DLA decision

[Jazzy21]

I have just had my letter for my DLA high rate mobility, well I am in a wheelchair, and low rate care component. I am partially sighted, hearing impaired as well as all the gifts that behcets brings. My husband does all my care 24hrs. Anyone else had the DLA being completely incompetent your decision?

[caycay51]

you need to get all the infro on this disease babe and and send it to them and appeal against wot they have given u

[der456mil]

Do you have a free Advocacy service near you? They are generally very helpful with plenty of experience in fighting these decisions, are great to fill in forms and will also attend your tribunal; please don't give up on this, the situation at present on DLA is appaling buit you can win appeals. Don't go it alone if you can get help. Good luck

Jan

[SuenMike]

I would go to CAB to see if they can give you some help, too. Good luck. I must have been one of the lucky ones.

[Jazzy21]

Hi guys I had to fight a 2 year battle for my DLA as it was. The tribunal hell nearly killed me it was pure mental torture. I feel so sick rro start all this again. I will use the services of a welfare officer again. I. Also need to see what the gp wrote. Thanks for your support. Yasemin

[nicolakate]

I have given up on DLA at present as, although I know I am entitled, the stress is just too much and we are fortunate enough to be able survive without the money.

Last time I applied several years ago they granted me higher care on the basis of my 'mental health problems' (which I thought were relatively insignificant and all related to coming to terms with my illness and being unable to work) and lower mobility, also on the basis of mental health problems but NOTHING for my BD despite the fact that I was then permanently in a wheelchair and unable to even get in and out of bed/ dress etc by myself.

I attempted to appeal this decision and actually suggested they could give me less money but for different reasons. I was warned though that I could loose what I already had so should just be content with the award as 'surely the money was the important thing'.

I did give in but as it turned out the money was not the important thing it was mostly a sense of support I needed as I felt at the time that I was a failure for not being strong enough to fight this disease and keep myself going. I ended up attempting suicide mainly as a result of this sense of failure and a feeling that the whole world was judging me as weak. I have not applied since as my family (and I) feel my life and sanity is more important than any amount of money.

I did go into a period of relative remission and mainly got out of the wheelchair and am also in a much better place mentally now with my acceptance that this disease is to some extent beyond my control and 'not my fault'. Following my latest relapse the wheelchair is back though and if this continues long term I know I will have to face DLA again as I also can't use my arm now so we will need some help with transport for me and the kids which will overextend our budget. The thought of it sends shivers down my spine though and I admire all of you out there fighting. I don't think the first thought is given to the mental well being of people going through enough physically already. All they care about is the bottom line when surely state benefits are meant to be there to support people any way they can (including psychologically) at tough times, it is hardly our choice to be like this! Instead the opportunity is taken to bully, belittle and undermine us all.

Excuse my rant anyway.