dla help

lindas
lindas Member Posts: 13
hi wondering if anyone could advise is it possible to get dla if you have OA i have it in my left hip to the point where the joint has deteriated and i have no joint left on the waiting list for hip replacement but a friend told me i should qualify for dla and the blue badge scheme please can anyone help with this query thanks
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Comments

  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I have OA, hip dysplasia, and have recently had a hip replacement and require further surgery in the future. I applied for DLA but have been declined on both components. I have asked for it to be reconsidered. However, some people in similar circumstances have received it. So it is worth applying but you cannot be sure of the outcome. You could ask CAB/welfare rights for advice.
    With regards to a blue badge, you can apply to your local council for that. I got mine approved without a problem, and obviously without DLA.
    Good luck.
    NB
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lida
    NB is quite right - you get your blue badge from the local authority and may only need GP backing to get it.It can make a reall difference to your life - getting about more is good for us :wink: :!:
    Dla I think you should put in for it - nothing ventuired nothing gained. Go for it and again I agree with NB, get CAB support or another reputable agency. With my Mum for instance age concern helped me.
    Take care
    Toni x
  • denpen
    denpen Member Posts: 389
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Linda
    Yeah I too have OA in my left hip told I need a replacement, waiting to see consultant again in April, also have it in right hip and pubis bone, I applied for DLA and was rejected within 3 weeks. I cant go through the stress of appealing so gave up.
    But its worth you applying go for it. Good Luck.
    Denise
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi yes it is possible. Bear in mind when you complete the form it's not what's wrong with you but how it affects your life. The advisor said on the phone to me once that they don't care about your diagnosis only how your symptoms affect you ie with walking, caring for yourself. I was told recently a breast cancer sufferer going through chemo got declined on both components because she had explained her illness and not how she is affected by it, she went to a local charity here and they got her middle rate care and low mobility. Defo worth taking advice and re Den Pen's message. DON'T GIVE UP! It's what they want! Good luck x
  • lindas
    lindas Member Posts: 13
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi yes it is possible. Bear in mind when you complete the form it's not what's wrong with you but how it affects your life. The advisor said on the phone to me once that they don't care about your diagnosis only how your symptoms affect you ie with walking, caring for yourself. I was told recently a breast cancer sufferer going through chemo got declined on both components because she had explained her illness and not how she is affected by it, she went to a local charity here and they got her middle rate care and low mobility. Defo worth taking advice and re Den Pen's message. DON'T GIVE UP! It's what they want! Good luck x

    thanks for that i definately wont give up my neighbour gave me phone number for a company that fill the form for you they have a high success rate only draw back is they take a percentage of your back dated money no win no fee
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Linda
    I have never heard of this, but surely that's not right? Taking money you need?!
    CAB and the others don't charge anything :(
    Either way I wish you all the luck with your application.
    Do let us know how you get on
    Toni x
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have to agree with Toni there, I wouldn't be going to anyone who takes your money. Try typing Money or Benefit advice in google followed by the area you live in. It should bring a list up of suitable charities & Welfare Rights etc in your area. That money would be to enable you to have a better quality of life and I wouldn't be giving that to anyone offering help, but that's me. You do what you feel is right. Good luck x
  • jackie1955
    jackie1955 Member Posts: 632
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    To be honest I wonder how anybody ever gets awarded DLA these days - unless they are completely paralysed?

    I had thought about the possibility of applying in the future, but now I don't think I'll bother. Everything I thought I was struggling with I appear to be able to manage with the help of aids.

    I saw the Occ. therapist yesterday and she asked me loads of questions about how I did things at home - the fact I was in pain was of secondary importance - the thing was I MANAGE.

    I looked at the DLA claim form online, and basically all the questions were similar to what the OT had asked me. So if she thinks I manage fine, I reckon theres no chance with the DLA :(

    Incidentally, it doesn't matter what illness/disability you have but how it AFFECTS your ability to 'do' things that DLA is based on.

    Like I say, if you can still 'do' things one way or another how on earth do you get awarded it?

    Jackie :?
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    jackie1955 wrote:
    To be honest I wonder how anybody ever gets awarded DLA these days - unless they are completely paralysed?

    I had thought about the possibility of applying in the future, but now I don't think I'll bother. Everything I thought I was struggling with I appear to be able to manage with the help of aids.

    I saw the Occ. therapist yesterday and she asked me loads of questions about how I did things at home - the fact I was in pain was of secondary importance - the thing was I MANAGE.

    I looked at the DLA claim form online, and basically all the questions were similar to what the OT had asked me. So if she thinks I manage fine, I reckon theres no chance with the DLA :(

    Incidentally, it doesn't matter what illness/disability you have but how it AFFECTS your ability to 'do' things that DLA is based on.

