UK people: Do you get Disability Living Allowance?

Post Reply New Topic

I was diagnosed with Asperger's this week and the doctor there said I'm now entitled to DLA. But when we got home my Dad looked it up and said it's only for people who can't dress themselves or look after themselves properly. That is what it says on the government website, but when I looked on the NAS website about adults applying for DLA, it had examples like "Once I left the iron on and burnt the carpet", which reminded me of one time I left the hob on and started a fire in the kitchen (also, why would a person who can't dress themselves be doing the ironing?)
Another example they give is "If someone is with me when I am in a strange place they can help calm me down if I start to get anxious", which is also true for me.

So I don't really understand if I'm eligible or not. It was the doctor who recommended I apply in the first place but my Dad really seems to think it's only for people who can't cook or go to the toilet. Who is right?

My son is diagnosed with Asperger's and I have been told that he is entitled to DLA because of that. I haven't got round to applying for it yet, but his class teacher, who used to work in a specialised autism unit has said that she will help me with the form.

There are different levels of support available, depending on the needs of the individual. I have been told that applications are commonly turned down, pretty much as a matter of course to deter people and save money, but if you appeal then you will more than likely be successful.

I can't think of specific examples right now, but I have noticed that if you are on DLA then more services, accommodations and concessions may be available because of that.

I say, give it a shot. Take the advice offered by NAS online and maybe email or phone them for more advice relating to your own situation. My son's teacher says that there are certain "buzz words" which the assessors are looking for. It is a daunting form, which is why I've not applied yet, but if you are diagnosable then you almost certainly qualify for DLA.

DLA is based on care and /or mobility needs; not diagnosis.

I am going to reapply. I currently receive it for physical disabilities. On my last application, I was told that I don't have communication needs. This is despite being sight impaired.

Would an Aspie be sent to prison if they have been claiming DLA but also have improved but still need the help with other things?

^^This^^

My personal view (which may or may not be the official view) is that DLA is there for people who have additional expenses directly due to their disability in relation to mobility and care, and cannot afford to pay them without financial hardship. I am diagnosed with an ASD, I'm not sure whether I have additional expenses as a result of that though I suspect I do in regard to mobility, but I am lucky to have a job which pays me enough to afford them. Or rather it would, if one of the symptoms of my mental health difficulties - which I have in addition to the ASD - wasn't to overspend substantially when I am unwell and consequently continually paying off large debts. Therefore I have never applied and I doubt I would unless I lost my job. That's not to say the extra money wouldn't help. But that's just me. Maybe I'm being too principled, or just naive, in not applying.

I had a look though the application form a few weeks ago (it had been recommended for me by a support group) but don't think I would have a strong claim.

Looking through the questions for the care component (I have no mobility issues so ignored this part) I could probably put down for some of the motivation issues (getting up/out of bed, choosing appropriate clothing [although my NT dad relies on guidance from my mum so I don't think this is AS related], looking after my appearance, cooking from scratch).

I don't get daily support for this (I speak to my parents a few times a week) and a lot of it is situational (If I have to get up for a reason [work etc.] it is easier than getting up without anything specific to do).

I don't think I would be comfortable applying as I don't see myself as needing care for day to day life.

-----

The form looks at what care you need, however under the rates that can be awarded under the scheme it would not be enough to employ support (the highest level care allowance is just over 1 hour per day at minimum wage).

According to the website "You may be prosecuted if you fail to tell them about a change"

I think it would depend on how much your circumstances change. Given that people have good and bad days the amount of support they need will also vary. It would be very hard to prove unless there is a major change that can be easily observed. I suspect that major prosecution would only occur for a fraudulent claim, rather than a minor improvement.

I first tried to get disability in Pennsylvania, but the office I went to was not helpful. I don't know if it was just that branch or if the whole state is that resistant to helping people who really need help. They gave me a hard time instead of help. Some relatives eventually helped me move to New York State. The office there was geared to be more helpful. They do make you jump through some paperwork hoops, but that's to weed out people who should not be getting assistance. They at least give you the benefit of the doubt while you are going through the process, so I was able to get temporary state assistance while applying for Disability. Pennsylvania absolutely refused to do this. The assistance from NY enabled me to pay half the minimum going rent rate for this area to the relatives who bought me an old trailer to live in up here. Buying the trailer put a strain on their retirement money, so I was glad to help out. I couldn't pay more at the time, as I needed the remainder of my assistance to pay other bills.

The NY state office was very helpful with info about the process for applying for federal disability. They said that the first application is usually denied, so most people have to appeal the decision. They said that in our part of NY state it usually takes at least 18 months from the first denial until you have your appeal hearing. They also recommended that I get an attorney to help me out, and said if I couldn't afford one, I should get a Legal Aid attorney. They also said I should see doctors for my health problems, so I could have some medical records to prove my case at the appeal hearing. I managed to qualify for Medicaid, so I was able to see a lot of doctors for my health problems. I also got a Legal Aid attorney. By the time of the appeal hearing, which did happen to be about 18 months later, I had enough medical records to qualify for disability, so I won my appeal. Now I get enough Disability assistance to pay my relatives the full minimum rent rate on the trailer. I am also better able to pay my bills.

My disability finding is based on my other health problems, not my Asperger's, but either way, I do need the help.

If you are going for disability, you will need medical records, and an attorney to improve your chances. You will also need a lot of patience, as it will probably take a lot of time.

Good luck.

I've had this since I was young, they are changing it to PIP and for many of us it means a reassessment in 2015. I've been wondering how I would cope without the income, I also get ESA but this is challenged periodically by ATOS and so could threaten the JSA and its conditionality. Thing is I am trying to look at moving out with parents and living life as an Aspergers Adults, but if I'd done it years ago the DLA had years left and it would have really helped me set everything up. The definition is that we can't function well in normal society so if they take away this thing that functions as a basic income, it'll be nothing but a situation of poverty and even more reduced prospects than even those on JSA, it'll be a life where money ceases to have any relevance and where accessing anything in society will be almost impossible

You are less able to concentrate, less able to fit into the social group of a workplace, you don't respect NT values, you're more rebellious, there is a severe lack of or no employment anyway even for "able bodied" NTs, you're reasonably intelligent but you're not motivated by anything but your own interests, you don't conform to the usual social rules, you exasperate people, you don't understand them, you'd get the mick taken out of you, I could go on.

I don't get the concept of having to generate your own income, how are you supposed to do that, it's stupid. You've got to get socially "in" with a group just to do it. There should be a basic income first for everybody anyway, so the concept of DLA makes more sense.

I am in the process of applying to DSA. I was surprised to find I was eligible. From the description, I didn't think I would be, but all the professionals I've spoken to have strongly advised me to apply.

I don't know if the same applies with DLA/PIP.