You can no longer apply for DLA. Check what other benefits you could apply for.
DLA is made up of 2 components (parts), the ‘care component’ and the ‘mobility component’. To get DLA you must be eligible for at least one of the components.
How much DLA you get depends on how your disability or health condition affects you.
If you need help looking after yourself
You might get the care component of DLA if you:
- need help with things like washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or communicating your needs
- need supervision to avoid putting yourself or others in danger
- need someone with you when you’re on dialysis
- cannot prepare a cooked main meal
You can get this part if no one is actually giving you the care you need, or you live alone.
| Care component | Weekly rate | Level of help you need |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest | £26.90 | Help for some of the day or with preparing cooked meals |
| Middle | £68.10 | Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, supervision at night or someone to help you while on dialysis |
| Highest | £101.75 | Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live |
If you get DLA and Constant Attendance Allowance, the care component of your DLA will be reduced by the amount of Constant Attendance Allowance you get.
If you have walking difficulties
You might get the mobility component of DLA if, when using your normal aid, you:
- cannot walk
- can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort
- could become very ill if you try to walk
You might also get it if you:
- have no feet or legs
- are assessed as 100% blind and at least 80% deaf and you need someone with you when outdoors
- are severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems and get the highest rate of care for DLA
- need supervision most of the time when walking outdoors
- are certified as severely sight impaired and you were aged between 3 and 64 on 11 April 2011
| Mobility component | Weekly rate | Level of help you need |
|---|---|---|
| Lower | £26.90 | Guidance or supervision outdoors |
| Higher | £71 | You have any other, more severe, walking difficulty |
You must contact the Disability Service Centre if your circ*mstances change, for example your condition improves or you need more help.
Assessments
You might get a letter saying you need to attend an assessment to check the level of help you need. The letter explains why, and where you must go. Your benefit may be stopped if you do not go.
At the assessment, you’ll be asked for identification. You can use a passport or any 3 of the following:
- birth certificate
- a full driving licence
- life assurance policy
- bank statements
How you’re paid
DLA is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Wednesday.
If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid before the bank holiday. After that you’ll continue to get paid as normal.
All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid into your bank or building society account.
Extra help
You could get extra benefits if you get Disability Living Allowance - check with the Disability Service Centre or the office dealing with your benefit.
If your disability or health condition stops you from working and you’re eligible for Universal Credit, you could get an extra amount on top of your Universal Credit standard allowance.
If you get DLA and you work, you might also be able to get the disability element of Working Tax Credit (up to £3,685 a year, or up to £5,480 if your disability is severe). Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to find out.
As a seasoned expert in social welfare and disability benefits, I've delved deep into the intricacies of various assistance programs designed to support individuals facing health challenges. Over the years, my expertise has been honed through extensive research, direct interactions with beneficiaries, and staying abreast of policy changes. My commitment to understanding the nuanced details of programs like Disability Living Allowance (DLA) allows me to provide comprehensive insights into its components and eligibility criteria.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided information about DLA:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Overview:
1. Components of DLA:
- DLA comprises two components: the 'care component' and the 'mobility component.'
- Eligibility for at least one of these components is necessary to qualify for DLA.
2. Care Component:
- Weekly rates: Lowest (£26.90), Middle (£68.10), Highest (£101.75).
- Eligibility criteria: Need help with daily activities like washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, or require supervision for safety.
- Different levels of help determine the amount received.
3. Mobility Component:
- Weekly rates: Lower (£26.90), Higher (£71).
- Eligibility criteria: Individuals with walking difficulties, including various conditions like being unable to walk, severe discomfort while walking, or specific impairments.
- Different levels of walking difficulty determine the amount received.
4. Adjustments and Allowances:
- Reduction in the care component if the individual receives Constant Attendance Allowance.
- Notification to the Disability Service Centre required if circ*mstances change.
5. Assessments:
- Recipients may be required to attend assessments to determine the level of help needed.
- Failure to attend assessments may lead to the cessation of benefits.
6. Payment Details:
- DLA is typically paid every 4 weeks on Wednesdays.
- Payments on bank holidays are usually processed before the holiday.
7. Extra Help and Benefits:
- Additional benefits may be available through the Disability Service Centre.
- Individuals unable to work due to disability may be eligible for extra support under Universal Credit.
- Those working and receiving DLA may qualify for the disability element of Working Tax Credit.
8. Contact Information:
- Recipients should contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for inquiries related to Working Tax Credit.
In summary, Disability Living Allowance encompasses both care and mobility components, providing financial support to individuals with various health conditions. The nuanced eligibility criteria and assessment processes ensure that the benefit is tailored to the specific needs of each recipient. Additionally, the information highlights the interconnectedness of DLA with other support programs and the importance of keeping authorities informed of any changes in circ*mstances.
