DLA

bevman
bevman Member Posts: 107
edited 25. Mar 2010, 12:39 in Living with Arthritis archive
hi my husband has got severe RA he has had it for two years and when i applied for DLA two years ago he was awarded high mobility and high rate care.
I have just found out today after renewing his claim that he has been awarded high rate mobility and the lowest rate of care i cannot belive it i am so upset as if it is not enough watching him in so much pain every day now these pople think that because he has been given aids to help him turn taps on and bath board so he can try and shower himself that he doesnt need as much help from anybody else.
I would love these people to come and live with us for a few days and see what this disease really does to people.
We are made to feel like we are having to beg for help he wants to appeal but you wonder will this be more stress i no he was lucky to be awarded it first time and i do read on this web site what a terrible time people have even trying to be awarded.
sorry for moaning .
Alison :oops:

Comments

  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Alison,

    First of all you are not moaning :!: and from what you've said have every right to be angry, upset and disappointed. :x :roll: :shock:

    The system for assessing DLA seems to be so perverse and so many peeps here have had the same or similar experiences as you.

    All I can say is fight what has been decided...get the advice and support of CAB and lodge an appeal.......what have you got to lose by trying? meantime gather as much supporting evidence from GP, Rheumy, OT, Physio...anyone involved to support the appeal.

    So sorry you and your hubby are going through this :oops: It's hard enough dealing with arther without this kick in the teeth.

    sending you lots of (((hugs))) and wishing you lots of luck. Iris x
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi alison do not let it go at that get your doc to help and cab you need all the money you can get it hard enough with out worrying about money
    val
  • jaspercat
    jaspercat Member Posts: 1,238
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Alison, really sorry to hear about this, I don't think that the DLA really understands about our problems, have you considered an appeal? love Jaspercatxx
  • 09angel11
    09angel11 Member Posts: 87
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Alison

    I am sorry to hear that the high care has been taken from your husband, but unfortunately this is what is happening all over, any excuse to drop money of any kind the goverment will jump on it. It is as you say because hubby has aids to help him, they believe he does not need all the help as in the past, so of course they drop from high to low. What they do not realise that though you try and do some things for yourself, you still need help with moving things, getting things into position, like chairs to sit on, or the shower head just right. Its the little things they like to ignore. You have to keep mobile, so you try walking , even though you are always in pain, but if you do not walk you stiffen up even worse, but if they think you can just walk that little bit farthur even though in pain, thats another excuse to stop or drop your mobility allowance. You must appeal, it might take a couple of months but you and all of us others cannot allow them to get away with this kind of treatment. As stated they might work for the DLA, but do they actually understand what we go through, perhaps some do, but they have to work to the rules given to them, i bet by those who do not suffer from Arthritis of any kind.


    Take care
    Monica :)
  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Allison
    I can totally sympathise with the latest results you have had from the DLA. They are, indeed, a law unto themselves. A person's medical condition deteriorates, a person needs more care and is increasingly at risk and yet they come to some decision which is beyond belief. All very similar to my case.
    Make sure you appeal against their decision, within a month, asking for a formal review. They will have written down the care sections and what they deem is correct.

    You need to challenge them on anything that is wrong. Keep copies and give copies to your GP, Rheumatologist, Phsyio, OT, anyone who can support your application for review. Often Drs do not know what happens at home and are grateful of any information they can add to their letters. Any medical person who is involved in your husbands care, will help you and write a report, or supporting letter.

    Ask for some help from your local carers.org. There should be one in your area, they can put you in touch with welfare rights. Citizens advice are very good too.

    You are certainly not alone with this. It seems to be a constant battle at the moment.
    I am still waiting to hear about my formal review, but, if needs be, I will go to appeal.
    Go for the request for a formal review, with all your evidence and letters, see what happens, then you can appeal again if needs be.

    Take care and keep us posted. I know how you feel.

    xx Bubbles
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • o1davidliston
    o1davidliston Member Posts: 13
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    bevman wrote:
    hi my husband has got severe RA he has had it for two years and when i applied for DLA two years ago he was awarded high mobility and high rate care.
    I have just found out today after renewing his claim that he has been awarded high rate mobility and the lowest rate of care i cannot belive it i am so upset as if it is not enough watching him in so much pain every day now these pople think that because he has been given aids to help him turn taps on and bath board so he can try and shower himself that he doesnt need as much help from anybody else.
    I would love these people to come and live with us for a few days and see what this disease really does to people.
    We are made to feel like we are having to beg for help he wants to appeal but you wonder will this be more stress i no he was lucky to be awarded it first time and i do read on this web site what a terrible time people have even trying to be awarded.
    sorry for moaning .
    Alison :oops:
    Hi Alison
    appeal against the decision, get help from the cab and tell the dla board just how bad things are, emphasise the bad days, they are the days that matter, dont give up.
    David
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If you dont appeal they will assume they made the right decision.From what I have read many claimants are downgraded to low rate care from previously getting mid-rate.
    They have moved the goal-posts to save money it seems.

    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • airwave
    airwave Member Posts: 579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Please remember that money is not personal, neither are the people that apply the rules to your OH. They are merely applying the rules and conditions to your claim that their government applies to their jobs and how they work.

    This PLP shows itself up constantly by pretending to be a socialist government and merely giving a nod to the people of this country. Their way is social-economic macro-engineering of our country, for their political gain, not a caring responsible parliament.

    If you want to change the rules, first change the government!

    8) Its a grin, honest!
  • bevman
    bevman Member Posts: 107
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    bevman wrote:
    hi my husband has got severe RA he has had it for two years and when i applied for DLA two years ago he was awarded high mobility and high rate care.
    I have just found out today after renewing his claim that he has been awarded high rate mobility and the lowest rate of care i cannot belive it i am so upset as if it is not enough watching him in so much pain every day now these pople think that because he has been given aids to help him turn taps on and bath board so he can try and shower himself that he doesnt need as much help from anybody else.
    I would love these people to come and live with us for a few days and see what this disease really does to people.
    We are made to feel like we are having to beg for help he wants to appeal but you wonder will this be more stress i no he was lucky to be awarded it first time and i do read on this web site what a terrible time people have even trying to be awarded.
    sorry for moaning .
    Alison :oops:


    Hi everybody thank you so much for all your replies i have been in touch with our GP and she is really mad she is going to write a letter to support our claim and has also said we should appeal.
    we shall see what happens will keep you posted
    best wishes to you all Alison
  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good to hear that your GP is behind you Alison. Every time I mention the DWP to my GP or Consultant you can see their blood boil, as if to say, what is it they don't understand?
    I wish you well with the appeal, get as much help as you can from all sources.
    Looking forward to a positive outcome for you :D

    xx Bubbles
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).