DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE - advice for you

[Guest user]

I had stage 2 breast cancer, had 2 ops in 2008, lumpectomy, nodes removed, chemo last January and rads June then 5 years of Arimidex. I have been quite disabled by the side effects of the treatment, I have bad Neuropathy in my hands and legs and feet due to chemo and Lympoedema in hand, arm and breast. I already had bad Arthritis at the top of my spine and that is now a lot worse. I applied for DLA in July and Monday they sent a Medical Expert round to visit me to ask me more questions. He seemed very sympathetic but he doesn't make the decisions. Anyway I hope to hear soon now. If I don't get it I will appeal. If anything the past 6 months things have got more difficult. I will let you ladies know how it goes

Helen x

[Guest user]

filled out the forms a few months ago, got refused. so im appealing, have been told i wont get another answer until at least mid april.

[Guest user]

Hi everyone, I applied for DLA in October and was declined but I sent a letter of appeal and have been awarded the middle rate of the care component for DLA. If you are refused, try again, it will be worth if!

Dena xx

[Guest user]

i have just received comfirmation of getting highter DLA & low rate care componant for breast cancer. I have had a mastectomy and full axillary clearance. Will hve had 5 ops by end of December and cannot move my arm properly yet. i hve nerve damage which comes with the mastectomy op.

[Guest user]

hi lolly73

no, its if they consider you have a disability from your illnes, i applied and was tuned down, yet my sister who had the same bc as me 6 years ago, still gets the lower eliment, and uesd to get the full amount, i have just appealed
julie x

[lolly73]

Am I right in assuming that DLA and Blue Badges are only if you have secondaries?

[scottishlass]

Hi Lincs lady, I do not know where you live but in Scotland the application forms for blue badges are now obtained from the library! Odd I know. It used to be the council who dealt with it but for some reason it is the library now. You also need 2 passport photos. It is one of the best things ever for me and I would be lost without it. The rules of where you can and cannot park is VERY confusing. You need to be a lawyer to understand the inns and outs! So if you are confused too come back to me and I will try to explain. (In England you need a card with a "clock" on display but you do not need it when parking in Scotland). Good luck. love Val

[lincs_lady]

hi all
where do you get the blue badge forms from please??

i have the dla forms and have had for a few mths
i cant seem to get started
there is so many questions dont relate to me

but nearly 2 weeks out of 3 on chemo i cant cook for my son, have to have my mum in the house for when i shower as im so dizzy, cant do school runs etc and just stay in bed or on sofa

[Guest user]

hi ladies,

just wanted to say that i lost my right leg to bone cancer at age 19 and i was also refused dla after a certain period of time as they said i had had long enough to rehabilitate and could live a more or less 'normal' life!! The first time they said no i didn't even appeal or anything but then decided to re-apply a while later. that time i was asked to go for a medical assessment which i did and was then granted both care and mobility parts. i've recently had to reapply as my previous claim ran out and i'm still waiting to hear back from them.

what i was advised by my social worker is to fill out the forms describing things at their very worst but to obviously say that some days are better than others but don't necessarily go into detail about the good days if that makes sense.

good luck, xxx

[Guest user]

Its in England aswell im just filling in the forms xx

[Guest user]

Its in England aswell im just filling in the forms xx

[Guest user]

Hazel - is that in Scotland? x

[Guest user]

Hey to All

Just a wee note on the blue disabled badge.

You should be able to get this from diagnosis. I sent a wee letter with the form from my BCN just confirming that I have BC & am having 8 cycles of chemo followed by 6 weeks rads...nothing more than that & I got my badge within 2 days.

I don't use it on the week that I don't feel too bad, but it's a godsend when I'm feeling really bad & fatigued/nauseas after chemo.

Hx

[Guest user]

Just my two pence worth.

DLA - if you have secondary breast cancer you get the care component at the higher rate and only have to tick one box for that section of the form and not complete any information relative to care. You do need to enclose form DS1500 completed and signed by your gp or oncologist. DS1500 is statement that you have terminal illness and that you have less than 6 months. I got mine in March. The medical person may be hesitant to give you this form becuase of the inference that you don't have long. You do, however, have to fill in the section on mobility. I got the macmillan nurse based at a local cab office to help me complete it. Not so sure about DLA if you have primary only, never been there.

Don't forget when you get DLA for mobility at the higher rate this opens the door for other things. You have to apply to your local council but will get a disabled badge. You can apply for a free bus pass. You can get a radar key for public disabled toilets.

Hope this info helps someone.

