The reveiw is nothing but a nightmare. I have been HIV positive since September 1985 with aids defining illnesses since 1994 and on DLA since 1995 when I was medically retired from work, and at this point was a day off death and few times since have been in the same situation. Being insulin controlled diabetic as well has not helped and the hiv medication causes all sorts of problems with the diabetes.
My hiv medication has been changed 4 times since December last year and one of the drugs I am on know is not yet licensed . I am sort of in the last chance saloon as far as hiv medications goes. During these many years I have been as low as 9 stone and as high as nearly 14 stone, at the moment being just under eleven. had diarrhea constantly day and night for most of the time since being on medication, and medication for this cause all sorts of other stomach problems includind vomiting, But although suffering all sorts of symptoms and debilitating side effects which cause problems with mobility and even being able to do anything for myself at times I try to keep cheerfull and enjoy life and the DLA are know causing a lot of people unknown worry and depression.
I have know had the date for my medical which is on 26 June .Has anyone had one .How was it .What sort of things do they ask. How long does it take before you get your decision from the DLA.
PDF version To all concerned
Had my DLA appeal today
Was awarded DLA under special rules in January 1998 and had a review letter the week before Christmas 2007, I appealed and went for a oral hearing, after being awarded middle care and lower for mobility.
I used to have a car on mobility but decided it was a waste of money
3 years back I took out fiance from mobility to buy a used car, the car was 3 years old and I was paying it off each month for over 6 years.
About 2 years back my partner had cleard off the money owing to mobility as I was un sure of the new reviews and the actions they would be taken
Am glad that I paid the car off as they would of taken it away as well as I have to pay my own road tax now
Had an appeal today and I very nerly olst my middle care, but because I needed night care I kepted it
They went through it all with a tooth pick and I recomend that if anyone does an appeal, think very carefal and have a couple of people to go with you for support
Being £60 a week worse of is not the end of the world but it could of been a lot worse
I also receive support housing care and I see and CPN and an phychologist for my mental health problems.
What scares me most is lossing benefits and having to return to work and not being able to afford, paying rent, council tax and all living bills
Have now got to wait till 5th Febuary 2011 for my new DLA claim
I feel very hard done by and cheated on this whole system and wish to fight back for what I did not have back then
I beleive that they will be reviewing every person who is on DLA and HIV in the future
Sorry to hear about your appeal. The advice I have been given is that an Oral appeal is the best way to go. It allows you to take support with you and allows questions to be asked there and then. If you go for a written appeal any ambiguities give room for assumption on the part of the DWP.
What do you mean by "Support Housing Care"?.
I know that the government have reviewed people not necessarily with HIV but other disabilities. Where they are in supported housing. Because the additional costs of the supported housing above ordinary rent are paid for additionally. Those on DLA in supported housing schemes are loosing part or all of their care components on the grounds that the government is meeting those needs by paying through the local council for support in the home.
A case that the government shouldn't be paying twice.
I wonder if this is the reason for some of the changes to your DLA?
Thank you for taking the time to let us know.
John.
Support housing is supplied through my land lords (Housing Association) its a goverment thing so you can stay living in your home, not having to go into care and getting rent arrears
Had a neighbour from hell a couple of years back and it caused me a lot of mental health problems and stress and not even wanting to go out of the house
Had to log and complained to the housing assocation and came out about my HIV, Had GP letters, Social worker letters sent to the housing people but the problem got worse, I live in a very small village with a little river going through it
They put a single mother, then a few months later her partner came out of prison, a known drug dealer, Police were in and out at all hours, loud rave music that virbrates through the windows
That why I got support housing as my health and needs were greater, they did not take any of this into account on my DLA review
They just asked me questions like, can you wash yourself, can you use the toilet, do i have a toilet up stairs?
Non of that is to do with mental health, it really wound me up even more
Have had a better day today and just think how lucky I am as it could of been a lot worse
Thanks for clarifying this. I can empathise with your Neighbour from Hell scenario. Im my case it lasted many years and ended you in court as the local council were "useless". I am glad things have settled for you.
Yes you are lucky. Believe me it is all about luck. However I believe it should have been better and am using my "well" time to campaign accordingly.
Part of that is hearing from people like you. You are very much contributing to the process and I am eternally grateful.
By the way if you are reading this and have problems with your neighbours. I found this website useful - Neighbours From Hell in Britain http://www.nfh.org.uk/
John.
This blog entry - click here. Is from someone who underwent a medical examination. The time to make a decision varies greatly from weeks to months. At what stage are you? Did you get as far as completing a DLA556 and are now facing a medical? Also have you been in touch with your local social services or HIV support service so that someone can be present at your medical to support you?
It is difficult to give fuller information without detail. However you claim is subject to Disability Living And Disability Working Allowance Act 1991. From what I understand.
It would seem you have a claim not only on HIV but also on Diabetes. Insist the DWP also get full medical reports from all your doctors see this article.
If you want to give some more detail please email me john@tcell.org.uk