Disability Living Allowance, help?

[popsy]

Up until recently i had no idea that that someome with GAD/Panic disorder/agraphobia could claim disability liiving allowance. I used to be self employed but for the last 5 months havent been able to work due to my condition, therefore we are struggling for money alot more than before . So i have started filling in a Disablity Living Allowance form to see if i am entitled to any benefits that might help us.
Does anyone else claim this? Is it even worth my while filling in the form? Because i still cant believe i will get anything???
Is it more hastle to claim than its worth?
Just wondered if anyone had any insight into the process or experience of it?
Thanks Charlie

[thevoicewithinme]

Hi Popsy,

I was told by my GP that I might be entitled to this as I am agoraphobic.

I filled in the forms online, and about 2 weeks later received a letter saying that I should hear from them again soon. A week later I received a letter saying that I had been awarded the lower rate which is £17 something, sorry can't remember the odd pence. I was awarded this as I am not able to go out on my own and need someone with me.

So yes, I would say, fill it in, you have nothing to lose. Also it does not affect any other income you may have etc i.e. child tax benefit and so on.

Kaz

[Horse]

I did post a question regarding this last week titled Incapacity Benefit. I got some very useful responses from other members. I believe it's in this forum somewhere. Forgive me for not cutting and pasting.

Kevin.

[amandaj]

i get both dla and incapacity its def worth trying to get the both, and if you are a certain age on incapacity you get an extra 20 pound a week i think its over 35

[Piglet]

Yes definatley worth applying!!!

Love Piglet

[popsy]

I didnt even know about incapacity benefit, every little would help at the mo, with not working and all, thank you for your replies xxxx

[thevoicewithinme]

Sorry for hijacking your thread popsy...but do you have to have worked to become entitled for incapacity benenfit?

Kaz

[popsy]

Thats okay Kaz! LOL
Ive just found this in a previous thread http://www.entitledto.co.uk/
I think Incapacity Benefit does depend on how many NI contributions you've made in the past and you need a doctors note signing you off sick apparently, and also (although im not 100%) on what your partner earns but i could be wrong on that one.
I know with Disability Allowance it doesnt matter about any of the above factors.
C xxx

[nic77]

im unsure about working and claiming i have freinds that get incapcity benefit and have never worked but i think her husband has worked and thats how she got it . also can i get either dla or incapcity benefit i have been ill for years but never have claimend

[purplehaze]

I would like to suggest that when filling in the forms you put down your worst day! When I worked in mental health I had my clients put down their orst day, even if they could sometimes get out there where many days when they could not. Its not lying, its answering the questions as if you where going through the worst time....so go for it