What is the criteria for someone to get DLA for mental health?

Question

I have been on fluxotine all year and that keeps me well,most of the time but I am curious to see if I could apply for DLA,because I have been on unemployment benefit for so long,am having trouble getting back to work and people say to me well youve been on one medication or another for years now so why dont you apply for DLA,so Id get more money.Theres nothing to stop someone looking for work when they are on DLA,is there?

Answer 1

DLA is to pay for things to help you out with things you cant do yourself because you are disabled. like you cant go to the shops yourself or you need help with other random things. many people work on prozac. its why you cant work. can you not leave the house? do you need help with household tasks that your disability prevents you from doing? that could be paid for by DLA to help you? the forms are quite complex and you have to illustrate how you are DISABLED by your illness.  

Answer 2

http://www.benefitsinmind.org.uk/extra_n...

Answer 3

DLA is only awarded to those who have either mobility or care needs or both.

DLA isn't mean tested and you can work and still be in receipt of DLA.

Mobility has two rates lower and higher. You can only usually get higher if you are physically disabled and almost unable to walk at all.

Care has three rates - lower, middle and higher.

Your best bet would be to contact CAB or a welfare rights officer and ask for advice on whether they think you should claim. There's no harm in applying but it can take up to 3 months to reach a decision. If your claim isn't successful then you have a right to appeal.

DLA isn't awarded based on diagnosis. It's awarded based on mobility and care needs. :)

xx

Answer 4

to Qualify for DLA rather than just Incapacity benefit you have to prove serious long-term disability requiring assistance or limiting your daily activity required for life.

Unable to eat, dress self, walk, talk, see, stand,  or incontinence etc.

getting DLA is very difficult and very unlikely for medication controlled Depression although you CAN qualify for incapacity benefit.

DLA is for serious sick or disabled people who need a Carer rather than people having a rough time.  Sorry to be so harsh but the DLA review would be harsher!

Answer 5

You can claim DLA and still look for work, I warn you however it is VERY difficult to be awarded that benefit. You must be able to prove that your care needs are sufficient enough to warrant help in your everyday life, that you're unable to do things for yourself etc etc etc.

Answer 6

I say get a job.  I've taken antidepressents for the past 15 years and continue to work.  Yes it is difficult at times but I get through it and there have been times I've wanted to quit.  There are too many people in this world who take the easy way out.

Answer 7

You'd be unlikely to get DLA, you would qualify for sickness benefit, which after a year would be Incapacity Benefit. DLA ( disability living allowance ) is usually paid to people with physical difficulties, if you're mental health problem is severe enough you could qualify for that to.

SB, and IB require you to attend Social Security Medicals, at their discretion, to continue qualifying. To get Sickness Benefit all you need to do is get a sick note off your Dr. and make an appointment to apply at your local DWP office.

Answer 8

I was off work for 9mths and even though I am back in work I still get DLA because it is not means tested.  I suffer with depression and anxiety.  The best thing to do is to go to citizens advice they will help to fill in the form - they were brilliant with me.

Answer 9

You need to prove to your psychiatrist you're unable to take care of yourself.  Make a list of things like this is what I can handle in a day because I'm having a really hard time coping, I can get through 25 hours a week of work but 40 hours is nearly impossible. Then the psychiatrist will  most likely write you a note so you could apply for the benefits.