Snoogle
x

[ses]

Dear Smallstar,

I agree. This letter is marvellous! Your strength is an inspiration. Thank - you

Ses
x

[Guest user]

smallstar what a star! you are your leter was very helpful and shows how as much as we shouldn,t have to spelling it out sadly is what is needed to get results you deserve,i,m sure it will be of great help to others take care ,sheena

[Guest user]

9 July 2009

DWP Disability & Carer's Service
OBU 4 Benefits Centre
P O Box 34
Birmingham
B99 1AR

Dear Sir/Madam

National Insurance Number:

Further to my recent claim for Disability Living Allowance, this was refused. I would like to ask you to revise your decision.

The reason I am asking you to reconsider is because I do not believe that you have considered the true extent of my illness and resulting limitations.

You state that your decision has been based on TEST results, how on earth you can do that when we do not know the full extent of my prognosis until the operation to remove my lymph nodes is carried out in November and subsequent testing to seek any further spread.
You state I can attend social events, the only event I have attended since starting chemotherapy has been a weekend away which should have been my hen party but I was too ill to attend of the activities I merely lay in the shade and rested,with carers STILL carrying out there duties for me.
My medication has been increased due to several complications and hospital admissions, I now have to have daily injections in my tummy administered by my husband to boost my bone marrow which in itself leaves me in excrusciating pain. I am on antibiotics also on day 5 from Chemotherapy to prevent a reoccurance of infection which in turn causes oral thrush and burns to my tongue.All this combined has resulted in me now having to have antidepressants as Its becoming a huge problem being a burden to others and losing my independence.

I would also like to point out that prior to this I was a very proud and positive individual and when I visit my oncologist once a month I try to put on an act of ‘coping’ well as I do not want my treatment jeopardized by me being too poorly. I want everything that they can throw at me safely to get me through this with hopefully a successful result.

Please consider that I require a substantial amount of care and attention throughout the day in relation to care/mobility and also psychological needs.

The following are factors for consideration:

• Constant pain and discomfort limit my daily life and affect my state of mind. I cannot lift my arm comfortably, due to the chemo flare under my armpits and in my breast, I cannot lift my babies.

• I often feel low in mood and lack motivation. I need encouragement from another person to function on a daily basis.

• I feel depressed on a daily basis due to the pain, emotional trauma and stress related to this potentially life threatening diagnosis.

• I have debilitating mood swings.

• I need to be accompanied outdoors; I have a lack of confidence and get very distressed. I need reassurance.

• Exertion undertaking ordinary daily tasks makes me extremely tired. I need constant help and I have to take regular rests.

• My self esteem and confidence are affected due to the side effects of chemotherapy.

• The impending surgery for a double mastectomy and reconstruction is having an adverse psychological effect on my emotional state of mind with regard to my female identity.

• The strain of putting on a front for family, friends, my young children and others is immense.

• I become physically exhausted from the emotional stress of my condition, I often cannot even get to the toilet without being on all fours, this has been since my last chemotherapy 6 wks ago Taxotere which is very strong. I have cleaners coming in twice a week to make the house sterile to avoid infection.To relieve stress a little bit for me a local charity have recognized the need to send my daughters to nursery for me twice a week to give me the rest to hopefully build my body back up to at least walking properly.

All of the above factors mean that I require help from others all of the time. I would ask you to consider not just the physical aspect of my breast cancer, but also the psychological impact that it is having on a regular and substantial basis on my daily life.

I ask you to revise this decision and if I don’t get a satisfactory outcome I will be pursuing the appeal process. I don’t think that I should be going through this additional stress for something that Is clearly needed!.

Yours faithfully

[Guest user]

i found keeping a diary for a month of how i felt and how i am affected daily both phisically and menatlly and discribe symptoms clearly ie burning pain or stabbing pain you will feel you are repeating yourself but dont worry as said these people are not medics just ordinary folks thy need more of a picture painted worked for me 2nd time applying all the best sheena x

[Guest user]

Interesting post this.
The benefits system is so complicated in the UK, but as someone said DLA is not means tested.
I have been working at the Citizens Advice for a year now advising for 5months. They are definately cutting back on DLA applications as we get so many people wanting to appeal. Most CAB places have specialist advisors who can help filling in the forms for you and also help with appeals.
As i was treated very badly at a medical and they refused even to continue paying my NI stamp only a month after finishing chemo I do feel for people who are turned down for the help they should get.

R

[Guest user]

Hi Tracy,

While you are waiting for your fellow forum users to reply, here is a link to one of Breast Cancer Care’s publications that you may find useful called Breast Cancer and Benefits, which includes a section on DLA:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/Breast_cancer_and_benefits_-_dec_08.pdf

Kind regards,
Kate, BCC Facilitator

[Guest user]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with IDC in Aug 07, I had neo-adjuvant chemo followed by a Mastectomy in Jan 08 - I had 7/10 lymph nodes involved. This was followed by 5 weeks of radiotherapy and a year of Herceptin which I finished in May of this year. I had a reconstruction in July and had 10 weeks off of work. I work full-time as a window dresser (very physical) and do get very tired. I do suffer from joint pain now, but wonder if this is a side-effect of Tamoxifen. I would be delighted to know whether I qualify for DLA but don't know where to get the forms. Thanks for any advice or info.

