DLA.

[lindabrown]

I had to give up my work 18mnths ago and at present dont get any benefits. I have applied for Disability living allowance and have today received aletter to say they are to send someone out to examine me. I just wondering if anyone has had this?

[NeeNaw]

yes that is standard procedure .... my only advice would be to not try to make an impression ....... if you have difficulties cleaning your home, then leave it as it is. They have to see you for how you are NOT the face that you try to put on and Good Luck with your claim

[janiceray]

Take neenaw advice and tell them how it is on a bad day as if its every day,as Lupus is so unpredictable.

Good Luck

[StAndrews-Lupie]

Linda - I agree with the 2 replies above but it is getting tougher to be successful in claims so I would also get a letter from your doctor and consultants confirming the help you require from a care and also mobility point of view - also have your medical reports handy to show them and also dont appear too keen to do things or be super confident - remember how you are on a bad flare up day........ Also not sure of what other income or savings you may have but you might be entitled to ESA which has taken over from Incapacity Benefit - speak to your citizens advice or job centre for more info - Best of luck

[Jeffmoz50]

Hi to all,

I was diagnosed with lupus 4 years ago.

I also had to give up work around 18 months ago and put in a claim for ESA that promptly got refused but my appeal was granted. I have also on the advice of the CAB put in a claim for DLA, this also got refused so I was called in again to the ATOS health assessment center only yesterday. Only this time I went equiped with letters of correspondance from several specialists that I see along with the various questions and replies that I have had from forums, This time went far better and I am a lot more hopeful that my claim will be granted. Sometimes it is very difficult to put into words how you really feel especially when they ask the questions to which you must answer, but a lot of the questions are not relevant to your situation. It's a good idea to spend a couple of days on the computer and type it all out, print it off and tell them to read it.This was certainly very helpful for me as I also suffer with short term memory issues and the ability to recall information.

Hope this is helpfull?

Jeff

[kittykat68]

hi all ive been fighting since feb 2009 i have done all the above ie letters/consultants all my meds (120 a week)seen atos was told on the DAY by the dr that visited me that id never work again!! and still they put me in the work related group WITH no dla ,However i submitted a 64 page yes 64 and won both dla (low care) and esa support group its hard because i m like jeff my short term memory is shot to bits (methotrexate)i now have a blue badge as i have emphzema, so ppl tht 3 tribunals and 2 years worth i wish u all the luck in the world as no one understands lupus like us

[Trace]

Hi lindabrown

I applied for DLA the first time back in March 2010, I ended up going to a tribunal where they awarded me the lowest rate mobility allowance but also advised me to apply again for the higher rate, this took another 8 months or so & Im currently in reciept of higher rate mobility & middle rate carers allowance, I had one of their Drs come to my home & I'm glad I did, even though their not supposed to say anything to you, she did tell me that she would support my appeal. Let them come to your home, let them see how difficult it is to move around - even indoors, answer all questions honestly & just be yourself, you know what you can & can't do.

Good luck x

[NiksB]

Hi ive gone through atos health assessment and got 0 then sent to jobseekers I couldnt do the minimum hours 16hr a week took a month to see a disabililty employment adviser and by then with the stress and infections beeen signed of work for 13 weeks. I am appealing against the descion to send me to work ive got lots of letters from everyone and they have been great but I think this is a numbers game to move you around from one benefit to the other because they are hoping yourly giveup along the way so oneless to pay for. Please if you need this support keep trying it is stressfull and annoing to keep saying what you cant do but it is the only way. P.S write or say how it affects you they dont seem to be interested of medical conditions but more how you deal with it and how it affects you.... good luck and best wishs