    Like I say, if you can still 'do' things one way or another how on earth do you get awarded it?

    Jackie :?

    Jackie, I'd give it a go, everyone manages their illness to a degree, some just manage better than others, that doesn't mean they are not deserving. I hope you change your mind about applying, i've read your posts and you certainly sound deserving to me. x
  • ikesother
    ikesother Member Posts: 171
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there, Im in a similar situation to you; Im going in hospital on Thurs for a THR and i currently recieve Dla mobility and low rate care component. My advice is apply now before you decide to any op, as the DWP seem to think when youre about to have an op or have just had one, that you will be "normal" within 8 weeks and therefore dont qualify for their "needing help etc for 6 months or more".alot of people on this forum seem to be getting refused who deserve and qualify for it, so I would go to the CAB if your in any doubt of the forms. Good luck jk :)
  • sputnik
    sputnik Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I applied for DLA as and have OA in ankles and knees. I got an answer within 3 weeks after they had written to my consultant. I was awarded the mobility component on a temporary basis for 2 years and continue to hope that I will not need it after that. I know that is some areas there are Welfare Rights offices which will assist with any forms and appeals. lancashire area has offices funded by the local authority.
  • jackie1955
    jackie1955 Member Posts: 632
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    Thanks for your replies, it all seems a bit of a lottery I think!

    I'm still not sure about applying...... maybe in the future :|

    Jackie x
  • colinone
    colinone Member Posts: 1,039
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jackie, Talk to the CAB they are really good and will help you fill in the forms if you decide to apply. They tend to know what answers to use that best suit you, its worth a try and you never know you may well get it.
    Colin
  • airwave
    airwave Member Posts: 579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    lindas wrote:
    hi wondering if anyone could advise is it possible to get dla if you have OA i have it in my left hip to the point where the joint has deteriated and i have no joint left on the waiting list for hip replacement but a friend told me i should qualify for dla and the blue badge scheme please can anyone help with this query thanks

    I have OA and yes you can get DLA, is it a lottery? Yes. The blue badge was the easy bit. Go to CAB or docs and ask for help to apply.


    8) Its a grin, honest!
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    airwave wrote:
    lindas wrote:
    hi wondering if anyone could advise is it possible to get dla if you have OA i have it in my left hip to the point where the joint has deteriated and i have no joint left on the waiting list for hip replacement but a friend told me i should qualify for dla and the blue badge scheme please can anyone help with this query thanks

    I have OA and yes you can get DLA, is it a lottery? Yes. The blue badge was the easy bit. Go to CAB or docs and ask for help to apply.


    8) Its a grin, honest!
    Hi
    Not everybody with OA can! Just been declined again! :cry:
    NB
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    airwave wrote:
    lindas wrote:
    hi wondering if anyone could advise is it possible to get dla if you have OA i have it in my left hip to the point where the joint has deteriated and i have no joint left on the waiting list for hip replacement but a friend told me i should qualify for dla and the blue badge scheme please can anyone help with this query thanks

    I have OA and yes you can get DLA, is it a lottery? Yes. The blue badge was the easy bit. Go to CAB or docs and ask for help to apply.


    8) Its a grin, honest!
    Hi
    Not everybody with OA can! Just been declined again! :cry:
    NB

    Hi Nicola. I'm very shocked and saddened at that news. Keep fighting, we are all behind you, we know you deserve it. xxx
  • achealot
    achealot Member Posts: 22
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Linda

    If its not to late you can ask them to look at the case again and it will be looked at again by another decision maker .
    If you're not successful try again.I get it but then I have it everywhere but it is my hips that give me the worst problems .
    You must make it clear the troubles you have getting about and for how long you have the pain and how far you can walk before you are in survere pain.
    I don't know about you but I'm in pain from the moment I wake and if you're the same you must let them know.

    good luck

    brendan x
  • dean76
    dean76 Member Posts: 112
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I applied for DLA Mobility and keep ringing to see what is going on been told a decision will be made by 10 June. (11 wk deadline). I asked was there a back-log and they said No! just that the decision maker just cannot decide on a decision ?????? No news is good news I though as they say! I asked if they have contacted any specialists or GP's I have seen and they said that medical reports simply arent needed.

    Last week I was told I would hear by the end of May. Im dying to get a decision either way. The waiting is the hardest part. I got my GP to fill out one of the pages and he stated in his words that my Arthritis affects my mobility. So what is the delay I wonder ?????
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, Last year I had a long period off sick and SSP ran out. Before I went back to work an employment advisor from the Jobcentre rang. She said I should apply dla even though I was going back to work as its not the illness they look at but how it effects your life. The answer to a lot of the questions is no you can't do things without assistance from aids or people. She told me the allowence is to cover the extra cost of buying the things you need to cope, because without them you can't cope. She advised getting CAB to help with the form as they know the way to put things that the DSS listen to. I never tried this at the time and since then I've been on full salary, that is about to change and I will have to start filling in these forms. It must be worth a try, the occy was probably looking at ways to help you cope and if you are managing, and she can't offer anything better, then her job is done.

