DLA has to change...

When I read about Sue's DLA it made me realise that the current system needs to change. But we must be careful, because the change that the government is proposing is a whole lot worse than the current system.

Under the current system I get higher rate care and lower rate mobility. This might surprise the people that think they know me, but to the people that truely know me understand the reasons why.

Under the new system I doubt I would get anything. They mention getting therapy in the new descriptors, which is something I use my DLA for. But they mean home based therapy. So does that mean I will have to have it at home instead just to qualify?

It also uses ones ability to plan and carry out a journey as a signifier of wellness, but to me thats a sign of sickness. I would love to be able to make a journey without having to plan 5 different ways of achieving that journey, and knowing all the bus routes and their timetables in the city just so I am comfortable enough to travel around. but i can't. It keeps me safe to have this information. Without it I would freakout and panic.

so, whats wrong with the old system? Well I think Sue's DLA highlights whats wrong with the system. It is inconsistent and decisions are made without any sense being applied to them. Claims are regularly turned down just so that only the 'genuine ones' (in the eyes of the government ie. or those who are able to fight) will bother. It is truely a lottery.

So, whats the answer? What makes sense to a disabled person as an answer might not make sense economically. But then, following that argument, by taking away someones DLA doesn't make any economic sense either. DLA enables people to work, and contribute to the economy in other ways such as volunteering, education, campaigning etc. Without that financial stability that comes from DLA I know my world would crumble. My care isn't funded by the state, and my condition isnt understood by the NHS. I am sure I am not the only one who could lose the ability to live independently.  At the moment my rent is 60 pounds a week on housing benefit. If I were forced into living in supported housing that amount would at least double.

this reminds me of a blog post : http://benefitscroungingscum.blogspot.com/2011/04/stitch-in-time-can-sometimes-cost-you.html

I don't know what the answer is but i know it isnt this....