Guidelines for completing Disability Living Allowance forms

The following step by step guidelines for completing the Disabled Living Allowance forms were written by a parent member of HemiHelp. They are straightforward tips to help you through the minefield of claiming benefits.

1. To start with, photocopy the form. Use the copy until step 6.
2. Writing in pencil, jot down ideas and queries over a couple of days. Don't try to tackle the whole form in one go. Keep referring to the guidelines for each section. This may make you feel quite low because you will have to concentrate on the problems and difficulties your child (and the rest of the family) has to face. Try to keep things in perspective and concentrate on answering the questions fully and honestly. Remember that the person reading the form will not know your child so you need to paint as clear a picture as possible.
3. Ask other people for help - OT, physio, social worker, teachers, nursery staff, family, friends, citizens advice, HemiHelp etc. You will have your own notes and questions to remind you of any sections that you found difficult. Write down any ideas, useful words, phrases etc. on the form.
4. Put the form away for a couple of days before you tackle the final wording. In those intervening days think about the extra time, effort, money and resources your child needs because of their disability. Compare your child with another child of a similar age. Include all their needs throughout a typical 24-hour period from the moment they wake in the morning all through the day and the night as well. It may be useful to keep a detailed diary for 2-3 days so that you have all the information you need when you prepare the draft copy.
5. Draft your answers to each of the sections. Include details and examples to illustrate the nature and amount of support your child needs to complete basic tasks. The diary will be useful at this point. Consider any special equipment, adaptations to existing equipment, travelling to and from appointments associated with therapy and treatment sessions.
6. You should be ready to tackle the original form by now! Copy your answers from your draft and put a clear line through any sections that don't apply. Use additional paper if there is insufficient room on the form.
7. Don't forget to sign and date the form and take a copy before you send it off.
8. Check whether you are eligible for Invalid Care Allowance if the adjudicating officer determines that DLA is to be approved at the middle or higher rate for personal care