Hi to all you guys and gals out there ..
I have been living with Dr parkinson,s condition for a few years now and over the last few months I am finding increasing difficulty in concentrating at work (computers )get very tired travelling to and from etc and am going to apply for DLA I have good days and bad days in walking etc.I feel I no longer can cope with work
I went and got an application form yesterday most of which unfortunately relate to toilet things.. getting in and out of bed etc and a whole lot of things fortunately do not at this point do not apply to me.
I rang up the helpline.. the lady I spoke with then rattled off a number of other things I may be entitled to ..resulting in total confusion ..
Does anyone know their way around this allowance maze and DWP speak or has a contact within the system of what can be applied for etc..because according to this new form I have got it looks like me and others like me are not going to be eligible to DLA etc
Any advice would be greatly appreciated Ian (M)

Hi Ian i know exactly how you are feeling,i was originally awarded lower rate DLA as i was unable to prepare a meal for myself.The fact that i could barely walk along with several other problems seemed to be unimportant.I appealed several times and eventually had to go before a tribunal at this point i contacted welfare rights who were brilliant they gathered all my medical records and prepared my case.On the day of the hearing a representative accompanied me along with my son, who i had to use for help walking,i now receive full rate mobility and disability.Probably my symptoms are worse as i am unable to walk unaided but i suggest you contact welfare rights as they know the way around these forms, GOOD LUCK.

I initially applied 18 months ago and was turned down. I appealed and was awarded lower rate DLA and the higher rate mobility. My circumstances have now changed and I recently sent off a further claim form.Will keep you informed. Don't give up !!!!!!

Hi Ian

I was given a DLA form to fill in by the Parkinson's UK support worker back in February I think. I filled it in and sent it to the DWP. After consideration they wrote back saying they couldn't make a decision and would be writing to my neurologist at the hospital. Later on I was awarded the higher rate of the mobility allowance but no carer's allowance (I didn't expect that anyway as I care for myself). I was surprised to get the higher rate. It was based on the neurologist's or clinical assistant's report and scan results. However my walking is very poor although I am still quite independent.

DLA is not means tested. You can claim it if you are still working and under 64. There are 2 parts - mobility and carer's allowance. If you are not fit to work I think you need to claim for something else as well. I think it might be called ESA but you should be getting DLA anyway if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Best wishes.

hello and just to say igot no for wlefair rights office who got me my cailm cant seak highly eough of them they kown the benfits inside out and yes got all my benfifs so you could get no from your counel wish you all the best
del

Hello IanM.

It is a maze isn't it.

Can I suggest the Citizens Advice Bureau who will help you fill in the lengthy for for free and in confidence. I would advise anyone to get help filling this form in as it can make the difference between success and failure.

Here is link.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/

Just enter your postcode into the search box to find your nearest CAB.

Good luck,

Panda.

Hi Ian (M),
Agree with you regarding the form. I failed to get anywhere the first time, but learnt from the experience.
Firstly I had my PD Nurse sign form although I filled form myself.
Secondly fill in for worst day. I understand your remarks about commuting to work, bumping into people, finding handrails at busy stations, trying to catch a train when you walk at one speed and your gait goes to s*** after 10 seconds and you stumble into everyone only to squeeze onto train at last minute with nothing to hold onto.
Thirdly give neurologist as reference not GP
Forth what are you like without medication - like when you get a stomach bug

Have fun !

ttfn

westby

Hi Ian, I was turned down first time when I filled in the form myself. Then I went to my local Disabled Information office DIAL, someone there said to think about how things are on your worst day. Don't underestimate the effects of PD and think about what it is like without any family/friends support. OK, some days I can wash my own hair, but sometimes I struggle, I can usually button my clothes but sometimes not etc.. etc.. I also cannot now put in my contact lenses so she suggested I add that to the form. My PD nurse also had some input, but I don't know what she said.I was awarded middle rate care.
Good luck.

Hullo again.. many thanks to all you good people who took the time and interest to reply to my entry on DLA it is very much appreciated and no doubt very helpful to many others
I shall check out a couple of the avenues you have mentioned
good wishes to you all L.O.L Ian (M)

On the advice of an OT I applied for DLA. It was the long form & I filled it in myself with my OH (carer) adding a bit. To my astonishment I was awarded LRC &LRM because apparently I cannot cook a hot meal (true always was a rubbish cook) and need supervision in unfamiliar places.I don't go to familiar places let alone unfamiliar ones. I am grateful for the help but think I should receice a higher mobility rate. I am reluctant to appeal as I haveheard that to do somay result in a withdrawal of DLA altogether. At least the amount I get pays for taxis and now a cleaneer