Tracy x

[Guest user]

I don,t know exactly what you may be entilted to but citizens advice are great and will find out what your due, did you know that you are entitled to free prescriptions for 5yrs luv sheena

[Guest user]

hello i was wondering in any can give me some advice i was diagnoised with breast cancer last year and had to have a full mast and l/node removal i have not made any claims to any benefits as i did not know i could it is it possible for any advice on what i can claim for ....thank you all so much

[ses]

Thanks for all this ladies - my family and I were discussing all this yesterday. Will be applying very soon! (this web site is wonderful)

ses

[Guest user]

Hi Helen

I'm pretty sure you have been given wrong information. DLA is not means tested has nothing to do with your husband's income. You should be entitled to it in your own right to meet your needs. I would definately check this with someone else.

Anne xx

[frazzledfifty]

Just thought I'd mention that the people who deal withthe DLA claims are not medically trained so you need to give them as much info as possible because they make the decision based entirely on what you put on the forms.

good luck to anyone applying

[Guest user]

ESA takes over when your sick pay stops so i believe and medically u will automatically qualify.
xx

[Guest user]

RE ESA if you tick the boxes medically you may get ESA if it is based on NI contributions as opposed to income. At least I think so!!
Good luck with your applications anyway
Regards Alicex

[Guest user]

Hi ladies,
I picked up the DLA forms yesterday. Don't know how successful I'll be but I'll give it a go.
It's been a year since my diadnosis, and have had 2 ops, chemo and rads, now on Arimidex.
Having terrible problems with pain, I already had arthritis in my spine, now also have memory problems, stress problems, neuropathy and Lymphoedema etc. I'll let you know how I get on.
I've already applied for ESA. My husband was made redundant a couple of months ago so even if I get that it seems if he works more than 24 hours a week I won't be eligable.

Helen xxx

[rachy7]

has anyone got dla after treatment has finished due to the long term side effects of treatment? For me it is the chemo brain, the severe depression and the osteoporosis. i am still in my job but finding it harder and harder to cope. reasonable adjustments have been made but i still struggle. I am fed up with feeling scared all the time. My tolerence to stress is also very minimal.I worry about financial situation if i did not work. I am 40 so early retirement is probably not an option. My confidence is very low. i am having counselling and input from mental health services. Any advice ?

Rachy

[Guest user]

hya,When my first one came back as i wasnt eligible as i wasnt 'ill' enough I wrote back saying I didnt think they had fully understood the extent of going thru chemotherapy,not only physically, ie limited arm movement which i have as ive not had my surgery yet and i get realy bad chemo flare in the affected areas.But also phsycologically,i pointed out the dizzyness that chemo causes and therefore i have someone with me all the time... If anyone wants any help please feel free to send me an email and i will forward you my letter I sent them.
It annoys me and dont get me started as if i started drinking a couple of litres of vodka a day i would get the highest rate ... also if i was on heroin i would get it and carers allowance ! The country is wrong.xx

[cherub]

I was also advised to apply for this, after I had my lymph nodes taken out and prior to starting chemo. The DWP wrote to my GP and I was turned down because he said I was not disabled enough. When my OH questioned this with another GP in the practice who just happens to be the first GP's wife, he was told you have to lose the use of all of your limbs to qualify. Funny how there are a lot of quite able bodied people sitting in the surgery waiting room who are getting it then.

Don't get me started on GPs.

[Guest user]

Hi Sharon

Thanks for the post. I have DLA forms to fill in, as I was told that I should be eligible, but I just don't see how!

I have no idea how to PM Or anything, but anything you can advise re filling in the forms would be appreciated.

Hx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my experience with you as there are many of you not getting what you deserve.
When I was diagnosed I was advised to apply for dla by the macmillan benefits lady at the hospital.I got refused after my application saying basically I wasnt ill enough after all I only have breast cancer with lymph node involvement.aron
I wrote a lengthy reply and asked ssomeone else to look at the claim again (this is not an appeal was saving that for the next step if this didnt succeed).. I told them about the phsycological affects that having a diagnosis like this causes and that they hadnt looked at the full picture of my illness... I am happy to say they granted me the DLA both care component and mobility.
I just wanted you all to know this, I think its their initial reaction to refuse it hoping you wont question the refusal!
So go for it ladies and If you need any help with your forms what so ever please dont hesitate to contact me.
Sharon xx