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Disability Benefits

Many benefits relating to work, disability and long term health conditions are being affected by the Government's current review of the welfare system.   We are currently updating this section. In particular the rules and entitlement to Disability Living Allowance [DLA] are changing. 

 

When?

Sometime over the next three years the government intends to replace this benefit with a much more restrictive "Personal Independence Payment PIP".  The consultation period about these changes is still ongoing.  (See our home page for updates or use the serach box for "PIP") 

We have been supporting Disability Alliance in coordinating a response to this.  See link at bottom of this section for more details of what the proposed changes might mean.

 

DLA now?

Today, the rules relating to DLA remain the same.  We recommend you take advice early if you feel you should apply.

If you want to take this up or need help completing the claim forms, ring our helpline 01772 558863 to make an appointment.   DLA claim packs can be obtained for the Job Centre, Local Benefit Agency or directly by ringing the DLA Unit on 08457 123456.


Disability Living Allowance  (DLA)

DLA is to help disabled people with mobility and personal care needs. DLA is not "means tested" and it is not taxable. If you are in receipt of Income Support or other benefits, DLA can give added premiums to these.
 
Although your particular diagnosis or condition is important in assessing your entitlement, DLA is paid because of the effect and impact it is having on your ability to do day to day activities. There is no definition of what is these are.  
 
The person ("decision maker") considering your application will think about two broad areas.  1. Can you get around, on your own, without difficulty and in safety?  2. Can you ensure your own personal care in, for example, bathing, using the bathroom, cooking and eating, communicating with others and dealing with medication or treatment?

DLA claim packs can be obtained for the Job Centre, Local Benefit Agency or directly by ringing the DLA Unit on 08457 123456. You must have been experiencing difficulty and expect it to last for at least three months. 
 
 
Depending on the extent and impact of your difficulty.....

 
DLA for the Mobility component is paid at two rates:-

  • Low Rate £19.55
  • High Rate £51.40

DLA for the Care component is paid at three rates:-

  • Low Rate £19.55
  • Middle Rate £49.30
  • High Rate £73.60

You may be awarded any combination of both a mobility and care element - or only one depending on your circumstances.

The Mobility component at low rate can start for a child at 5 years. The Mobility component at high rate can start for a child at 3 years. The Personal Care component at all rates can start for a child at birth. For all components the child must have had the problem for at least three months.

DLA must be applied for as an adult when a child becomes 16 years of age.

DLA can be claimed up to age 65 years, it is then replaced by Attendance Allowance.

DLA forms can seem complicated and it is best to seek help to fill them in. To get help filling in DLA forms book an appointment with a Disability Equality Advisor, or a similar organisation. Book your appointment for help filling as soon as you receive the forms as there is always a waiting list.

 

Other benefits related to DLA

DLA is a "gateway benefit".  Depending on the rate(s) awarded, disabled people can qualify for further help in a variety of ways:

Transport

The Blue Badge Scheme, operated by your county council is available to those in receipt of the higher rate mobility DLA. 

This rate will also entitle you to access the Motability car-scheme.  This could provide you with an adapted vehicle to suit your mobility impariment.  You will give up part or all of your mobility DLA depending on the size and type of car that you need. 

Your local authority will also be running the national NOW card scheme which entitles you to free bus travel.

 

Extra care and housing help

If you are awarded the middle rate of care you may be entitiled to extra help through the severe disability premium.  Currently this is £53.90 per week.  You must be living alone and no-one is receiving Carer's Allowance for you.  The rules about this are complex and we strongly advise you take advice about this as it may have an impact on your (or someone else's) benefits.

The severe disability premium will also entitle you to an effective reduction in your council tax and housing benefit, if applicable.

 

Leisure and social activities 

You will find that receiving DLA at any rate provides a wide range of subsidised access to statutory and private lesiure and social activities.  Many will also include anyone accompanying you as a carer - either informally or formally.

If you need advice or help completing the claim forms, ring our helpline 01772 558863 to make an appointment.


Response to proposed changes to DLA
Disability Alliance

Tags: benefits, disability-living-allowance, dla, pip, personal-independence-payments, blue-badge, disabled

Page Created: Tue 28/12/10 by Leo Redpath, Last Updated: Thu 15/12/11