DLA.....what would you do?

topgirl
topgirl Member Posts: 290
edited 28. Jan 2010, 11:05 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi folks....
Im due to go back to work on Mon...phased return...
My condition isnt any better( in fact ive just had to come of my DMARD :( )
However work have been supportive( which makes a change!)..and they are putting lots of adjustments in place for me...
All the time i have been off sick I have claimed DLA high rate mob( RA mainly affects my feet and knees)and middle rate care...
I work in retail which is a nightmare, however im getting a stool for till point / f/room and rest of my day is going office work....
When I first got DLA had read the leaflets they said to tell them if you were returning to work....me being so honest rang them and told them I was in work but off sick...the lady I spoke to told me to ring them when i'd been back a few weeks.
SO....I have a feeling that when I tell them they will stop my DLA....( even tho its an benefit you can claim in or out of work)...this would really hit hard as it pays for so many things to make my life easier and i will be using it for taxis to get to/from work.....
So i had a look agin at the leaflet and it states that you should inform them 'if your condition improve enough for you to return to work'.My condition hasnt changed but my job has!...what would you do?
Thanks in advance
Kay xx

Comments

  • harleyd14
    harleyd14 Member Posts: 259
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Kay
    were you awarded it for 3 years?? if so...keep it for 3 years, if your condition improves when its time to re-apply then let them come to the decision for you, be honest on the form and they will draw up their own conclusion as to whether or not you will be awarded it again.
    like you stated, its not means tested so you can earn whilst the award runs, you are not being dishonest as you have told them that you work....so...keep it girl, its hard enough to get as it is and like you say, it pays for so much.
    good luck and let us know your outcome/decision.
    love Sally.xxx
  • annebr
    annebr Member Posts: 730
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I tend to agree with Sally. It's a non means tested benefit so it shouldn't matter that you are going back to work.

    Anne
  • topgirl
    topgirl Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks guys...
    Its for 2 years so ive got about 16 months before i reapply...
    xx
  • jordansmum
    jordansmum Member Posts: 257
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    my son went to work whilst getting dla middle rate care low rate mobility and he was still awarded it but i would defo inform them as he had only just been awarded it after a renewel he had to fill in all the claim again but at least he new it was still okay best to tell them as they can be a really funny lot as we all know.
  • topgirl
    topgirl Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    jordansmum wrote:
    my son went to work whilst getting dla middle rate care low rate mobility and he was still awarded it but i would defo inform them as he had only just been awarded it after a renewel he had to fill in all the claim again but at least he new it was still okay best to tell them as they can be a really funny lot as we all know.
    yes thats what i was thinking too...
    x
  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Just wanted to say good luck for Monday with work. Hope that it goes well for you. With regards to DLA, I get high mob and middle rate care, I do need it though to help with the daily tasks and I still work part-time.

    Janie
  • chile168
    chile168 Member Posts: 384
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kay,

    Just wanted to say Good Luck when you return to work hope it goes well.

    I was under the impressions that you can claim DLA whether you are working or not. Besides even work is modifying things and trying to make improvements even if they are small and they are doing it because they know you have disability so don't worry too much about DLA.

    Don't quote but I can't remember where I heard that there also is Tax Credit for disabled people. So if you did lose anything on DLA which I don't think you will, you can get some back from elsewhere. Google It.

    Once again good luck and take care xxxxxx Eve
  • chile168
    chile168 Member Posts: 384
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Kay,

    Believe it's called Disability Element - check it out at
    www.direct.gov.uk

    Eve
  • topgirl
    topgirl Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    janie68 wrote:
    Just wanted to say good luck for Monday with work. Hope that it goes well for you. With regards to DLA, I get high mob and middle rate care, I do need it though to help with the daily tasks and I still work part-time.

    Janie

    Thanks Janie...
    I think it went ok.. :roll: Everything I asked for they asked wrote down but didnt say yes or no :shock:
    They are buying me a stool for the cash desk..FROM...wait for it...not a specialist mobility shop...BUT....Ikea....and i have to get it myself( they will pay for it tho)....LOL!!!
    I think time will tell....call me an old cynic...but im sure in 2 weeks they will try and get me climbing in the windows doing displays...someone will have broke my stool and someone will be slagging my disability off!!!
    Thanks for the DLA advice..xxx
  • topgirl
    topgirl Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    chile168 wrote:
    Hi Kay,

    Just wanted to say Good Luck when you return to work hope it goes well.

    I was under the impressions that you can claim DLA whether you are working or not. Besides even work is modifying things and trying to make improvements even if they are small and they are doing it because they know you have disability so don't worry too much about DLA.

    Don't quote but I can't remember where I heard that there also is Tax Credit for disabled people. So if you did lose anything on DLA which I don't think you will, you can get some back from elsewhere. Google It.

    Once again good luck and take care xxxxxx Eve
    Thanks Eve...Good advice
    x
  • airwave
    airwave Member Posts: 579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Your post about DLA raises a few points. I'm not very good at coping with government agencies!

    I have applied for a job, checking the Census addresses, I thought I could do that part-time if there was no rush and we all need an income especially after no work or help for five years. I suppose I should tell someone about the work? My DLA mobility is forever.

    Its a grin, honest! 8)
  • topgirl
    topgirl Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    airwave wrote:
    Your post about DLA raises a few points. I'm not very good at coping with government agencies!

    I have applied for a job, checking the Census addresses, I thought I could do that part-time if there was no rush and we all need an income especially after no work or help for five years. I suppose I should tell someone about the work? My DLA mobility is forever.

    Its a grin, honest! 8)

    yes I agree....
    I also think mentally it does you good to mix and have a bit of a giggle ( if you can) :D
    Theres no way I will ever work full time and im really goin to feel the cut in income....
    I have just heard so many stories of when people tell DLA they work they then take it away!!!