Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is known to be a benefit that is available in the UK to help with the extra costs you have to handle as a part of living with a disability or long-term health condition. It is made in order to provide financial support to people who need help with their care or mobility needs. DLA is also replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in some cases with an age limit between 16 to 64, but people who are already receiving DLA will continue to do so for the time being.

The amount of DLA or PIP that you can receive depends on the level of care or mobility needs that you have and is divided into different rates. The application process for DLA or PIP can be complex. If your circumstances change after you have been awarded DLA or PIP, you must report the change to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as soon as possible.

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What is Disability Living Allowance?

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is known to be a tax-free benefit in the UK that provides financial support to people with a disability or long-term health condition. The allowance has two parts known as, a care component and a mobility component.

Moreover, the care component is for the help of people who need help with personal care, such as getting dressed or washing. The mobility component is paid if you need help with getting around, such as using a wheelchair or getting in and out of a car. DLA is gradually being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for new claimants, but existing DLA claimants will continue to receive DLA until they are invited to apply for PIP.

What is the Worth of a Disability Living Allowance?

The amount of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you can receive in the UK depends on your circumstances and the level of support you need. The allowance has two parts under it which are, a care component and a mobility component.

What are the Criteria to be Eligible for Disability Living Allowance?

To be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the UK, you must be suffering from a disability or long-term health condition that affects your ability to care for yourself or get around. You must also:

1- Be the one who is under the age of 65 years, in case of being over 65, you are most likely to be eligible for an Attendance Allowance.
2- Have had difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least three months (this is known as the ‘qualifying period).
3- Expect to continue having difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least another six months (this is known as the ‘prospective test’).
4- Be habitually resident in the UK.

As mentioned earlier that DLA is gradually being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for new claimants, but existing DLA claimants will continue to receive DLA until they are invited to apply for PIP.

What is the Way to Claim Disability Living Allowance?

In order to make a claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the UK, you will call the helpline of the DLA. You will need to fill in the form and return it to the address provided, along with any supporting evidence such as medical reports or letters from your doctor.

You can also opt for downloading the claim form from the gov.uk website and send it to the address provided. After the claim process, if your claim is successful, you will be in a good position to get your first payment four weeks after your claim is accepted.

What Will Happen After the Child Turns 16?

If a child who is receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the UK is approaching their 16th birthday, their DLA will not automatically stop. However, they may be in need to go and apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. PIP is a benefit for people who are between the age figure 16 to 64 and have a disability.

The process for applying for PIP is similar to the process for applying for DLA, but the assessment criteria are different. The child can be invited for a face-to-face assessment to determine the exact criteria of eligibility for PIP. If they are successful in their claim, they will receive their first payment four weeks after their claim is accepted.

What Will be the Case if I am Turned Down in this Regard?

In case you are turned down for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the UK, you can ask for the decision to be reconsidered. This will be a mandatory reconsideration. You must do the request of a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter.

If the decision is not changed after the mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. You must appeal within one month of the date on your mandatory reconsideration notice.

What Will be the Scenario if One’s Circumstances Change?

If your circumstances change after you have been awarded Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the UK, you must report the change to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as soon as possible. It may affect your entitlement to DLA. For example, if your condition improves and you no longer meet the eligibility criteria, your DLA may be reduced or stopped.

Alternatively, if your condition deteriorates and your care or mobility needs increase, you may be entitled to a higher rate of DLA. It is important to report any changes to the DWP to see that you are getting the deserving amount of benefit. If you fail to report changes that could result in an overpayment, a repayment will be required.

The Bottom Line

To sum up, we can say that if you or someone you know is eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the UK, it can provide financial support to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition. The process for applying for DLA or its replacement, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), can be complex, and it is important to provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim. If your circumstances change after you have been awarded DLA or PIP, you must report the change to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as soon as possible.

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Disclaimer: The information about disability living allowance in the UK provided in this blog includes text and graphics of general nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.