Help with forms

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ClareWilliams
ClareWilliams Online Community Member Posts: 19 Connected
in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA
Hi I’m wondering if there is anyone who might be able to help with dla forms for my little boy, he’s 21 mths and has spastic diplegia in his legs with left side being worse very poor balance, can’t walk for long and falls every couple steps

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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    Hi,

    Trying ringing your local CAB to see if they can fit you in with an appointment for help with the forms. If they can't then a google search of your area for other disability advice services in your area.

    Just so you know that you won't be able to claim the mobility part of DLA for your son until he's 3 years old. The care part is possible but evidence will be needed. Good luck.
  • ClareWilliams
    ClareWilliams Online Community Member Posts: 19 Connected
    Oh ok I was told to apply due to the above I mentioned, is there any point in applying do you think? 
  • atlas46
    atlas46 Online Community Member Posts: 817 Pioneering
    Hi

    It is worth applying for DLA.  Google "DLA decision makers (child cases) : staff guide."

    This explains how a child will be assessed. Seek the help of your child's health visitor and the like.  CAB would also assist.

    I think you can get motobility for an infant, so check.

    Let us know if we can assist any further.

    Best wishes
  • ClareWilliams
    ClareWilliams Online Community Member Posts: 19 Connected
    Oh that’s fab thank you very much 
  • atlas46
    atlas46 Online Community Member Posts: 817 Pioneering
    Hi @ClareWilliams

    Got more info to assist you.

    Check Cerebra.org.uk, its a children's charity, they have a Parents helpline tel: 0800 328 1159. Give them a bell, they have a guide for claiming DLA for a child.

    I am tagging @Jean_Scope  and @BenefitsTrainingCo to see if they can provide you with more advice/guidance.


  • ClareWilliams
    ClareWilliams Online Community Member Posts: 19 Connected
    Oh really appreciate this thank you
  • susan48
    susan48 Online Community Member Posts: 2,213 Championing
    @atlas46, how very thoughtful of you to look into help for @ClareWilliams.

    A very thoughtful gesture  :)
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    You cannot claim the mobility part of Disability Living Allowance before your child reaches the age of three (for the higher rate) or five (for the lower rate).

    There's nothing stopping you from putting in a claim for his care needs. You just have to show that he has more care needs than that of another child the same age.

  • atlas46
    atlas46 Online Community Member Posts: 817 Pioneering
    Hi

    More good news about cerebra.

    Phone and ask for hard copy of their DLA claim guide.

    Also they have Regional Officers around the country to assist with the claim, ask for contact details for your location.

    I would also ask your GP for your son's medical records, it's called a subject access request. There is no charge for this.

    Keep us informed.
  • Jean_OT
    Jean_OT Online Community Member Posts: 511 Empowering
    Hi @ClareWilliams

    Thanks to @atlas46 for tagging me into this conversation. I can't claim to have any special expertise with benefits, just a general working knowledge. However, I do have colleagues at the Scope Helpline (0808 800 3333, Open 9-5 Monday to Friday, closed weekends and bank holidays) who are benefits specialists. So Clare, do please give the helpline a ring if you have a problem with the forms and want to talk to someone on the phone. However, if you can get face-to-face support to complete the forms locally that would be preferable, so it is a lengthy process. 

    CAB is one potential source of support with form filling but some areas also have information  services specific to disability issues that work locally. Entering your postcode at https://www.scope.org.uk/Support/Service-directory may help you locate somewhere.

    @poppy123456 has already signposted you to a source of quality online information, here is another that you may wish to look at:  
    https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/benefits-financial-help/benefits-and-tax-credits/disability-living-allowance/  

    Best Wishes
    Jean  

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