Has anyone had any luck with the DA for mental health issues?

RaXezar

I submitted my application, but I'm worried it won't work out because I'm not missing an arm or something.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058205140/has-anyone-had-any-luck-with-the-da-for-mental-health-issues

Hi, DA for whatever diagnosis is very difficult to get approval on, not because the department will fully decline people, it's because each application assessed rigorously and requires as much supporting paperwork work as possible. The support of your GP and or specialists also very important.

I know your perhaps using a bit of tongue and cheek using a missing limb in your analogy but obviously some disibilities and illnesses easier to assess from a long term perspective. Important to note also Disibility is used in its discription, this allowance covers an enormous range of long term illinesses as well as defined disibility using a complex ICD coding system.

No one here can categorically answer your question, every case different and expect a delay in decision and a possible initial decline, normally application decisions requiring an appeal will have an appeals case officer assigned to carefully review all the evidence.

So with no Pun intended, be patient, it can be frustrating but your application will be assessed carefully.

Good luck 😉

Cherry Blossom

Hi OP,

My condition is mental health related. I applied in December 2018 and my claim was approved in early April 2019 and backdated to December. I didn't include a letter from my consultant but each time I have an appointment with them, they send a letter to my GP outlining how it went and the GP copied that letter and included it with my application. I have heard people say it is difficult to get DA approved but this was not my experience. I have had my condition almost 10 years now and fought against applying for DA as I believed I was well enough to work full-time. It was a slow realization that actually I am not. I now work Part-time and am starting a part-time course soon. The course is just a no-pressure course one evening a week in something i'm interested in doing as a hobby. There are great supports out there for people even with unseen disabilities and if I'd known this I might have applied sooner. DA really is the most flexible Social Welfare payment. My advice is, if your claim is denied then appeal that decision. Citizens Information are supposedly very good at helping you with what to put on the appeal form. This is a free service, so do use it. Best of luck with your application.

RaXezar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117785100#Comment_117785100

Yeah I only phrased it that way because I'm not entirely sure how seriously the DSP takes mental health.

RaXezar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117785612#Comment_117785612

Thanks for the info regarding your experience. Your story is a lot better than some other stuff I've read.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117785664#Comment_117785664

Of course and I understand completely, as cherry blossom has said it may not be too daunting and I yeild to his always excellent advice. I will just say some have found the process daunting and frustrating but of course each application different. Also, I sincerely believe the Department takes mental health very seriously.

I sincerely wish you well on your journey and generally and also I agree that Citizens information are an excellent resource

RaXezar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117785674#Comment_117785674

Thanks a million!

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117786010#Comment_117786010

Your welcome and please remember, there's always support out there 😊 remain positive