Do I qualify to get Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit for children and for adults under 65 with disabilities.
You can get DLA if you find it difficult to walk or get around, and/or if you need help to look after yourself. DLA is not means tested so does not depend on your or your partner’s (if you have one) income or capital.
You can work and receive DLA as long as you are eligible.
You can get DLA as a part time or full time student. DLA is not means tested so a grant or loan income will not affect the amount of your benefit. However, if your college provides care and assistance for you, the authorities may claim some or all of the DLA care component back from you. Also, if you live in a residential college, your care component stops when you are there if it counts as 'special accommodation'.
In 2008 The Disability Living Allowance and Advisory Board announced a review of all "special rules" Disability Living Allowance claims awarded more than 3 years ago. This followed a government legal review, a consultation with relevant care groups and a pilot survey of a small number of awards made more than seven years ago. The review now affects people of all ages.
The "special rules" review is still ongoing. The Disability and Carers Service expect the review to continue into 2011.
- How DLA is split
- How to apply
How DLA is split
There are two parts to the Disability Living Allowance - these are a care component and a mobility component.
Care
To get help with your personal care you must be 'so severely disabled physically or mentally that you require' the following from another person:
- frequent, prolonged or repeated attention in connection with your bodily functions during the day or through the night
- supervision through the day or through the night (this could be continuous) in order to avoid substantial danger to yourself or to others
- help to prepare a cooked main meal for yourself if you have the ingredients.
The care component is paid at three different levels. In the event that you qualify for this, the rate you get depends on the severity of your care needs and the help you need.
Mobility
You might be able to get help with your mobility if that's difficult for you.
There are two levels of help you can get. To receive the higher rate you must be one of the following:
- unable to walk
- virtually unable to walk
You get the lower rate if you're so disabled physically or mentally that you can't safely go outdoors without guidance or supervision. For example if you find it difficult to travel to unfamiliar places due to anxiety or you experience panic attacks.
How to apply
More information on the Disability Living Allowance is available if you want it.
Find out more about how to apply for DLA by visiting the Direct Government website or call the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00.
Reviews and appeals
If you've applied for DLA and aren't happy with your assessment, then you have the right to have a review, or to make an appeal if you disagree with the decision. You'll need to do this within four weeks of the date on the decision letter.
You might have heard that there's going to be a review of the DLA awards under special rules - find out more about the DLA review.