Help with the form DLA434(Adult)

tatieash617
tatieash617 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited February 25 in PIP, DLA, ADP & AA

Hello,

I have just joined the Scope Community. I have been told that I can get, and give, helpful advice to my Scope colleagues if and when needed.

I am in receipt of DLA benefit with the higher rate mobility allowance. My movement is severely restricted, two sticks needed to walk a very short distance (yards) and thereafter by Mobility Scooter.

Over the last couple of years I have been rapidly going downhill on the care side of things and need constant supervision 24/7 by my wife. Without that care I could not dress myself, cook a meal, or get up when I stumble and fall. I suffer from acute clinical depression and stage 2 Hypertension (dangerously high blood pressure) which often leads to a stroke or heart attack amongst others.

The very worst condition I have is sudden uncontrolled incontinent diarrhoea. This has happened at a table in a restaurant, in the lobby of a hotel and in bed at night and driving back from a holiday in Italy. Without my wife at hand I just couldn’t go out. She looks after my needs day and night 24/7.

I have received a form from the DWP called DLA434(Adult) which is 37 pages of questions together with 12 pages of guidance notes. For an 80 year old this puts shivers up my spine.

Would somebody please help me with an answer to my question. Will the DWP be reviewing both my present mobility needs and my care needs when they receive the completed form back or do I just need to concentrate on my new care needs?

I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot!


tatieash617.

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Comments

  • MW123
    MW123 Scope Member Posts: 2,052 Championing

    Hi @tatieash617 , welcome to the community.

    It is completely understandable that receiving a 37 page DLA434 Adult review form would feel overwhelming, especially when you are already coping with so many health challenges and relying on your wife’s support day and night. Anyone in your situation would find it a lot to take in.

    Because you were already receiving DLA and were over State Pension age when PIP was introduced, you remain on the old DLA system. This form is simply part of a routine DLA review.

    When the DWP review a DLA award, they look at the whole picture. That includes both your mobility needs and your care needs. Your mobility difficulties are still relevant, even if they have not changed, and your care needs have clearly increased over time. For that reason, you do need to complete the whole form and give them full details of how things are for you now, day by day.

    I have also given a link to the Independent Age Helpline, as they are very experienced with DLA reviews and would be the best people to guide you if you need extra support.

    https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/helpline

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