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 period of 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 help to qualify.
You should also know:
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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, if you are awarded Disability Living Allowance
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people who are working can claim Disability Living Allowance.
If you are terminally ill, you can apply for Disability Living Allowance under the special rules. To do this, you must tick the box on page 16 of the claim form that asks, 'If you are claiming under the Special Rules, tick this box'. Your claim should be dealt with quickly and you should 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.
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 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 or supervision 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.
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If you qualify for the middle or higher rate care component, and you do have a carer, your carer may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.
How can I claim?
If you think you may be entitled to claim Disability Living Allowance do so straight away, any delay may mean you lose some of the benefit.
You can get claim forms from your local Jobcentre Plus or social security office. To find out where your local office is go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. You can also look in the phone book under Jobcentre Plus or social security. Alternatively, you can order a claim form from the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 (Textphone 0800 24 33 55).
You can also download a claim form from the Department for Work and Pensions, www.dwp.gov.uk.However, online claim forms are not date-stamped and therefore the benefits cannot be backdated to the date of issue.
If you are terminally ill and claiming under the Special Rules your doctor or consultant will need to complete a medical report called a DS1500 which you send in with the claim form.
For advice and information on Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, please call the DLA/AA Helpline on 8457 12 34 56 (Textphone 08457 22 44 33).
In Northern Ireland:
You can order an application pack from the Disability and Carers Service on 028 90 90 61 78 or by contacting your local
Jobs and Benefits Office or social security office.
For further information about the benefits advice available in your local area call Macmillan on freephone 0800 500 800.