get out and about.How do I do this, please?Any advice will be most welcome.Thankyou
You need to telephone the department for works and pensions and ask for a form. First though I would telephone the BLF helpline as they will be able to offer you immense help. Best of luck with your application..
The active part where keeping working as long as possible took me through mild and moderate stages giving me the motivation needed to be out of a warm bed and being active, if I had stopped any earlier I doubt I would be here. Finding the will to do what has to be done to keep from sliding is much harder if you have to do it alone (a trip to a gym would take all the energy I have and get nothing done) so savour the life at mild and moderate and do the things needed to halt the slide not focus on what will bring benefits. It is life not money that should be fought for when considering options.
Human nature will have most take the soft option of not doing anything which makes them breathless or is tiring, the nanny state is a means of reaching for the soft life with the DWP supplying an armchair on demand.
I remember reading an article which claimed that smokers and the morbidly obese cost the NHS less than the average patient because they did not live as long, the most successful method of reversing that trend is in our own hands in leaving the unfit groups and gaining as much fitness as we can. Not a soft option
Not really sure what you are saying in the last part annamouse. Shouted down by the entitled? Which entitled. On my part, and many like me with very severe emphysema, walking any distance is such a prolonged agony that we need to travel either by mobility scooter, or car. As someone that at one time thought nothing of walking ten miles in the Brecon Beacons for an afternoon of enjoyment this sure is at times difficult to bear. But many of use have no choice unless we wish to risk a heart attack by the effort. No doubt though the government would like us to do that. Would save the money!!!!
I agree with whats been said. Sometimes though even with a disability that doesn't stop you working it can stop you doing many types of jobs or being able to work full time. I get lower rate dla for depression only. I also have a bad back but would never claim for that even though I cannot do standing up jobs or too physical ones. I can and still want to work. Problem is though that while on JSA I am still expected to apply for as many jobs as people who are physically and mentally fit which isn't fair. I live by the seaside and most jobs available are for carers, cleaners, shop workers etc. I get a hard time because of this. If my JSA benefits are ever stopped I will go straight to the doctor and ask for a sick note. If I have to 'put it on a little' I will. Needs must sometimes.
i agree with what has been said its not an entitlement if you are mild or moderate, i am severe, and have other problems sciatica, gout and very frequent chest infections mainly because my daughter is only 11 so at the age where germs get brought bk from school. I try to do as much as i can for myself, alot of days thats impossible and dla for me is that last thing i wanted to claim, ive always worked and looked after my family and it pains me to have to claim xx
ah thank you for your kind words much appreciated, im going through the appeal part at the moment, attend the pulmonary rehab, when infection free so trying to do everything right again thank u xx
I have mild/moderate COPD and work. My COPD does not stop me working it makes me exhausted and incapable of doing pretty much anything else. I don't want to claim disability benefits but I would like to work part time to enable me to exercise do my housework and cook meals, getting overtired makes my COPD worse. I cannot do this financially as without dla/pip I cannot qualify for tax credits to top up my income. I know being less tired will improve my quality of life and enable me to continue working with less sick time and probably mean less costs to NHS. It seems to me that keeping me fit relatively healthy and working would be better than off sick or on DLA/pip but its all or nothing it seems!
So pleased someone has had the courage to say it! If there weren't so many cheats and scoundrels genuine people wouldn't have to jump through so many hoops!
What a good, honest, and absolutely spot on summing up of all those conners out there that are still getting away with it, I would give everything ive got to mow my lawn and pick weeds,( amongst a lot of other things ) instead I have pay someone who is on the sick and receiving disability allowance and care allowance for looking after his brother who sells newspapers in the town centre, Where are the investigators? watching us instead !, Oh the frustration of not being able to do things, Lungs & Heart are the essence of Life. Take Heed all You Whingers. And all You Genuine people out there know Who I'm talking about. Life is great, Make the most, And do our best, that's all we can do.
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