Help with RA/DLA?

clarelouise1
clarelouise1 Member Posts: 43
edited 19. Apr 2010, 05:35 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hiya all,

I have rheumatoid arthritis and am the sole carer to my four year old son. I do not have much support from family and also work full time which I struggle with greatly due to the pain and exhaustion associated. I have applied for DLA but unfortunately been refused this and have appealed against it Has anybody else been refused this?

My medication isn’t keeping the RA under control and I have active disease. My Rheumatologist is considering putting me on biologic treatments as methotrexate and sulpasalazine aren’t keeping it under control.

I struggle with my condition, working full time, managing my house and looking after my son alone, I would like to be able to work part-time but don't even know where to begin to get assistance.

Can you help with any advice please on what works for you etc?
Thanks :?

Comments

  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Clarelouise,
    I have R.A too. Most medication failed to control my disease.I had good days but then big flares.You cannot work or cope with a child when it is bad.Since going on humira injections in Oct 08 my pain has been much better, although still have probs with damaged joints, a legacy of years of R.A. However I still had to take it easy and not stand for long with frequent rests, otherwise I would be in pain for a day or two.
    DLA is very difficult to obtain and most of us are turned down first time. You should get help filling in the form as there are certain ways of putting the information down. cab and some booklets are available.If you need more advice just ask on the forum but you might already have had help with your forms.However do not feel dispondent.You have appealedIt is tiring and upsetting and we have enough on our plates but I am sure an award would be worth it in the end.
    Take care
    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
  • clarelouise1
    clarelouise1 Member Posts: 43
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    tkachev wrote:
    Hi Clarelouise,
    I have R.A too. Most medication failed to control my disease.I had good days but then big flares.You cannot work or cope with a child when it is bad.Since going on humira injections in Oct 08 my pain has been much better, although still have probs with damaged joints, a legacy of years of R.A. However I still had to take it easy and not stand for long with frequent rests, otherwise I would be in pain for a day or two.
    DLA is very difficult to obtain and most of us are turned down first time. You should get help filling in the form as there are certain ways of putting the information down. cab and some booklets are available.If you need more advice just ask on the forum but you might already have had help with your forms.However do not feel dispondent.You have appealedIt is tiring and upsetting and we have enough on our plates but I am sure an award would be worth it in the end.
    Take care
    Elizabeth

    Aaw thank you so much Elizabeth, its nice to hear about someone else in a similar situation. I have contacted the CAB and hopefully they will be able to help me with my appeal. I felt like I was the only one being refused so its reassuring to know it might work out ok in the end. Kind regards clare x
  • patriciamary
    patriciamary Member Posts: 117
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Clare, I know how difficult it is working full time and looking after children and a home its very hard work, even without the RA. You can apply for childrens tax credit and working tax credit as long as you work 16 hours or more. As for the DLA, I think its their policy to refuse first time to put you off. I applied in April 2009 and was refused within 2 days of them acknowledging receipt of my application. I tend to be quite a stubborn person and supplied them with more information and asked them to reconsider. They said no. So I appealed, it was'nt easy and they keep sending you lots of paperworks, again I think to put you off. I persevered and went to appeal last Friday, got decision this morning, been given lowest rate of care and no mobility. So its back to applying for mobility component. Check locally for citizens advice or disability office and they will help you as much as they can. Remember you are not doing yourself any good by keeping going, this will affect you more in the long term. Hope you can find some help and I will be wishing you everything you need.
    Regards
    Trisha
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Claire, I would don't have RA, but OA and I'm single carer to a young person with autism ... I also work (until recently fulltime - reduced to 4 days a week a year ago.) So can sympathise with how exhausted you are feeling.

    I would advise you make an appointment at the citizen's advice bureau - they are great at helping people apply for DLA and will help you with the forms. They also know all about benefits, what's available, how earnings can affect benefit etc ...ie they have the knowledge at their finger tips! So you could go in and explain your situation and see what they suggest.

    You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

    keep us posted.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • clarelouise1
    clarelouise1 Member Posts: 43
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    speedalong wrote:
    Hi Claire, I would don't have RA, but OA and I'm single carer to a young person with autism ... I also work (until recently fulltime - reduced to 4 days a week a year ago.) So can sympathise with how exhausted you are feeling.

    I would advise you make an appointment at the citizen's advice bureau - they are great at helping people apply for DLA and will help you with the forms. They also know all about benefits, what's available, how earnings can affect benefit etc ...ie they have the knowledge at their finger tips! So you could go in and explain your situation and see what they suggest.

    You have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

    keep us posted.

    Speedalong
    Thank you all so much for your help, it is good to know I'm not the only one who finds it difficult and if i keep persevering with the DLA I may get there in the end. I have contacted the CAB so hope they can help me with further advice. Thank you all again xx
  • clarelouise1
    clarelouise1 Member Posts: 43
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Clare, I know how difficult it is working full time and looking after children and a home its very hard work, even without the RA. You can apply for childrens tax credit and working tax credit as long as you work 16 hours or more. As for the DLA, I think its their policy to refuse first time to put you off. I applied in April 2009 and was refused within 2 days of them acknowledging receipt of my application. I tend to be quite a stubborn person and supplied them with more information and asked them to reconsider. They said no. So I appealed, it was'nt easy and they keep sending you lots of paperworks, again I think to put you off. I persevered and went to appeal last Friday, got decision this morning, been given lowest rate of care and no mobility. So its back to applying for mobility component. Check locally for citizens advice or disability office and they will help you as much as they can. Remember you are not doing yourself any good by keeping going, this will affect you more in the long term. Hope you can find some help and I will be wishing you everything you need.
    Regards
    Trisha
    Thank you all so much for your help, it is good to know I'm not the only one who finds it difficult and if i keep persevering with the DLA I may get there in the end. I have contacted the CAB so hope they can help me with further advice. Thank you all again xx