Disability Living Allowance

Invictus

Hi,

I have psoriatic arthritis, uveitis and psoriasis and have been in receipt of DLA for a number of years. Problem is I hate claiming and want to be as independent as possible! Can anybody give me advice on how to get off this benefit or are there others like me out there that feel the same?

stickywicket

I love your username, Invictus. That, alone, tells us a lot about your attitude to this disease.

Yours is not a usual question. More often, we get people asking how to come by DLA not how to get off it. Presumably, you get it because it is deemed that you need it and, if you’ve had it for some years, your arthritis must be quite advanced.

I assume what you’re asking is what kind of work you could do? That would depend on lots of things - how your arthritis affects you, which joints, how big a problem the uveitis is and, of course, what qualifications you have.

It might be that you’d be better off doing some voluntary work. I’ve always felt I ‘paid’ my way in society by my volunteering despite having to claim benefits. Lots of charities are crying out for help in all sorts of ways. You could have a look at http://www.do-it.org.uk/ which makes it simple.

frogmorton

Lovely to meet you Inviticus

Fabulous username!!

DLA isn't a benefit designed to replace income it was designed to enable people with disabilities to live as able a life as possible.

The ESA is the one in theory to replace work income.

If you want to get back to work you can do it while you are still on DLA, (which seems to be getting harder and harder to be awarded these days anyway). You have every right to see if the job-centre can help you find work - or you could consider voluntary work like Stickywicket suggested???

Take care

Love

Toni xxx

stickywicket

frogmorton wrote:

DLA isn't a benefit designed to replace income it was designed to enable people with disabilities to live as able a life as possible.

The ESA is the one in theory to replace work income.

:oops: And this is why I tend not to give advice on benefits Thanks, Toni.

Arethro

I have got both of care and mobility ares of DLA. Iget proper care as I need to involve other people to assist. The mobility factor is because of neuropathy. And while filling a DLA form you need to mention the care you want, not the care thay are providing.

Invictus

Thanks for the kind comments as I was having a bad day not from arthritis but depression which as you may know is another off-shoot of the dreaded condition. Life is an up-hill struggle and at times all I have wanted to do is end the cycle of misery! In reference to advice given about work, I have a full time job, or just about anyway! In the early days I needed financial help because I was so ill and was dismissed from work due to ill health on two seperate occassions. Recieving DLA has helped me and my family survive but I have always hated having to claim it.

frogmorton

Oh Inviticus

Depression IS such a close friend of Arthritis isn't it? Most of us understand that. One thing which does help is talking to people - and this site is a great place to come to do that so I am extra glad you ahve found us and hope you will decide to stay

If you ever feel really like you need to talk to a person then you could ring the helpline number too. I have more than once and was glad I did.

Love

Toni xx

stickywicket

Toni is right. This is a good place to talk about all aspects of arthritis (and depression can often be one) so do feel free, Invictus. We do understand. Sometimes it helps just to talk about things with others who do understand without you having to spell everything out.

blueknees

DLA is a benefit that people receive if proof of entitlement can be provided.

You are duty bound to notify the DCS of any changes in your condition, better or worse and can be taken off the benefit for not doing so.

If your condition has not changed since the award you can stay on the benefit but if you wish to come off all you have to do is notify the DLA that you no longer wish to claim. They may think it odd and have a look at you in case your condition has improved, if they can prove that they would look to claim an overpayment going back a number of years.

In my opinion, if you are the same as you were I would leave well alone.

It is a benefit that can be claimed while at work as long as your work does not prove you are better than you were when you claimed DLA.

DLA opens a few doors to other benefits like Blue Badge, Toll roads and tunnels free of charge, if living or driving in London no extra charges.

Fairly soon you may be called in to a medical as many people like you will be when the changes to the system take place, April this year. That may lead to you being taken off the benefit?

It is worth having.

stickywicket

Hello Invictus. How are you feeling today?

Invictus

Hi,

I have had a better day today, thankyou for asking :!: This site is a bit of a release for me as I usually keep most of my thoughts and feelings to myself. It's nice to know there are so many other people out there that understand my predicament. I was recently diagnosed with uveitis which is a chronic eye condition and is directly related to arthritis and or my meds. Given all the other stuff I have to put up with this new information kinda tipped me over the edge a little. So really sorry for moaning yesterday, I will try and post more positive stuff in future...

frogmorton

Inviticus

Sometimes we are positive -sometimes we just can't be :? That's what we do on here - help each other out with the harder stuff and celebrate the good

Sorry about your eyes - I have had nasty episodes of very painful red eyes, can't remember what it was called, but the rheumatologist said it was connected to the arthritis.

Hope it eases soon

love

Toni xxx

stickywicket

No apology needed, Invictus. As Toni says, we share the good and the bad on here. There's no need for brave faces.

We also have one or two with uveitis. I hope they see this and reply.