Hi all
Has anyone here claimed for disability living allowance due to lymphodema? Mine has flared up since Mexico and not gone down. When I was looking into help with insulation for my house it was suggested I may be entitled to this benefit, and that in turn would help me get help with making my house cheaper to heat.
I had never thought about applying, and was told I may only get the lower level, but was wondering if you had any tips, I hear the form is hard to fill in.
Thanks
Irene
Thought I better clear something up. Some of you will know I am thinking of leaving my husband. I am not rushing into this, and last winter was very cold here so our house needs work doing on it to get it warmer, but also for the HIP report for selling it when we do split. Hense this route involving benefits.
Apparently DLA is not means tested but I am on a low wage since having BC as now only part time. Sadly I earn slightly more than the cut off point for other benefits, typical!
Irene
Hi, Just seen someone mention on another thread about macmillan welfare rights advisors . Maybe if you can hold of one of them they will be able to help you fill in the form.
Also DIAL and CAB should be able to help.
Good luck 
Hi Irene
Don’t come on here often but feel that maybe I might be in the best position to answer your query. I have lymphoedema in both arms and did initially apply for DLA on that basis. Probably the only relevant criteria that they see as a possible qualifying factor was the ‘cooking a meal’ test (unable to lift heavy pans etc). Not being able to clean, vaccum and carry shopping are simply not regarded as relevant. I was turned down and was also turned down on appeal.
The following information copied from another site google ‘benefits now’ will get you there might be useful.
You need to show that your disability means that you “cannot prepare a main cooked meal for yourself if you have the ingredients” The cookery test is used to judge whether your disability prevents you from carrying out complicated tasks. It is not important whether you actually want to make a meal for yourself- what counts is whether your disability stops you carrying out this kind of task.
The DSS Decision Makers’ Guide (paras 61081/82)states that-
The “main meal test” determines a person’s ability to perform key daily tasks. It is a hypothetical test to calibrate the severity of a person’s disability. It is not a test of cooking ability or of the person’s ability to survive or enjoy a reasonable diet without assistance. It is a measurement of a person’s physical and mental capacity to carry out complex functions. A cooked main meal means a meal for one person freshly cooked on a traditional cooker.
The definitive interpretation of the cooking test is now that of the House of Lords in Moyna v. Secretary of State. This requires taking a broad view over the relevant period of time taking into account the available evidence of the claimant’s abilities and testing them against the hypothetical test. This can be done by looking at the persons abilities to perform activities involved in cooking, including direct evidence of actual difficulties with cooking, such as gripping, lifting, bending, planning, as well as indirect evidence of other activities using the same bodily functions that are normally used in cooking, for example, eating, washing, driving, shopping, cleaning, being aware of danger, or any other physical or mental activity using the same bodily functions as are normally used in cooking.
The cookery test entitles you to the lower rate of DLA, you do not have to attempt to make a meal nor do you have to want to. Nobody is going to “test” your ability to prepare a meal.
-The important thing is whether your disability prevents you from carrying out the task.
-If preparing a meal would put you at risk of injury then you are likely to obtain the lower rate- you would need to show that your disability means that you would be in substantial danger if you were to try to prepare a meal.
Actually now do qualify and get lower rate care and higher mobility DLA (smashed my leg up…not deliberately I might add) and now on crutches with chronic osteomyalitis. I did then apply for the warm front grant which you would be entitled to if you got ANY DLA.
Sorry to hear of your current circumstances and good luck with all this, but do make sure you make it very clear in the ‘cooking a meal’ as to what you are not able to do now.
Roberta
xx
Roberta
Thanks for the tips re cooking a meal. I only have LO in one arm, my dominant one, but have been told not to lift heavy weights, i.e. a heavy pan, coal bucket, shopping.
I do try and avoid these things, or use the other arm, but I suppose this wont help my claim because in theory, I could lift the pan, at the expence of making the LO worse?! Will def seek advice when claim form comes, already been 5 day waiting.
Thanks again
Irene
Another one is lifting pans out of the oven. you need two good arms for that ; Think of dressing too. Do you need help with that with your lymphoedema? Try to think of all the times you need help from someone even if you do not actually get that help.
Come to think of it, it was the cooking one that swung it for me when I claimed DLA a few years ago (non cancer related). DIAL helped me fill in mine as CAB had a waiting list.
Have started to fill in the form and so far it seems straight forward so not sure about getting help. Good tip about stuff out of oven, thanks, will add that one…
Irene
I have just applied for ESA, but after reading this thread might apply for DLA as well. I habe Lymphoedema in my right hand, arm and breast and also a weakness in my left arm after having a torn tendon in my left shoulder. My husband or son have done the cooking for ages because I find it too difficult. I also have Neuropathy in my hands and feet and now walk with a stick. I’m only 54. 2 years ago I was as strong as an ox. Such is life
H xx
Hiya
i just applied for DLA i got in touch with macmillin welfare advisor she came filled the forms in with me and also told me i was able to get agrant of up to £400 for things like heating buying new bras travelling to an from hospital this grant is from macmilinn