Financial help for my daughter — Scope | Disability forum
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Financial help for my daughter

lindy64
lindy64 Community member Posts: 9 Listener
Hi, l have a 22yr old daughter who lives with me, she suffers from anxiety, panic attacks, depression and self harm on occasion.  She tries to attend a music academy but is not very successful as she finds it hard to travel on public transport. I don't get any financial help or practical help for her. I am registered has her carer but because she as not diagnosis (still waiting for appt) I've been told i can't claim carers allowance. We tried PIP and they said she didn't qualify. I am on state pension, and it is a struggle every week to make ends meet. 
Any suggestions?

Comments

  • BenefitsTrainingCo
    BenefitsTrainingCo Community member Posts: 2,621 Pioneering

    Hi lindy64,

    I'm sorry to hear that your daughter was turned down for PIP. Very often, the DWP get these decisions wrong so it is worth challenging the decision if you are still in time or putting in a fresh claim. Getting specialist help can often improve your chances, so give the Scope helpline a ring on 0808 800 333 to see if there are any organisations in your area who can help you. They would also check to see if there were any other benefits, such as employment and support allowance, that your daughter should be getting.

    A benefits check would also ensure you are getting everything that you should be.

    Best wishes,

    Michael

    The Benefits Training Co:

  • lindy64
    lindy64 Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    Thank you for replying, we were told she can't get ESA because she is supposed to be in full time education.
  • Matilda
    Matilda Community member Posts: 2,593 Disability Gamechanger
    If your daughter finds it difficult to attend college full time, couldn't she leave, claim ESA and study music part time?
  • lindy64
    lindy64 Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    The academy she attends require her to be there full time.
  • Matilda
    Matilda Community member Posts: 2,593 Disability Gamechanger
    But, might there be an alternative college that offers part-time courses?  I think that the only way she would qualify for benefits at the moment would be if she were not in full-time education nor in full-time employment.  The benefits system isn't very flexible.  Though, as you say, once she gets a diagnosis you might be able to claim carer's allowance.  When is her hospital appointment?

    Has she actually applied for PIP and been refused - or has she only been told that it wouldn't be worth her while applying?
  • lindy64
    lindy64 Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    There are no other colleges that offer part time where we live. We have been told that it could be another 12 months before she will get an appointment. And she actually applied for PIP and was told she doesn't qualify.
  • Matilda
    Matilda Community member Posts: 2,593 Disability Gamechanger
    Sorry to hear all this, @lindy64.  12 months for a hospital consultation appointment sounds a ludicrously long wait even for the NHS.  Can you ask your GP to ask for the appointment to be brought forward?  If your GP can't help, suggest you contact your MP.  I once contacted my MP when I hadn't been given an appointment date for an operation within two years (which was supposed to be the maximum wait at the time).  My MP contacted the hospital and I was given a date for a few weeks later.  MPs have a lot of power.

    You could get some advice about claiming PIP and reapply.  There's PIP info on the Scope site and on the Disability Rights and CAB websites.
  • lindy64
    lindy64 Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    I might contact my MP then because the GP has written to them and it didn't seem to make any difference.
  • BenefitsTrainingCo
    BenefitsTrainingCo Community member Posts: 2,621 Pioneering
    HI lindy64

    I agree with Michael that it is super important you pursue the PIP claim and consider getting help challenging the decision.

    I also agree with Michael that your daughter may be entitled to ESA. This may be possible even if she is a full time student, BUT only if she is successful in getting PIP.

    If you have not had previous experience of claiming these benefits and challenging decisions i suggest you try and find some help locally.

    Best wishes
    David
    The Benefits Training Co:

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