Waiting times - domiciliary care & carer's benefit?

dulpit

Hey all,

Our son has a heart issue, we're waiting on Crumlin to schedule open heart surgery. Because of this and other things going on, Mrs. Dulpit was advised (by her job) to apply for carer's leave & benefit to let her have the time. She's already put in for this, work have approved her leave and we're waiting on the social to process the benefit.

Our GP was confident that we'd be eligible for the carer's benefit based on the forms/etc he filled out, but my wife is worried - does anyone have any experience here as to whether there will be any medical checks/etc or is it just a waiting game?

We rang the social today, they said they have only just received forms (even though they were sent ages ago), and also suggested that we sound like we're also eligible for domiciliary care, so we're going to put in for that too. Apparently if we had done it the other way around (domiciliary care allowance first) it would have been quicker, but c'est la vie.

Any body got experience they can share or advice/etc?

Thanks in advance!

infogiver

Carers Benefit are around 12 weeks behind right now but you will get it all backdated when it comes.
DCA are even worse at around 14 weeks.
The quicker you get it filled and sent away the better.
Best wishes to your family.

dulpit

Thanks. The delays we're aware of (not thrilled to be honest, but what can you do?). My wife's bigger concern is how strict the medical checks are..

infogiver

dulpit wrote: »

Thanks. The delays we're aware of (not thrilled to be honest, but what can you do?). My wife's bigger concern is how strict the medical checks are..

The delays are as a result of the public service staff embargo which while easing now, isn't really filtering down to the staff at the coal face.
In order to get Carers Benefit you have to provide evidence that your child needs full time care and attention.
A written diagnosis isn't really sufficient.
If you haven't already, I would advise that your wife sit down and write a detailed account of the nitty gritty of caring for this child.
Especially stress the toing and froing to medical appointments and the dispensing of medication as this seems to be important.
CC that account for DCA and even if you've sent both application forms already post them off to each department with your wife's PPSN attached.
For DCA you need to stress how your other children (if you have any) are being left short of attention due to this child's medical needs.

EverythingGood

dulpit wrote: »

Thanks. The delays we're aware of (not thrilled to be honest, but what can you do?). My wife's bigger concern is how strict the medical checks are..

My mam was refused carers first time around, despite overwelming medical needs for dad, from more than 1 doctor...refusal took 18 weeks, appeal took a further 6 - was eventually granted, with assistance from a local TD (who is also a minister)

boardsuser1

Sent off the forms this week for my daughter, the wife got a text this morning from them saying it will take a minimum of 18 weeks.

She has been classed as severe in most categories, however i still expect a refusal on the first attempt.

is 18 weeks the reality?

dulpit

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Sent off the forms this week for my daughter, the wife got a text this morning from them saying it will take a minimum of 18 weeks.

She has been classed as severe in most categories, however i still expect a refusal on the first attempt.

is 18 weeks the reality?

We applied in March, got approval letter at end of August, first payment next week. Time lines aren't great I'm afraid.

boardsuser1

dulpit wrote: »

We applied in March, got approval letter at end of August, first payment next week. Time lines aren't great I'm afraid.

That's bad :eek:

Here's hoping it can get over the line at the first attempt.

Knine

If either of you are on Facebook then look up the page DCA Warriors. You will find lots of support/help there. There is no medical check for DCA. It is based on the care the child needs above a typical child. If the assessor needs anything else to support your claim then they will contact you. The best of luck. Caring for a child with extra needs is very tough. Look after yourselves too.

boardsuser1

Knine wrote: »

If either of you are on Facebook then look up the page DCA Warriors. You will find lots of support/help there. There is no medical check for DCA. It is based on the care the child needs above a typical child. If the assessor needs anything else to support your claim then they will contact you. The best of luck. Caring for a child with extra needs is very tough. Look after yourselves too.

Thanks for the reply.

I've applied to join that page a while ago now, still not approved.

I sent in reports from the Occupational Therapist along with other reports on the child.

An 18 week wait now.

I've been reading that they usually refuse on the first go!