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