DLA.

[Emmabob.]

can you claim if you dont have a formal diagnosis?

i have been told i have bipolar, but my psych doesnt want to get me a formal diagnosis yet.

is it possible to claim DLA?

[startingagain]

Would your psych support your claim?

[MissAnonymous]

DLA looks at needs, if you can have a professional working with you verify you need certain elements of care such as supervision, help with food and drink, motivation to get up and reminding with medication [for example, there are many more] then you have a claim.

A diagnosis wouldn't ever be the deciding factor, its about your current needs. See, someone with bi-polar could be on medication and their condition is managed well, have a job and be fully functioning without any significant needs other than a healthy functioning person.

[Emmabob.]

Would your psych support your claim?

I dont think so. she hasnt said anything about being able to claim. my worker who I talk to more is the one who said i'd be able to claim.

DLA looks at needs, if you can have a professional working with you verify you need certain elements of care such as supervision, help with food and drink, motivation to get up and reminding with medication [for example, there are many more] then you have a claim.

A diagnosis wouldn't ever be the deciding factor, its about your current needs. See, someone with bi-polar could be on medication and their condition is managed well, have a job and be fully functioning without any significant needs other than a healthy functioning person.

I have hell getting out of bed, I can wake up & still be laid in bed about 3 hours later.
I'm bad for eating (I have ED too), most of the time I have no motivation to make anything to eat...
If I was left on my own I could quite happily cut/OD/make plans/generally stuff that aint any good for me.

[random.swirls]

If your worker has agreed to support your claim and would be willing to back you up then you have nothing to loose by applying.

As has already been said it's not related on diagnosis but on your care and mobility needs and the form focuses in on these in some details so do contemplate getting help from either your case worker or a charity like CAB.

[startingagain]

Get your worker to help you claim. Make sure you write it as you are on your worst day.

[MissAnonymous]

Get your worker to help you claim. Make sure you write it as you are on your worst day.

This is a common misconception. Do not mislead them, you must be clear that your issues VARY rather than say it is like xxx when it is xyz. A disability advice service usually available via the CAB can explain how to fairly describe your needs. I would seek advice before completing the form. You can state how common your bad days are, but to explain things as if thats how it is all the time would be considered very misleading.

Do you have a care plan? Or a risk assessment, these documents can be useful in showing your care needs and safety risk factors.

[startingagain]

Sorry-I wasn't implying that you lie, just that you make it clear how bad things are.

[MissAnonymous]

^ I know, its just this advice has been given before and when you talk to people who specialise in disability claims they always say dont do this because it is misleading. I know you werent ever suggesting making out things are worse than they are. *hugs*

I personally found when I made my claim it was far more persuading to say how varied my abilities to function were and how this actually itself created problems as I had to frequently cancel appointments and couldn't stay in work.

[Emmabob.]

Do you have a care plan? Or a risk assessment, these documents can be useful in showing your care needs and safety risk factors.

I've got feck all, I'm on the waiting list for CBT & I've been told to ring my psych if i'm feeling really bad monday to friday 9-5. its stupid. :blink:

[Emmabob.]

I personally found when I made my claim it was far more persuading to say how varied my abilities to function were and how this actually itself created problems as I had to frequently cancel appointments and couldn't stay in work.

^^
I'm like this, i cant do full days at school. I havent been in school since the 28th because I've had no motivation to get up out of bed & actually do anything.

[MissAnonymous]

How old are you may I ask? x

[Emmabob.]

I'm 17.