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DLA and Attendance Allowance - Main Page

DLA (Disability Living Allowance) and AA (Attendance Allowance) are probably the two most important benefits for people with any sort of longer-term illness or disability - including mental health problems.

They are, very broadly speaking, ‘extra’ money for people who don’t manage ‘well’ when left to their own devices - either because of difficulties looking after themselves, communicating and socialising, or because of some sort of ‘risk’.

NOTE

DLA will be replaced in April 2013 with a new benefit called PIP - Personal Independence Payment. There are concerns about this new type benefit, which we will be addressing shortly.

Disability Living Allowance

DLA is paid ON TOP OF ANY other income and are not means tested in any way. In fact getting DLA can qualify you for MORE means tested income as well. Claiming  for - and receiving - this benefits can only ever leave you financially better off.

There are various rates for DLA - ranging from weekly payments of £20.55 to £131.50. The rate you are entitled to will be assessed by a number of different ways - and possibly, examinations. You can get this benefit even if you are able to work. The main criteria is basically that you need assistance of some form. You may also be entitled to DLA if you are terminally ill.

Who Can Claim DLA?

DLA Benefit is available for children or adults (under 65 years) with a physical or mental condition or disability that either means that

  • You need additional help with you personal care, such as someone supervising you (not entirely necessary) - or
  • You have problems walking and getting around, or maybe even being unable to walk.
  • You will have had these 'problems' for at least 3 months and are likely to have the problems for at least the next 6 months.
  • If you are terminally ill, then different rules apply.

You do not have to be severely handicapped to claim this benefit, and many recipients do not actually consider themselves as being 'handicapped'. If you simply have 'walking difficulties - even though you might be working - then you could still be entitled to DLA.

Even if you have savings or other income, but suffer as above, then you could be entitled to DLA. Savings and/or income is NOT taken into acount. DLA is a tax-free benefit, and it does not normally affect any other benefits you might be claiming.

Receiving DLA - in the higher care category (Component), can also entitle someone to claim Carer’s Allowance for looking after you.

Care and Mobility Components for DLA Benefits Payments.

There are two different parts to DLA - called Care Parts  or Components. Sometimes they call them 'Parts' - sometimes they call them 'Components'! The DWP recognises that this might cause confusion, so even explain that they are both one and the same thing as far as DLA is concerned. A 'component' is of course a 'part' so why they have to differentiate we are not sure.

Care Part - Component

 

  1. Lowest Care Component - weekly rate of £20.55 - For those that need some form of help or assistance for part of the day or for help with cooking meals etc.
  2. Middle Care Component - weekly rate of £51.85 - For those that need more help, or even full time help or supervision at nights for such tasks as assisting you with dialysis.
  3. Highest Care Component - weekly rate of £77.45 - For those who need assistance through the day and also throughout the night time. This component is also applicable to the terminally Ill.

Mobility Component - Part.

 

  1. Lower Mobility Component - weekly rate of £20.55 - this is for those who need supervision and/or guidance when outdoors. Maybe you can walk, but are at risk of putting yourself or others in danger for reasons of your disability - maybe deafness, partial blindness, behavioural problems. Basically anything that you suffer from that could cause injury or danger if you are not accompanied or supervised.
  2. Higher Mobility Component - weekly rate £51.85 - For those with higher rate of disability - cannot walk, or only walk short distances with considerable discomfort or pain - are 100% blind and 80% deaf.

Medical Examination

If there is any doubt about your condition, then the DWP may ask you to attend for medical assessment. This would not normally be necessary if the problems caused by your physical or mental condition are obvious. The medical examination will be carried out by a health care professional on behalf of the DWP. If you are not satisfied with the result and implications of your medical assessment, then you can appeal against the decision. There is a special way in which you have to appeal, with relevant forms available from the DWP.

AA is for people who are 65 or over when they first claim. It only looks at people’s Care needs. The qualifying conditions for AA are identical to those for the middle and higher rate of the Care Component of DLA. To get AA you must have had your difficulties for the last six months and they must be likely to continue for the next six.

‘New’ claim packs were introduced in 2003 for AA     next>>>