Hi All
I have noticed that there are often queries and questions asked on the forums on the subject of Disability Living Allowance. In view of this, I have given here some, hopefully, useful information on the Allowance along with the website link to further information from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Disability Living Allowance - sometimes referred to as DLA - is a tax-free benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled.
The information in this section is a guide only. The office dealing with your claim can answer any questions you may have about claiming and receiving Disability Living Allowance.
Who can get Disability Living Allowance?
You may get Disability Living Allowance if:
• you have a physical or mental disability, or both
• your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or you have walking difficulties, or both
• you are under 65 when you claim
Special rules - if you are terminally ill
If you have a progressive disease and you are not expected to live for more than another six months there are special rules for claiming to make sure you get your benefit more quickly and easily.
Medical examinations
You will not usually need a medical examination when you claim for Disability Living Allowance. If you are asked to have one you can find out more from the link below.
How much do you get?
Disability Living Allowance has two parts called ‘components’:
• a care component - if you need help looking after yourself or supervision to keep you safe
• a mobility component - if you can’t walk or need help getting around
Some people will be entitled to receive just one component; others may get both.
The care component and mobility component are paid at different rates depending on how your disability affects you.
How it’s paid
Disability Living Allowance is normally paid directly into any account of your choice which accepts Direct Payment of benefits. This might be a bank, building society or other account provider.
You may be able to get someone else to collect your Disability Living Allowance if you wish. For help with this please contact your bank, building society or other account provider.
If you would like more information about how you can be paid by other means please contact the office dealing with your claim - details are in the ‘Rates and how to claim’ section.
Effect on other benefits and entitlements
If you start to get Disability Living Allowance it might increase the amount of other benefits or credits you’re entitled to, such as Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
Disability Living Allowance is normally ignored as income for working out these income-related benefits and credits.
The DWP website is dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/discare/ and this contains further information and advice on the subject of this and other benefits.
I do hope you find this information useful.
Kind regards
Louise
Facilitator