Disability Living Allowance for children (not yet ... - Worthing Homes

Disability Living Allowance for children(not yet replaced by Personal Independence Payment)If your child has extra care and/or mobility needs as a result of a disability,you could get DLA for them:Care needsYour child has care needs if they need help with ‘bodily functions’, for example,eating, washing, getting dressed and going to the toilet. Social activities can beincluded too. Your child has to need more care and attention than other children ofthe same age. However, this extra condition only applies if your child is under 16when their Disability Living Allowance starts.Mobility needsYour child has mobility needs if they cannot walk outdoors or go on an unfamiliarroute without guidance or supervision from someone else. For example, this mightapply if your child is blind, is unable to walk or has a lot of difficulty walking. Yourchild may also be treated as having mobility needs if they have severe learningdifficulties or severe behavioural problems.You cannot claim the mobility part of DLA before your child reaches the age of three(for the higher rate) or five (for the lower rate).What help does it provide?DLA is money that you can spend as you want for your child's needs. It is usuallypaid into your bank account. It is paid as long as your child has mobility or careneeds.If your child gets DLA, you might qualify for Carer’s Allowance and for help from theMotability scheme.How much does it pay?There are two parts of DLA. One is the care part if your child has care needs. Theother is the mobility part if they have mobility problems. You can get either or both.05/2013

Care component: This is paid at one of three different weekly rates depending onhow much care is needed:Mobility component: This is paid at one of two different weekly rates, depending onhow difficult it is for you to get aroundIf you receive DLA you also qualify for a Christmas Bonus each year. This is usually£10. You do not need to make a claim for the bonus it is paid automatically. It doesnot affect any other benefits you might get.How do I make a claim?Phone the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 for a claim form.Challenging decisionsIf you disagree with the decision made on your child's benefit claim you can ask for awritten statement of reasons. If you still believe the decision is wrong, for exampledue to incorrect information being used, you can ask for it to be looked at again,and/or appeal.The time limits are strict, you will usually be given one month to dispute a decision,so it is important to seek advice and act quickly.Further helpThe Benefits Enquiry helpline can give you general information about DLA.Call them on: 0800 882 200.Once you have made a claim, you can get advice about DLA from theDisability Living Allowance helpline who should have access to your records.Call them on: 08457 123 456.Benefit cap and Disability Living AllowanceIf you, your partner or your child receive Disability Living Allowance, you will beexempt from the benefit cap which has been introduced from April 2013.05/2013