Blind, how old for DLA to be accepted?

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Naite
Naite Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA
What age will they consider being visually impaired significant enough a disability to award DLA? 
My son was born blind and for first year of his life was also on oxygen. His nurse advised claimed DLA which we did and he has it until after he was 1 when we reported that he was no longer on oxygen and they stopped it saying children his age all have significant care needs.
We applied again when he was 3 and got the same response. 
When he was 5 citizen advice helped us apply again and we got rejected again with same message. They helped me appeal and it failed.
We tried again at 8 with help of a charity and RNIB and basically same thing, they understand he requires extra support but not significant enough compared to another child of his age for an award.

He’s now 10 and I’m wondering if there’s any point trying any more or is it just that visual impairment doesn’t qualify on its own? Or am I just messing up? 

Comments

  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,001 Championing
    edited April 2022
    I found this, don’ t know if it helps
    https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/pdfs/afbp-children.pdf
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hi @Naite and welcome to the community, thanks for reaching out, and I'm sorry you've had such a hard time applying for DLA.

    I hope the link Calcotti has provided is helpful, and if you're still unsure of anything please do say.

    Scope does have step by step guidance on applying for DLA, which you might find useful, even just as a reminder of the details.

    If you would like to run through things over the phone or by email with one of our advisors you are welcome to contact the Scope Helpline as well. 

    Keep us updated with how you get on and I hope you're enjoying the weekend :)

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