Claim £28.70–£184.30 in DLA Support: If you’re a parent or guardian of a child with a disability or health condition in the UK, you may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This tax-free benefit is designed to help with the extra costs of caring for a child who has a long-term illness or disability. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about DLA: how to claim it, what amounts you can receive, eligibility criteria, how the payments work, and additional support available. This will give you the confidence to navigate the system and ensure your family gets the support they need.
Claim £28.70–£184.30 in DLA Support
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Range | £28.70 to £184.30 per week |
| Components of DLA | Care component, Mobility component |
| Eligibility | Children under 16 with a disability lasting 3+ months, requiring care |
| How to Apply | Call 0800 121 4600 or download the form from Gov.uk |
| Payment Frequency | Every 4 weeks on a Tuesday, except on bank holidays |
| Additional Benefits | Eligibility for Blue Badge, Carer’s Allowance, and other assistance |
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a valuable resource for families caring for children with disabilities or long-term health conditions. By understanding the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the benefits available, you can ensure that you receive the financial support you are entitled to. Whether you’re applying for the first time or managing an ongoing claim, it’s important to stay informed and take advantage of the additional support available.
Introduction to Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit paid to families who are looking after children under 16 years of age with physical or mental health conditions. DLA is designed to help cover the extra costs that come with caring for a child with disabilities, including special equipment, additional care, and other support services.
DLA is a crucial resource for many families. It offers financial relief, whether it’s paying for help around the house, extra childcare, or adaptations to your car or home. Understanding how to claim, what you’re eligible for, and how to manage the payments effectively is key to making the most of this benefit.
How Much Can You Claim?
DLA is made up of two main components: the care component and the mobility component. Depending on the level of need, you could be eligible for one or both components. The amount of money you receive will vary depending on the care and mobility needs of your child.
Care Component
The care component helps with the extra costs of looking after your child if they need more attention than a child of the same age without a disability. The care component is divided into three rates:
- Higher rate: £110.40 per week
- Middle rate: £73.90 per week
- Lower rate: £29.20 per week
If your child requires a significant amount of care and attention due to a disability or illness, you may qualify for the higher rate.
Mobility Component
The mobility component helps with the costs of getting around. This component has two rates:
- Higher rate: £77.05 per week
- Lower rate: £29.20 per week
If your child has difficulties walking or getting around outdoors in unfamiliar places, they may be eligible for this component.
Who Is Eligible for DLA?
To qualify for DLA, certain conditions must be met. DLA is primarily aimed at children under 16, and the child must have a disability or health condition that significantly affects their daily life. Here’s a quick breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
- Age: The child must be under 16 years of age.
- Disability or Illness: The child must have a long-term disability or illness. This means that their condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 3 months.
- Care Needs: The child must require more care, attention, or supervision than a child of the same age without a disability. This could include needing help with things like eating, dressing, or attending to personal care.
- Mobility Issues: If your child has difficulties walking or getting around outside of the home, they may be eligible for the mobility component.
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to apply for DLA, but evidence from healthcare professionals like doctors or specialists can be helpful to support your claim.
How to Apply for DLA
Applying for DLA may seem like a daunting task, but the process is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through:
1. Call the Disability Service Centre
To start the application process, you should call the Disability Service Centre at 0800 121 4600. It’s important to call, as this will allow your claim to be backdated to the date of the call.
2. Fill Out the Application Form
Once you’ve made your initial contact, you’ll be asked to fill out a form that provides detailed information about your child’s condition and how it affects their daily life. You can download the form from the official Gov.uk website or have it sent to you by the Disability Service Centre.
3. Provide Supporting Information
Along with the application form, you may be asked to submit medical evidence or other documents that show how your child’s condition impacts their life. This could include a letter from your doctor, specialist, or any other relevant healthcare professional.
4. Submit Your Claim
After completing the form and gathering all necessary documents, send everything back to the Disability Service Centre. Be sure to keep copies of everything for your records.
When Will I Receive DLA Payments?
Once your claim is processed and approved, you will begin receiving DLA payments. Payments are made every four weeks and are typically paid on a Tuesday. If your payment day falls on a bank holiday, you will receive it earlier, usually the day before the holiday.
If you receive DLA for your child, the payments will be deposited directly into your bank or building society account.
Additional Benefits of Receiving DLA
Receiving Disability Living Allowance for your child can unlock several additional benefits and support services. These include:
1. Carer’s Allowance
If you provide at least 35 hours of care per week for a child who receives the care component of DLA, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance. This allowance provides financial help for those who care for someone with a disability.
2. Blue Badge Scheme
If your child qualifies for the higher rate of the mobility component, they may be eligible for a Blue Badge. This badge allows you to park in disabled bays and other designated areas.
3. Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme allows you to exchange your child’s DLA mobility component for a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. This scheme is an excellent way to increase your child’s independence and mobility.
4. Exemption from Vehicle Tax
Children who receive the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA may be eligible for an exemption from paying vehicle tax.
How DLA Impacts Other Benefits
When you claim Disability Living Allowance for your child, it can have an impact on other benefits you might be receiving. For example, DLA may increase the amount of Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit you’re entitled to. It can also help you meet the eligibility criteria for other support programs. It’s important to ensure that your benefits are calculated correctly, as they may be affected by your child’s DLA claim.
Universal Credit and Housing Benefits
If you’re already claiming Universal Credit (UC), your child’s eligibility for DLA may affect the amount you receive. In some cases, your UC payment could increase depending on the level of DLA your child qualifies for.
Additionally, if you receive Housing Benefit, the government may take into account your child’s DLA when calculating your overall benefit. This could mean higher payments to help cover rent or housing costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming DLA
Although the application process for DLA is straightforward, many parents make mistakes when submitting their claims. Avoiding these common pitfalls can ensure that your claim is processed without delay.
1. Missing the Deadline
Your claim may be delayed if you don’t submit all the required documents in time. Make sure you keep track of the application deadline and provide any requested supporting materials quickly.
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2. Inadequate Supporting Evidence
Lack of medical evidence or incomplete information can lead to delays or denial of your claim. It’s essential to include detailed information from healthcare providers and specialists to strengthen your case.
3. Not Updating Your Claim
If your child’s condition changes, whether for better or worse, you should immediately inform the Disability Service Centre. Failing to update your claim could result in incorrect payment rates or even loss of eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to receive DLA?
It typically takes around 8 weeks from the date you submit your application to receive a decision. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
2. Can DLA be backdated?
Yes, if your child was eligible for DLA before you applied, the benefit can be backdated to the date of your initial claim. This is why it’s important to call the Disability Service Centre before completing the application.
3. What happens if my child’s condition changes?
If your child’s condition improves or worsens, you should inform the Disability Service Centre. This may affect the level of support they receive or the amount of benefit they are entitled to.