    I hope you try for it and get it. Love Sue
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dean76 wrote:
    I applied for DLA Mobility and keep ringing to see what is going on been told a decision will be made by 10 June. (11 wk deadline). I asked was there a back-log and they said No! just that the decision maker just cannot decide on a decision ?????? No news is good news I though as they say! I asked if they have contacted any specialists or GP's I have seen and they said that medical reports simply arent needed.

    Last week I was told I would hear by the end of May. Im dying to get a decision either way. The waiting is the hardest part. I got my GP to fill out one of the pages and he stated in his words that my Arthritis affects my mobility. So what is the delay I wonder ?????

    Hi, the timescale for their turnaround is 11 weeks, usually you hear before that, I've heard people hear in 3 or 4 weeks, some longer. Mines took 12 weeks and was declined but was reversed on reassessment. I was told by the Charity who rep'd me, they very rarely contact specialists as the cost is in the hundreds, a Dr is £32
  • dean76
    dean76 Member Posts: 112
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi and thanks for the reply. I contacted the DLA since this posting and asked if a decision had been made. I was told that the 11 weeks was due 10 June but that its only a guideline and usually takes alot longer. (Rubbish if you ask me). Last week they said they were only dealing with claims sent 4 Feburary so she said I wont hear from at least another 5/6 weeks. Which means about the first week in July.

    I asked if anybody had been contacted and she said No that wasnt necessary. Not even my GP. Whether that is because I got the GP to fill out one of the pages before I sent the form off I dont know?!?

    She then said a decision had been made but it is now with another decision maker. Why I dont know !?!?!?

    I rang last Friday and told the operator about nee medications Im on, bout arthritis in my hands Ive since been diagnosed with and said it wasnt really necessary. I think it is.
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi. I've got a feeling that if you are going to have surgery, DLA assume that in a few weeks you'll be running around :shock: . I've never applied for it but was told that its the person they look at, not the illness. Personally I couldn't be bothered at the time to go through yet more forms, as I'm busy filling in forms for ESA , as work are retiring me with ill health! Wrong attitude I know, but maybe in a little while I'll change my mind. :) Love sue
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dean76 wrote:
    Hi and thanks for the reply. I contacted the DLA since this posting and asked if a decision had been made. I was told that the 11 weeks was due 10 June but that its only a guideline and usually takes alot longer. (Rubbish if you ask me). Last week they said they were only dealing with claims sent 4 Feburary so she said I wont hear from at least another 5/6 weeks. Which means about the first week in July.

    I asked if anybody had been contacted and she said No that wasnt necessary. Not even my GP. Whether that is because I got the GP to fill out one of the pages before I sent the form off I dont know?!?

    She then said a decision had been made but it is now with another decision maker. Why I dont know !?!?!?

    I rang last Friday and told the operator about nee medications Im on, bout arthritis in my hands Ive since been diagnosed with and said it wasnt really necessary. I think it is.

    Yes, Dean that is probably why they don't feel the need. From reading posters experiences and my own, I'd say you have a great chance with a supportive Dr. The only reason mines was declined first time, was because they sent the form to the Dr, our practice has 6 , he'd never seen me so left Section 6 blank. The DLA took this to mean he didn't support my claim. I went to see my own Dr and he went mad, gave me a letter right away and refused to charge me for it. He even said in the letter that I'd never get better and be affected for the rest of my life.

    The decision was reversed right away without any appeal. So I have high hopes for you. x
  • dean76
    dean76 Member Posts: 112
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there thanks.

    When I applied for DLA I had just had surgery a few days before and sent my application off. My GP said in the form that my mobility is affected and that Id just had surgery for the 4th year and that more surgery was a possibility because I was still in pain.

    I then saw my surgeon who told me there was nothing more that could be done for me. So I told the DLA. My surgeon didnt put it in writing as he said he would see me in a few months (which is TODAY!). Im really hoping he can prescribe something or do something for the pain. If he cant I will ask him to put that in writing. I really want DLA because I want to be able to buy a mobility scooter that would give me so much independence especially not being able to drive because of the arthritis in my hands.

    So me waits for a decision....

    DEAN76 xxx
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Dean
    Very good luck at the rheumy's and also with the DLA - yes a scootaer would be a real life-line. I hope it all works out for you
    Toni x