Epilepsy benefit help.

[mortalwombat]

Hi ive suffered fits and seizures which have hospitalized me twice in past 18 months 1st time i spent 25 days in hospital last time spent 13 days in hospital and over my birthday too suffering from herpes encephalitus, both times in ICU, im just wondering which benefits i will be entiltled to as im unable to work and also unable to drive for atleast a year.

 

 

Thanks.

 

 

Sorry to hijack the thread.

[stardust_john]

If your having regular seizures you should make a claim for dla. I have epilepsy and get high rate care and low rate mobility. I always get very nervous about the dla forms because I feel vulnerable letting then know what happens to me as its embaressing, however what Ive learnt is to not be silly, in my case, and put it all down and they can properly assess your need for help.

 

If you need help citezens advice and welfare rights can help. Wish you well:)

[simi240]

my brother has it and he also gets a free bus pass. i think theres a form to apply for but will check up with him when i see him.

[MARTIN3030]

Thread moved.Please dont hijack other people threads

[seftonview]

Hi ive suffered fits and seizures which have hospitalized me twice in past 18 months 1st time i spent 25 days in hospital last time spent 13 days in hospital and over my birthday too suffering from herpes encephalitus, both times in ICU, im just wondering which benefits i will be entiltled to as im unable to work and also unable to drive for atleast a year.

 

Hi Mortalwombat:

 

I'm so sorry to hear about your health problems. On the basis of your diagnosis, you are automatically entitled to the following:-

 

Disabled Persons Buss Pass - free off-peak bus travel throughout England. Apply to your local council with evidence of your drivers licence being revoked on medical grounds.

 

Disabled Persons Rail Card - 34% discount on train fares for you and one companion. Apply online with evidence of your diagnosis.

 

Free Prescriptions - see your GP who gives you a certificate.

 

You may also be entitled to:-

 

Disability Living Allowance - telephone 08457123456 for a Claim Pack.

 

Employment and Support Allowance - contact your local job centre.

 

If you wish to Claim DLA, look at the basic entitlement criteria on Direct.gov.uk, and post back here with your care and mobility needs and help can be provided with the forms.

 

I hope you feel better soon enough.

 

Seftonview

[mortalwombat]

Hi ive sent off my dla forms and also ive recieved my medical exemption certificate like a plastic credit card for free prescriptions for 5 years, i dont think i will be able to get a bus pass or rail card as when i left hostpital they just said i cannot drive for a year, didnt revoke my license or anything. Im just waiting on emplyment and support allowance forms to come back so i can fill them in to try claim.

 

 

 

Cheers.

[mortalwombat]

Hi Mortalwombat:

 

 

 

Employment and Support Allowance - contact your local job centre.

 

If you wish to Claim DLA, look at the basic entitlement criteria on Direct.gov.uk, and post back here with your care and mobility needs and help can be provided with the forms.

 

 

 

I phoned job centre yesterday to ask if i could claim, they said no as im getting Incapacity Benifits, they said from oct 08 empployment and support allowance replaces Ib, So i said is it the same benifit, and the advisor said nope, wtf is going on????

[mortalwombat]

Would i be better putting a claim in for Income support???? can anyone advise me as i did a compatibility test thing on the gov website it said what benifits i claim i put Incapacity benifits and Low rate and a middle rate of Disability allowence it said i may be able to claim Income support aswell?

 

 

Please help

[enamae]

Would i be better putting a claim in for Income support???? can anyone advise me as i did a compatibility test thing on the gov website it said what benifits i claim i put Incapacity benifits and Low rate and a middle rate of Disability allowence it said i may be able to claim Income support aswell?

 

 

Please help

 

Definitely apply. You have nothing to lose.

 

enamae

[havinastella]

You WILL also be able to obtain the free Bus pass!

 

As you have internet, google your local council and have a look on their web page.

 

I did have a page saved, just shout it you need it, but you should be able to find the information on the Gov sites.

 

Jogs

[summanotre]

Would i be better putting a claim in for Income support???? can anyone advise me as i did a compatibility test thing on the gov website it said what benifits i claim i put Incapacity benifits and Low rate and a middle rate of Disability allowence it said i may be able to claim Income support aswell?

 

 

Please help

 

 

sorry to hear about your health.

 

I have major tonic clonic epilepsy - sounds like yours may be too. Just a bit of info about what you can claim:

 

Income support

Incapacity Benefit (I think the rules may be changing with regard to the severe disability premiums - you get those when you are in receipt of the High Rate DLa)

 

Disability Living Allowance.

 

But you must remember that just because you can claim does not mean you are entitled to receive these. Having said that, definately apply for DLA, they will assess whether you are entitled to it and at what rate. They have become verry, verry tough lately. I had my reassessment (scuse spelling) and had to appeal it twice as I need care night and day and my condition has deteriorated enormously - and ive been getting DLA for 8 years now and that was only after 5 appeals. the last one was won because social services got involved.

 

Sincerely hope it will be more straightforward for you. Even if you only got the lowest rate, it is still something. Whatever you do, make sure you keep copies of ALL the forms you fill out and send them by recorded delivery.

 

There is a guidepack somewhere advising people with epilepsy how to fill out the forms, but I cant remember where I saw it. If I find it before you get a result, Ill let you know.

 

Best of luck and best wishes