Page Contents-How to get an application pack / filling out the forms / mobility needs / care needs
How to Get an Application Pack
You need an application pack (ref DLA 1 or DLA 1 (Child) for children) which you can
download from the directgov website (you will need the acrobat reader software) or
telephone the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 or
ask for one at your local DWP office or
get one from your local Citizens Advice Bureaux
You can also get additional help by ringing the Benefits Enquiry Line.
NB.You can also apply online at the DWP website.
Filling out the forms
Try and be as accurate as possible.
Try to clearly explain the type of help that you need and when you need it.
Anybody can help you to fill out the form.
If you wish, a DWP advisor will fill out the form and send it to you to check and sign.
Give as much information as you can: particularly the medical name for your condition if you know it. Write down everything that is wrong with you, not just the main problem.
When you are listing your medication, write down what strength or quantity it is and how many times a day you take it.
It is often helpful to put in the name of your hospital consultant if you have one: the decision maker might want to ask them about you to obtain a clearer picture of your needs.
Remember that the person who reads the form has not met you, so try to give a clear and detailed word-picture of your needs and difficulties.
It is very important to try and write something in every large white box that applies to you. Don't assume that the adjudication officer knows about your condition or its symptoms and effect. Give lots of description and detail, even about things that you find embarrassing or seem too trivial.
Mobility needs
It is much better for your case if you know exactly how far you can walk before you start experiencing "severe discomfort" or pain. Do your own walking test, measure the distance you can walk and time yourself doing it. Note down your symptoms while walking such as pain, fatigue or breathlessness.
It is useful to say what you think could happen if you did go out alone in a place you didn't know, or describe a previous incident where something dangerous could have happened.
Care Needs
The adjudication officer needs to know about how you cope during both the day and night. Again, it is very important to give as much detail as you can and to write something in every box that applies to you.
You should describe your needs as fully as possible. Obviously, you stand much more chance of succeeding if you can show that you need help on most or all, days of the week.
Make sure you give lots of information and detail about the help you need, even if it is repetitive or embarrassing. Try and give an idea of what might happen if you didn't have that help, and include examples of past events if you can.
On the form you should stress that you need the help even if you don't actually receive any. Explain that if you had a carer, they would always have to help you do things that you currently struggle to do yourself. For example, someone might help you have a bath twice a week This does not mean you only need help to bathe twice a week.
If you cannot have a bath on your own, it is reasonable to say you need help with this activity seven days a week.
You need to make it clear what you think might happen if you didn't have supervision or someone keeping an eye on you.
Describe any past incidents that could have had serious consequences if you hadn't had help.
Put down on the form what you fear might happen if you were left alone for long periods.
If you have fits or falls describe what happens as vividly as you can and how you cope afterwards.
Falls are highly relevant. Describe how your carer or friend has helped you in the past after a fit or a fail.
Always describe in detail what happens to you during the night and how you have to be helped. For instance, needing to be helped to the toilet might involve being helped out of bed, helped to the toilet your carer waiting outside the toilet while you use it and then helping you back into bed and making sure you are comfortable. This can take quite a few minutes each time, so make sure the Decision Maker knows as much about your case as you do!
If you need help with medication during the night describe what might happen if you did not get it.
Read through the form and make sure you have described everything as fully and clearly as you can.
Your claim will be dated from the date that you asked for the form.
