Good news but still depressed

elsa56

I got all the forms and sent off for a Blue Badge and to my surprise I had a reply to say that I was entitled to one although I was on the lowest rate of Disability. This I found out the week before christmas.
This year after a long fight I have now been awarded the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA.
I'm hoping to use this to get a car that has a better seating height so that it is less painful to get in and out and at the moment I would rather not go out than put myself in alot of pain. My gp has now put me on Morphine as I can't take Codeine or Tramadol as it makes me feel ill. the Morphine takes an edge off the pain and at present I am not getting any nastty side effects.
But the money would also come in useful to get some very badly needed double glazing as my home is so cold and that doesn't help. And because it is an older house I can't have cavity wall insolation. Money is very scarce for us as I lost my job due to OA.
I am proberbly sounding very selfish because I want' the best of both worlds and I know thats not possible.

barbara12

Hi Lovey
You do not sound selfish to me, just trying to do whats best for you, I am so glad you have got your badge, and your higher rate of benefit.
I do wish you well with everything, and keep talking to us has long as you need to.
Hope you get your car.
Take care xx

dreamdaisy

Sounding selfish? Far from it, we all want the best we can have and it's so frustrating that we have to make difficult choices all the time.

I am so pleased that you have been awarded your BB - it isn't dependant upon claiming DLA so that is doubly good! It is also good news that you have had your DLA increased but please think long and hard about getting a car: I have often thought about it but I know I do not drive the miles to justify the 'expense' of that luxury. I tend to spend more time indoors than sitting in my car so I would opt for the double glazing: we too live in a Victorian mid-terraced house with dreadful windows dating from the early 70s- the cold air is breezing through as I type! I use my DLA to pay for the things I need on a regular basis to help me, my massages, my pre-payment prescription, my chiropodist etc - I think these things help me more than a new motor. Could you increase your seat height by adding a cushion or two to your driving seat? My mum used to do that because my dad was 13 inches taller than her! Take care and good luck with whatever you decide to do. DD

elainebadknee

Hi

Well i guess youve got to weigh up which is more important, the house or a newer car that will make it easier to get in and out of as you explained below...
I think your mood has been because maybe you have been used to fighting for things and that would tend to wear any person out, maybe im wrong that's just an observation...
I dont suppose you get any help with the double glazing do you? I know you do if you need a new boiler but just a thought?

Good luck and well done for getting the badge at least you can use it whatever vehicle you have?

Elainexx

elsa56 wrote:

I got all the forms and sent off for a Blue Badge and to my surprise I had a reply to say that I was entitled to one although I was on the lowest rate of Disability. This I found out the week before christmas.
This year after a long fight I have now been awarded the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA.
I'm hoping to use this to get a car that has a better seating height so that it is less painful to get in and out and at the moment I would rather not go out than put myself in alot of pain. My gp has now put me on Morphine as I can't take Codeine or Tramadol as it makes me feel ill. the Morphine takes an edge off the pain and at present I am not getting any nastty side effects.
But the money would also come in useful to get some very badly needed double glazing as my home is so cold and that doesn't help. And because it is an older house I can't have cavity wall insolation. Money is very scarce for us as I lost my job due to OA.
I am proberbly sounding very selfish because I want' the best of both worlds and I know thats not possible.

caroldeeg

Hi
u have the highest rare of DLA for mobility now. I have that too & it helped a lot with mobility issues.
As regards things in your house u need to speak to your local council. They could give u a disabled facilities grant to bring the house up to the standard needed for your condition. This is free money from the government for the disabled . They do things like put in stair lifts or showers according to your needs. They will send someone to assess u and take it from there.
U have to ask for it & be a bit pushy with it as they are trying to cut back on these grants. Don't be put off.
I hope this helps
Carol

stickywicket

Juggling the finances is something we all have to do because disability is expensive. The very fact that we have to use cars in situations where others wouldn't - and, indeed, we ourselves wouldn't, given the option - makes for holes in the budget.

Only you can decide your own priorities, Elsa. Personally, I'd be looking for a cheaper way of sorting the car problem if it's only a height matter. Maybe an extra cushion? You can but swivel ones, from disability shops, that enable some people to get in more easily. Or, a firm that specialises in adapting cars for disabled people could probably raise the seat itself. That would leave some money for the double glazing.

bubbadog

Hi elsa56, You are far from being selfish! When you get to the position your in it's hard to decide where to put the money. Where I live in Redditch Worcestershire our council does a grant for people who are disabled and on benifits including DLA. This grant goes towards, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, new boiler or double glazing. I'm not sure if your council does the same thing but I was under the impression it was for the whole of England so it could be worth talking to someone at your council about it. Oh yes by the way I own my house it's not council so it covers both. I hope this might help you, and fingers crossed you can get a grant.

wall1409

Good on you and no you are not selfish for getting what you only deserve.