Woodworking with a disability

Chippygeoff · 26 Jun 2013

I know there are a few wood workers on here with a disability and was wondering if someone could give me the benefit of their experience. I live alone and although I manage quite well in my workshop I really struggle with things like housework. I am not sure if I am entitled to have a cleaner come in to help out. I get the full DLA. If someone can give some advice it will save me spending hours on the phone and being passed from one department to another as has happened in the past with other queries. Many thanks in advance.

monkeybiter · 26 Jun 2013

Look into 'direct payment'.

MARK.B. · 26 Jun 2013

Contact you local social services, they should be able to tell you if you can get any help with the housework, or try the citizens advice.

Richard S · 26 Jun 2013

I think you will find that the Disability Living Allowance is intended to pay for the additional costs incurred through disability, such as paying a cleaner.

Reggie · 27 Jun 2013

From what I hear, you just need to think about your illness and how it affects you, list every single problem and obviously answer the questions truthfully, so for instance, you may have gotten used to doing things for yourself and ignoring the pain as much as possible, those are the kinds of things that you need to list, leave no stone unturned, describe in as much detail as possible how your illness affects you. The forms can take some time to fill in, I would also suggest writing/typing out your answers on a separate sheet of paper/document before you fill in the form, this will give you the opportunity to go over all of your answers, check for typos, make sure you understand the questions etc.

You should also go and see (or phone) the citizens advice bureau, it's quite likely that they will either have someone who can assist you or at least put you onto someone who can.

Chippygeoff · 27 Jun 2013

Thanks guys for all your advice and suggestions. I have been in touch with social services and they are coming out to see me. I feel it will take a while but will get there in the end.