I don’t know if there has been anything on this site at all re the above.
The government is currently running a consultation on their new proposals for disability living allowance. Responses need to be in by 14 February.
dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-reform-consultation-easyread.pdf
I was wondering what this might mean for people with cancer and what issues those of us who choose to respond should make? Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
thanks, Elinda
Thanks very much for posting up the link Elinda.
The hugely helpful Disability Alliance are actively involved in preparing a robust answer to the proposed reforms and are asking people to complete a short survey to help them in this.
I can only respond from the point of view of a Special Rules person, however, I think the proposed changes are scarily motivated by economics rather than by any real desire to give “disabled people choice and control over the care and support services they need to live their lives the way they want to.” (quoted from the consultation paper)
Not sure how to do links but here they are for Disability Alliance.
disabilityalliance.org/dlatest2.htm
surveymonkey.com/s/dlareform
Many thanks again
Lionheart
Elinda,Thanks for posting this, as a bone mets woman on DLA I shall certainly be reading this with interest.
I will of course also respond to surveys etc by people like the Disability Alliance - thanks for that link too lionheart.
Bumping this in hopes that lots of other forum members, specially secondary ladies who this will affect, get the chance to act.
Julie
Macmillan are running a template letter about heating allowances it will be on there web site if your interested.
e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=70&ea.campaign.id=8593&ea.tracking.id=d4227394&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Macmillan+Cancer+Support&utm_campaign=Infi-knit+Follow-up+1&dm_i=FY7,C6QL,3C9XEW,YV73,1
Thanks for the responses. I am in the fortunate position of not needing DLA but would like to respond to the consultation on behalf of people with cancer who do need it.
Are there any specific issues? I see a big part of it relates to mobility but that may well not be such an issue. Any thoughts?
Im not in need of DLA either but will do anything i can to help.
bump
bump come on ladies please help.
Hi Elinda
Just coming back to your question re issues affecting DLA peeps.
The main issue is that those in receipt of DLA because they have secondary cancer are very much a sub group of disabled people that DLA is not very well designed for. Firstly people with cancer have received their diagnosis from a highly trained medical specialist. It is a waste of money to have this diagnosis scrutinised for a second time by a civil servant in a ‘medical exam’. Secondly, cancer causes very variable states of health, rendering the patient sometimes moderately functional sometimes unable to function at all. DLA should be awarded to people with cancer irrespective of their ability to function. It should be purely on the basis of a secondary diagnosis which is always fully documented at the hospital and should be forwarded onto DLA automatically. This would streamline the whole process and bring economic savings. The long questionnaire about a patient’s function (mobility and care needs) is a bureaucratic means of quibbling over the cost of caring for this person. If the decision is made by government to help people with cancer then a standard amount should be given, with no forms no hoops and no quibbling.
Sorry for the ramble!
Best of luck to everyone on DLA!!!
Fi (Lionheart)
I find it all very upsetting when the Government talk about reviewing people on benefits like DLA. As if it is not enough to have to cope with a terminal illness without having to fill in forms and go for a medical. I really worries me sick because the difference it makes to my life makes coping with cancer every day more bearable. I do not know how I would manage with my DLA as I had to give up work early when I got my bone mets diagnosis. This is one worry I could do without. Thank you for starting this thread Elinda. Keep well, Val X
I agree Val, this is ridiculous. I’m just about to go through the process of claiming DLA and asking my GP or BCN to complete the DS1500 form (special rules) as I have Stage IV bone mets.
Trying to get hold of MacMillan to help with the DLA forms - not that easy at the moment!
I will let you know how I get on.
Good luck everyone with their applications. Looks like we need to get them in soon…
xx
Remember that if they refuse your DLA that you can always appeal. Good luck sweetanimo I hope you get it withour having to jump through hoops. I kept a photocopy of the last forms I submitted to them which you may like to do yourself incase of any problems. I think the Citizen’s Advice may also be able to help with anyone struggling with any forms to complete. Oh I wish they could make things easier for Cancer patients. We just don’t need this extra added stress. Love Val
Hi ladies,
Have come accross a couple of articles related to this, the articles themselves include some links one in particular looks interesting ‘One Month Before Heartbreak’ aims to get noticed and maybe we should join in and take action?!
http//www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2011/jan/13/disability-living-allowance-benefit-cuts-protest
guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2011/jan/12/mobility-allowance-cut-disabled-meanest-of-all
Hope I’ve pasted hyperlinks in usable way!
Love Julie
Will try first link again as didn’t seem to work on last post though second one did! Here goes!
guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2011/jan/13/disability-living-allowance-benefit-cuts-protest
Thanks for the responses so far. I’m going to read through fully this week but in the meantime I’m going to bump this up. x
I just cannot get it out of my head that I may lose my DLA, my income, my car and more important my freedom…makes me ill just thinking about it. Thanks for your imput elinda and all, love V
bump
Firstly, re Scottish Lass’s comments. I’m a stage 4 lady, and my understanding is that if someone has claimed under DS1500 rules they won’t be subject to any change ( If i’m wrong I would appreciate being corrected).
Secondly, I want to make clear that by saying the above, I’m not dismissing the predicament of people who have claimed DL:A on normal grounds. In my view it is disgraceful, that the Government have chosen to cut benefits to the sickest, and poorest members of society - especially while they’re content to leave rich fat-cats to enjoy their city bonuses.
Thankfully, people are becoming more militant now, and I really hope that cancer patients will finally recognise that the only way they will get the treatment and help they deserve, is to band together, and kick up a fuss.
Hi all,
I agree Lemongrove it’s disgusting! I agree Scottishlass, it’s worrying!
I know that even people already on DLA will have a new assessment, I also understand that there will still be ‘Special Rules’, exactly where that leaves us secondaries ladies I don’t know. Therefore I think we should make as many of our views heard as is possible. Therefore I am pasting info from the Disability Alliance with a links to surveys for feedback.
Lets make our opinins known!!
Love Juliexx