Disability Allowance processing times

picturehangup

My son has applied for, and been denied the DA one year ago. He suffers from Autism and other related difficulties.
The application was reviewed and was denied a second time. Last December we appealed, and submitted extra letters further explaining my son's diffculties.
However, we were told that the file is still in Longford awaiting a third assessment by a Doctor, in light of the 'new information'. There is nothing 'new' that wasn't on the original application, just extensive elaboration of my son's condition.
My Doctor is an honest man, and would never fabricate such a diagnosis. The current system as I see it is designed to be frustrating, incoherent and is completely not fit for purpose. These waiting times are unfair. Has anybody any advice on what I can do/where I go next? I have contacted one public representative which has not proved to be fruitful.
Why are the government treating my incapacitated son with complete contempt?

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Jasssss

Hi Picturehangup,
can i ask you if your son was in receipt of the Domiciliary care allowance.I feel sick reading your post because I am about to make an application for my son.I have heard from other parents who too have been refused this allowance for their child.Did you send in medical reports with your application and on what grounds were you refused.This is totally wrong.

picturehangup

Hi Jasssss

I am delighted to report that my son was awarded the DA only a few weeks ago. And yes, he had been in receipt of DCA. I wrote a heartfelt, honest letter to several TD's, which were then forwarded to Minister Burton. Yes, these denials are immoral, and in breach of the human rights of these children, and the govt. know this. The system as it stands has been slated in the FLAC report as a system that is not fit for purpose. Look it up, google search FLAC.
Also, I did include (to all relevant TD's) all medical reports, a five-page letter outlining our difficulties on a daily basis, and a covering letter which was very strong politically and just from the heart. I also outlined the flaws in the system from my personal experience, and this system is a maze to navigate, and you must persecute them in Longford, record names of personnel, matters discussed. Keep detailed records of every conversation, date time, nature of call, outcome of call, next step, because you will be on a mad merry go round to nowhere fast if you don't, and fobbed off at every turn. Expect to be refused at first, but appeal immediately. The system is awful, but those who shout loudest..
I truly hope you get sorted soon, but fight , fight fight for you child.
Please let me know how you get on, and if I can give further advice, just ask!

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picturehangup

Jasssss,

Was refused on the grounds that there was 'insufficient medical evidence'.
For God's sake the child had been diagnosed with autism by a leading expert (psychiatrist). What more did they need? Absolute rubbish. Stalling is the name of the game with this lot. I had a solicitor waiting in the wings. thankfully I didn't need him.

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Jasssss

Picturehangup,I am delighted to hear you were finally awarded the DA. It is very sad that the most vulnerable people in our society are treated in this way.I am about to embark on the same journey that you have gone down and i feel sick to the pit of my stomach.I have a ton of reports from all the specialist that my child attended and is still attending,the reports are about a year old do you think i need to ask for new ones or will these reports do ?.I;m afraid if i get new reports and we are refused that I will have nowhere else to turn for more medical evidence,what do you think.

picturehangup

Jasssss,

What is your child's precise diagnosis? My son's was Autism, (ASD)
And how old is he/she?

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Jasssss

Hi Picturehangup, yes my child has Asperger's, and is about to turn 16, but i know from this forum and others that a lot of people who apply for DA are been turned down.I rang the Dept to ask what was the wait time and was told 8 months and the lady also told me that a high percentage of claims are turned down first time.My child has many other problems as well.I was just worried if i sent everything in and it got refused where would that leave me.

picturehangup

Hi Jasssss,

Not good to leave the situation lingering. You should submit everything you have immediately, with the expectation that you will be turned down. The same refusal letter will give you details on how to appeal your case, which should be within 21 days.
You should then write a further letter giving extra info re your child's difficulties on a daily basis and how it impinges upon your family life. Again, you will hear fairly soon after this, and you never know, you could be well successful, as you say your child has other difficulties. Keep on fighting, but don't continue to procrastinate. Good luck!

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livemusic4life

Actually jassss i forgot to mention on the other thread to include a diary of a typical day for your child or a few days, outlining his difficulties, lack of sleep, troubled behavior or anything you feel is appropriate. As much detail about the difficulty with any given task or maybe obsessive behaviour.

I did a three day truthful diary when i applied for disability.

Sorry that i forgot to mention it.