Can I Get DLA?

The best starting place for advice on Disability Living Allowance is probably back to Direct.Gov.UK.  It gives you all the basic information about how to get a form, the current rates etc.  However, the whole process is renowned for being stressful, unfriendly and occasionally unfair.  Bare this in mind and you’ll probably do OK!  Please be warned, sometimes it takes quite a while to get through the whole claims process.  They say that they try to get everything sorted in about 6 weeks.  That’s hoping!!  To be fair, they sometimes have to contact a range of professionals and it can take a while to get back all the reports, but they are always quick to pass the buck when criticised.

What Is DLA?

Disability Allowance is a non means tested benefit designed to help you pay for the extra costs of being disabled.  It is split into two distinct sections, Mobility and Care Components.

Mobility Component

There are two rates of the Mobility Component

Clipart FormThere are two rates of the Mobility Component.

• Low Rate is paid to people that have difficulty getting around because they might get lost, disorientated, confused or similar.  It doesn’t necessarily mean a physical difficulty walking.
• High Rate is paid to people that have a significant difficulty walking or cannot walk at all.  Sometimes aids are taken into consideration though, so not all amputees qualify for example.  Significantly, you need to get the High Rate to qualify for other mobility benefits and services like Motability.

Care Component

There are three rates of the Care Component.

• Low Rate, in very VERY simple terms, is for people that need help with care needs throughout the day.
• Middle Rate is for people that need help through the night.
• High Rate is for people that need help 24 hours a day (please forgive my incredibly simplified descriptions!).

How To Apply

If you want to apply, don’t worry too much about whether you definitely qualify or not.  APPLY NOW!!

My advice would be to phone for a form.  Call the Benefits Enquiry Line* on:

Telephone: 0800 88 22 00

Textphone: 0800 24 33 55

or using the RNID Typetalk service.

Phone because the form is dated on the day they receive your call.  If you download the form, it is dated when they receive the form (and you pay for the paper!).  If you phone, you can take your time filling it in and getting the right advice.  Otherwise it could cost you money.

Over To You

I intend to add a lot more about DLA to this website.  How to fill in the form and where to go for help and advice.  If you have tips though, add them here.  Please feel free to add sites, opinion and any resources you have found useful.

*The Benefit Enquiry Line is open 8.30 am to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm Saturday.