DLA Child Question (Sensitive Topic)

Currently, we receive DLA for our daughter who is in high school - we receive the middle care component and the lower mobility right now which has been the case since the initial award began several years ago.

Our daughter has been a victim of grooming a few years ago and this caused a lot of psychological trauma which only presented itself in the past 12-18 months. During these past 12-18 months, the care we provide for her has increased - more so of a night time where it takes a long time for her to 'switch off' and go to sleep - she regularly has nightmares and also bed wetting. Either myself or my wife take turns to sleep in the room with her and this is the same most of the time.

I have rang the DLA helpline and requested a 434 form for a change of circumstances / condition so we're just waiting for that to arrive so we can get it filled out. Our main concern is about supporting evidence as our daughter is very quiet and shy and doesn't like opening up or talking about her feelings. We've explained to her that there is support / counselling available but she's very reluctant to take this up so we have no paperwork that we can provide for any counselling sessions or anything like that.

Everything that has happened to her is of course logged with the Police and we have the crime reference number and we also have a letter / report from a consultant developmental paediatrician which states what she's been through and that there is concerns about her emotional / mental wellbeing.

I just wonder if the above is enough 'evidence' to support the change of condition or is it likely they would request more.

I know this is a sensitive topic so any help / advice welcome and very much appreciated.

Thank you Gary

This is encouraging. I have already started to write everything down in preparation for completing the form. I thought the form would have been available to download and complete / send but I couldn't find it anywhere hence them sending it out by post to me.

I received and completed the form last week. I made sure to detail what she's been through and how this has affected her and the additional care needs that's arose because of this.

I've also included the developmental pediatrician report and her school IEP.

I imagine that even a child change of circumstances form will still take an age to action - anyone have any idea on the current timescale it's taking.

Well, quickest response known to man!

From another forum i'm part of, it's been taking a minimum of 3 months for a decision on DLA (both new claims and change of circumstances).

They received my form on 14th May, I got a letter dated 16th May acknowledging it and I got another letter today dated the 17th May denying my claim.

I don't know what has happened there but I'd be very surprised if they even read the form I sent in its entirety and the evidence / additional information that was sent.

I have just phone them to request a MR form be sent.

This is going to be fun... :/