I have had CA since 1997 and have been receiving the lower rate of DLA mobility and care component since 2005. When attending my first Ataxia UK conference in 2011 I saw a benefits adviser who said I should ask for a higher rate of DLA for the mobility component. Since then I have applied twice for the higher rate and been rejected. I am wondering about appealing against the decision but I'm not sure what to base my appeal on. I can currently walk short distances inside a shopping a mall using a walking stick but outside I only feel safe using a walking frame. According to the letter I just got from the DWP I am not entitled to the higher rate of DLA because I can still 'walk slowly and in a reasonable manner using suitable aids'. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Do you know anyone with ataxia who uses a walking frame rather than a wheelchair who receives the higher rate?
I guess it's down to whoever the Decision Maker is at the Disability Benefits Centre. I receive Middle Rate Care and Higher Rate Mobility for an indefinite period, and I have to use a walking stick to get out and about. I only applied for DLA this year, despite struggling with CA for over a decade, as it was only when volunteering at the Ciitizens Advice Bureau did I realise what other benefits I was also entitled to. That's why I'd recommend you see an adviser at the CAB to see if they can help - you may even be referred to a specialist caseworker for this particular problem.
I had my first claim turned down, then my (at the time) Social Worker filled the form in and it was successful (it depends on using the correct terminology to convey your situation too.
Im my experience and anoying as it is, for some reason we seem to have to apeal 3 times to get anywhere with claims with our current uk system, definatly appeal again and keep doing it until you get the results you need. We used the CAB and our local social worker in the end to fill in the forms for us. My husband has higher rate mobility and middle rate
I have had higher rate DLA for mobility.I wasturned down the first time.I cannot walk unaided now outside but I could before when I applied.
As thjis is a degenarative disease there is a lot of ignorance about this disease.AS others have said before it depends how you fill out the form.It is worth getting a professional to help like the CAB as they seem to know how it works..
I guess it's down to whoever the Decision Maker is at the Disability Benefits Centre. I receive Middle Rate Care and Higher Rate Mobility for an indefinite period, and I have to use a walking stick to get out and about. I only applied for DLA this year, despite struggling with CA for over a decade, as it was only when volunteering at the Ciitizens Advice Bureau did I realise what other benefits I was also entitled to. That's why I'd recommend you see an adviser at the CAB to see if they can help - you may even be referred to a specialist caseworker for this particular problem.
I was very fortunate, I was using a small er, an was falling, then I go ton Occupational Therapist and she got me a Motorized chair, thtough ( Ontario) Canadian government, no at all, yes am still able to walk though not far and have to use walker in my apartment. I was abl to get on to CPPD Canadian Pension Plan, Disability and asked for the tax credit for the divisibly ,, Yes i fulling out ask for help, makes a big difference. We tend not to put in all that we have problems with,, Like has someone taken over your banking your shopping, help with day to day care, even the little we forget to mark in, Keeping ga copy of thee forms is a great idea, for the next form you need filled out, most of the information will be there for you, rather than guess and trying to remember it all, finding a person who know the ins and out is goo d, though not always easy to find, I again was able to find one at McMaster Hospital,, funny though still have no diagnosis or symptoms soon record from specialist. to bad one has to fight to get what is needed,, Getting the right Occupational Therapist was the best person for me .