uk fishies finance question: benefits

[Darrell]

I just wanted to ask a question to :uk about benefits...

no idea where the best place to post this was, but I thought maybe here...!

I just wondered if people had experience of DLA (disability living allowence). Most people at the day unit are getting it - and have said to me I should too - but I'm sitting here reading the forms and feeling... well rather un-disabled. Okay if I wrote it for my *absolute worst* then maybe I do need some supervision and help but only once in a blue-moon - I'm stubborn and independent as much as poss. So I feel a bit of a fraud....

I'm also running out of money :ummm

Just wondered if anyone had any input.

Also - do you know where DLA stands with incapacity benefit? I'm *still* waiting to hear back on that one (just written a nagging letter - and it seems from the forms they are separate and if you're eligible you can have both... which just feels greedy to me when I'm getting nothing at all - but well I wouldn't say no to things right now :ohboy

Anyway - I will chat about it to the other patients but I wanted to ask here too as you guys know me pretty well and I figured someone out there would know things...!! It might also be a helpful post for other :uk too :shy

:gimmehug

[Dolly]

Hey babes! I'm planning to claim DLA soon too, following advice from my Key worker. I've been 'not in a good way' to work, and have been claiming JSA for a few months- which I shouldn't really do b/c I can't really do any 'seeking' either at the momment.

The thing about DLA- always answer from a 'bad day' perspective! It also says 'Still answer 'yes' if you need the help but don't get it. I really need the help for somethings on there, someone to feed me, cook with me or what ever but I have to do it on my own (or not)- don't be put off by it! Also, get all the people you see as DP to write letters of support for you.

I'm not sure how it works with incapacity benefit. My key worker told me to go to the CAB- have you asked them? I was too embarressed to be honest but I am going to try and ring them.

You are entitled to the money so you really should apply- Although it can be such a stressfull process; I cry every time I go to the job centre....they always make me feel like a criminal.

Good :clover luck hon. How is DP going? They won't let me do it still- think that they are a bit frightened of me or something!!???? Are you finding it useful???

[AngelBarbie]

I get income support (I haven't paid enough national insurance for incapacity benefit) and I get DLA. I get the care component & the mobility component.

I was working for the benefits office when DLA was introduced! They use really long confusing forms specifically to put people off claiming. They ask the same questions about five - ten times. Just to see if you are consistent with your replies.

What you have to do is fill it in as if you are having a really bad day. You don't need to lie and make out that your problems are worse than they are, but fill it in as if you are having a really bad day. To give them an idea of how your illness effects you and your life.

It depends how long you have been ill and how much it effects you as to what rate you get. I get the mobility component as well because I have got severe osteoporosis as a direct result of having anorexia for some sixteen years.

Don't let the form put you off, that is what they hope for! You have nothing to lose by trying. The worst that can happen is that you won't get it, or you might have a visit from one of their Drs.
Go for it, they won't give it to you unless you apply.

[Darrell]

Have just been lent this months EDA newsletter and it actually has an article about DLA - and yes - people with ED's should definitely apply and be eligible for the min rate at least - often more if the ED is combined with other mental health probs.

:ohboynow I just have to get my head together enough to apply :ummm

Thanks for the replies - wanted to add this for others who may read it