For example, if you need help to cook a meal, walk outdoors or dress yourself, you could be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). You may also be eligible if you need someone to keep an eye on you, for example, because you have a mental health condition.
To qualify, you need to have had difficulty walking or looking after yourself for at least three months. These difficulties should be expected to last for at least the next six months.
Disability Living Allowance can be awarded for a set time (at least six months), or indefinitely.
Disability Living Allowance is made up of:
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a care component (for difficulties with looking after yourself)
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a mobility component (for difficulties with walking or getting
around).
The amount of Disability Living Allowance you receive depends on how much help or supervision you need to walk or take care of yourself (or both). You do not have to be getting the help to qualify.
You should also know the following:
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when you claim Disability Living Allowance, your income and savings are not taken into account
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if you are receiving other benefits, they will not be reduced if you are awarded Disability Living Allowance, and may increase
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you may also become eligible for an extra benefit, such as Income Support, Housing and Council Tax benefit if you are awarded Disability Living Allowance
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people who are working can claim Disability Living Allowance.
Terminal illness
If you are terminally ill, you can apply for Disability Living Allowance under the Special Rules. Under these rules, you do not need to meet the three and six month qualifying conditions. Your claim will be dealt with quickly and you will receive the Disability Living Allowance care component at the highest rate. You may also be eligible for the mobility component if you have difficulty walking. From 25 September 2006, all new Special Rules claims for Disability Living Allowance will be reviewed after three years.
Mobility component
This is paid at two rates, depending on how much help or supervision you need when walking:
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the lower rate of £17.75 a week
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the higher rate of £46.75 a week.
Children who have difficulty with walking can become entitled to the higher rate from the age of three. The lower rate can be paid for children aged five and over who need extra guidance orsupervision when walking.
Care component
To qualify for the care component, you do not need to have a carer. It is the care you need that makes you eligible for Disability Living Allowance, not the care you get. For example, you could be eligible for the care component because you find it difficult to get out of bed, have a bath or cook yourself a meal. The care component is paid at three rates, depending on the amount of help and care you need:
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the lower rate of £17.75 a week
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the middle rate of £46.75 a week
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the higher rate of £67.00 a week.
If you qualify for the middle or higher rate care component, and you have a carer, your carer may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.
If you are receiving Disability Living Allowance, and your care or mobility needs increase, you may become entitled to an increase in your Disability Living Allowance.
You need to make a claim for Disability Living Allowance before you turn 65, but if you are awarded the benefit it will still be paid to you after you have turned 65.
How can I claim?
It's a good idea to get help filling in the claim form from an experienced adviser. For an application pack, ring the free Benefits Enquiry Line (BEL) on 0800 882200 or textphone 0800 243355.
You can also get a pack from your local Jobcentre Plus or social security office, or see www.direct.gov.uk/disability
In Northern Ireland:
Form DLA1 (adult) or DLA1 (child) for children under the age of 16 can be obtained from Disability and Carers service on (028) 9090 6182 or from your local Social Security or Jobs and Benefits office. You can also download a form or claim online at
www.dsdni.gov.uk