Depression is a condition you can get DLA for under certain circumstances.In my opinion it shouldn't be but i'm not here to judge(I have suffered depression myself but didn't consider myself disabled)
Hi skyep:-)
My eldest daughter has suffered depression for years,she was finally diagnosed with BPD(borderline personality disorder),she self harms and has been on anti-psychotic medication.She was refused DLA so even with severe depression and personality disorders they can still turn you down.
Like I-A-P I have bipolar disorder and am in receipt of Incapacty Benefit.
I did get DLA for 'care' due to my memory problems affecting my ability to cook without wandering off - kept setting pots on fire.
DLA is paid to cover extra costs that could be due to be paid by you as a result of your illness. Until 4 years ago I worked for DWP and sometimes helped people fill out applications for DLA. In most cases the person has not given sufficient information to allow a payment to be made.
When filling out one of the forms it is best to envisage how your illness affects your life on one of your bad days. To say that you can't do something because you are depressed is no good - it is important to stress what aspects of normal life you can't do and why.
The CAB are brilliant at helping to fill out these forms.
If you are receiving additional support from the GP , CPN or social work team, ask them for a letter of support. This sometimes helps, if you are turned down, always appeal..