Hi all. Could anybody on here advise me or tell me if they have been in a similar situation to this please? I am awaiting my appeal date for Incapacity Benefit. I was unable to claim Jobseekers Allowance OR Income Support as my maintenance tipped me slightly over the level required. I have looked into the possibility of claiming Disability Living allowance in the meantime. It will be my first claim if I do so. I suffer quite badly from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, anxiety problems, IBS, tinnitus, balance problems, etc.

What I am wanting to know is would it be wise to wait until after I have been through the IB appeal, ie, would the DLA people assessing my claim see that I failed the IB medical and be prejudiced and turn me down for that too because on the DLA form it asks if you have attended a medical in the last six months (so they are bound to check outcome of it).

Also, if I am by some chance awarded it will it affect the amount of IB money I get if I get put back onto it?

Your help would be appreciated as I have to return the claim pack by next Tuesday and only just realised today it was so near but have been looking after a very sick 6 year old and brain fog just wipes things clean out my mind. I only have to go into the lounge from my kitchen and I forget what I went in for!.

Thanks

Hi Louise,

You can put in a claim for DLA now if you wish irrespective of the fact you are awaiting an IB appeal, which could take weeks to arrange, especially with the Christmas holidays being only about 6 weeks away. You can get a DLA claim pack by calling the Benefits Enquiry Line (BEL) on 0800 882200.

As I'm sure you're aware IB is an income replacement benefit paid to claimants who cannot work due to ill health or disability. DLA is paid to those with care and/or mobility needs due to illness or disability and can be paid to those who work as well as those unable to.

Any award of DLA does not affect payment of IB

Check out the guide for claiming DLA in the members area for DLA Resources HERE Also, in the 'Spotlight' area of the forum there are several sources of
help, for example getting hel to make a claim.

Sorry for the short reply, but we have 2 moderators off sick at present, plus I'm only able to stay online for short periods myself, due to visual problems and fatigue caused by my MS.

Good luck.

Jim