Hi,

Just received a DLA claim pack for my Mum, we live in the Gtr Manchester area... The accompanying letters states "since August 2005, the trial cliaim form has been issued.... "

Has anyone got experience of this trial form..?

I have helped complete a DLA form in the past and you used to have to write exactly how your condition affected you on every page for every heading..

Now, for example on the question about 'toilet needs', it asks three basic tick box questions and then says:

"is there anything else you want to tell us about... for example there may not be a tick box that describes the help you need"

Thus, it seems to me, you dont need to fill in the box if the need is covered in the tick box... Seems to me, that this would mean not enough info being given...

Should I fill in the additional box anyway with all the info I owuld have put in the old style form..?

Thanking you all in advance.. x

If there is not enough information given just by ticking the box, then it doesn't cover the need properly!

If this is the trial form I saw a couple of years ago - and quite likely it isn't - it seemed to me to be quite user friendly as it has some good prompts and is likely to get a better result for people who don't think of getting help with the form (and usually have absolutely no idea what to put: we all know someone who can only walk 5 yards in 25 minutes. But I reckon if you know whatyou want to say go ahead and say it. This is what lawyers used to cal before the Woolf Reforms banned Latin "ex abundantia cautelae", meaning basically "belt and braces" or "just to be on the safe side".

Thanks for that...

My personal thought was to stick in as much detail as possible... Even if it isnt required, at least I have covered myself on the forms.. I suppose if the details are not needed, they will just disregard them anyway...

We have been using these forms for a couple of years. the instructions imlpy that the text boxes should only be completed if none of the tick boxes above is appropriate. My approach is to use the text boxes anyway to add more detail, working on the principle that it is important to say what you need to say somewhere on the form, which will then be read by a DM with a fair ration of common sense.

Thu 29-Mar-07 11:08 AM by plumduff

Yes, will definately give more info - whether they want it or not... I cant see how they can make a decision based on a couple of tick boxes.. My main worry though is that by using this new form, they will rely more on what the GP says.. And ours is more than useless...

The DLA claim if for my Mum who has rhumatoid arthritis almost everywhere and I think spndylitis (sic..?) in her neck.. Now we know how this affects her in her everyday life - most days she can't do anything.. The problems were compoundeed when her GP told her to come off all medication - including the methatrexate... which he nows denies..

Due to the above, she had a massive row with him... he has actually told her he wouldnt support a DLA claim as it only means a bit of discomfort and doesnt stop her doing anything.. Maybe, he should stay with her for the weekend...

If he carries out the threat of not supporting the claim is there anything we can do..?

She has had RH for about 2 years now.. She was attending one hospital but as the Consultant was never there, she started attending the GP for blood tests etc... She has now been referred to Stepping Hill in Stockport who have been recommeneded to us.. but she has only been once so far... She has a bone mass tests coming up...

Im worried that we have no back up from the GP what will happen..?

ps - thanks for the reply.. x

Can't your Mum change her GP? I definately would not put up with this - it sounds like a complaint is also in order.

It asks in the form for the best person for them to contact about your Mum - don't obviously put the GP, it may be better to put Stepping Hill even though she's only been once.

I concur with the advice above too - put as much detail as possible.

Good Luck

Nicky

The GP is one in a practice - you are allocated a GP but I understand you can ask to see any of them... I have told her several times to see one of the others, one in particular is a very understanding guy and Im sure he would be more than helpful...

My Mum being as she is... thinks this would be stepping on the usual GPs toes though and doesnt want to do that...

From your post above it really sounds like the relationship with this GP has broken down and that "stepping on toes" is no longer applicable?

I mean if she's had a big row with him why worry about stepping on toes anyway?

If your Mum was my client i would explain that without support from her GP her claim could be at risk and it would be in her interests to see a different Doctor at the practice - quickly.

Thanks - will speak to her again....!

You are wonderful people... xxx

Has your Mum had a recent assessment by OT's? They would have produced a care plan which might be helpful.

OT's - ...? Occupational Therapist...?

She had an assessment from soc servs some time ago... didnt do much really, although her disability has got worse since then.. Since posting.. she has been back to GP cos she was in sooooo much pain last week, he gave her pills for the pain, bgan with R, but cant remember the name..But from what Mum said, he was a lot more positive with her...So fingers crossed, he wont block her claim.. If he does, I will be putting in a complaint against him.. Mum will not change GP... no matter what I say...

Mother is 64 so need to get the DLA this year at the latest, otherwise its AA...

She also lives in private rented and im trying to talk her into putting her name on the housing register as I feel she will need a bungalow or ground floor flat eventually... but she's a stubborn one my Mother...!

Sorry plumduff, yes I meant Occupational Therapist. As it was a while ago and she's deteriorated, Social Services have a duty to reassess her. If they decide she has care/mobility needs this should also support her need for more suitable ground floor accommodation if she ever agrees.

Mothers stubborn - never! (I say that and am one myself but of course I'm different, I'm never stubborn!)

Cheers sue... although she will be in a box before she agrees to move... 'the neighbours are great'... 'This disease isnt getting the better of me'... Sometimes she has to get up and downstairs on her bum... but still.... {fume}....!

She's getting more and more like her own Mother.... hmmm... that may make her re-consider....

Don't say too much...you're the next generation down remember and you're own kids'll be saying exactly the same about you in a few years time. It's the law!!

Mon 02-Apr-07 03:11 PM by plumduff

Thats cheered me up..... NOT...!

Just to let you all know... I completed the form for my Mum (only ever done one before and that was an AA claim) and she has been awarded..

Middle rate care and high rate mobility...

Hurray...!

Thanks for the advice xxx