asthma

[Naju84]

my son is 12years old has had asthma for many years. Does any know if I can calm DLA or PIP for him. As he is struggling with everyday activities and becomes breathless, and forgets to take his inhaler. Sometimes I have to help with bathing because because he becomes restless.

[Naju84]

Thank you

[medway-lady]

The true answer is of course you can apply for the children’s Disabled Living Allowance but it doesn’t mean he will qualify as he has to meet certain criteria. If you look online you will find details of how to apply. I’d suggest you talk to his Respiratory nurse or Paediatric team to see if they support a claim. Be warned using an inhaler or not using it which causes issues is not really grounds to make an application it is how he is disabled which is a different thing altogether.

[Naju84 in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you

[Fruitandnutcase]

I come from a family of asthmatics and taught many children with asthma and none of them were ever classed as ‘disabled’ so unless he has other problems that you haven’t mentioned I’m not sure that is grounds for receiving DLA or PIP.

Apart from receiving DLA or PIP I think for your son’s own sake he really needs a face to face review of his asthma medicines either with his doctor or his hospital to find one that is effective and he needs to take it regularly. An inhaler won’t work unless it is used properly.

[Naju84 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you

[cyberbarn]

As others have said it isn't the condition that makes someone eligible for either DLA if a child or PIP as an adult, it is how much the condition affects them on a day to day basis. Benefits and Work do excellent guides to DLA so it might be worth joining just to get the guide first which will give you an idea of how much the condition has to affect the child. It isn't easy to apply, so it could save you a lot of hassle and heartache to be prepared before you start.

benefitsandwork.co.uk

[Belle76]

can I ask how old is your son?

It’s very important that he uses his inhaler properly does he have just a blue one or blue and brown one?

If he is young or teenager you should be helping and supporting him to use them.

[Mmrr]

My daughter (now 36 years old) has had asthma since she was a baby. She used a nebuliser for years was in and out of hospital on a regular basis, with several very severe episodes. I worked with her asthma nurse and Consultant to enable her to use her inhalers adequately so she didn't have severe asthmatic problems. When she reached her teens she carried oral steroids with her and self administered when required. It might be worth asking for assistance from the medical profession to enable your son to begin the road to managing his condition well as it is likely to be a lifelong condition. (My daughter's asthma isn't nearly as problematic as it once was, but still requires management to keep her well).

As others have said you would need to provide evidence that your son's condition is preventing him carrying out daily tasks whilst taking his medication as prescribed.