Why are there two benefits - DLA and Attendance Allowance?

If I claim DLA before I am 65 will it stop when I reach 65?

If I am over 65 can I get any money for my mobility?

Can I get DLA and Attendance Allowance?

If I get DLA or Attendance Allowance will my other benefits be reduced?

What happens to my DLA or Attendance Allowance if I go into hospital or residential care?

If I am awarded DLA or Attendance Allowance for life does this really mean for life?

What can I do if my benefit is withdrawn or reduced?

Are there any risks in asking for a higher rate of DLA or Attendance Allowance?

Are there any other advantages from claiming Attendance Allowance or DLA?

Can I claim DLA if I live on my own and do not get any help?

I have a child who is disabled, can I claim DLA for them?

What type of care needs are considered?

Does DLA only cover physical difficulties?

My condition has been present for the last year, can my claim be backdated to cover this period?

Will the Disability Benefits Centre contact my doctor for more information?

Attendance Allowance is a disability benefit for claimants 65 and over and DLA is for claimants under 65.

If you claim and qualify before you are 65 you will continue to receive DLA for as long as you continue to satisfy the disability rules.

The mobility component is part of DLA and as such must be claimed prior to your 65th birthday.

No, you will get DLA if you claim before you are 65 and Attendance Allowance if you are 65 or over when you claim.

Both Attendance Allowance and DLA are disregarded as income for all other benefits except if you go into hospital or residential care. (see next question)

Both DLA and Attendance Allowance continue to be paid for the first 28 days in hospital or residential care. The mobility component of DLA continues to be paid after 28 days in residential care.

No, life awards do not necessarily mean for life. They are only awarded for life if there is no review of your claim or no change in your condition.

You should lodge an appeal and indicate in your appeal letter details of your representative.

Where you have an existing award of DLA or Attendance Allowance, a new claim form or letter asking for a reconsideration will result in a complete reconsideration of your entitlement and as such your existing award could be changed. You should seek advice before making a request for a higher rate.

If you receive any rate of DLA you will be entitled to a disability premium as part of your Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax rebate.

If you get the higher or middle care component of DLA or either rate of Attendance Allowance you may also qualify for a Severe Disability Premium in your Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council tax rebate.

A carer may be able to claim Carers Allowance for looking after you but get advice before letting them make a claim as it could affect your entitlement to a Severe Disability Premium.

Yes you can. DLA or Attendance Allowance is paid as recognition of the help that you need with personal care. Likewise mobility component of DLA is in recognition of help you need getting around.  These needs still exists even if you don't get help.

Yes, as the child's parent or legal guardian you can claim DLA for your child if they need help with personal care or getting around which is substantially more than an average child of the same age.

You can claim for help with personal care from when your child is three months old. You have to wait till the child is three years old before you can claim for help with getting around.

DLA or Attendance Allowance forms look at a variety of things including getting in and out of bed, washing and bathing, and dressing and undressing. Shopping, housework, cleaning, gardening and similar tasks cannot be taken into consideration as personal care tasks.

No, a person might require prompting or encouragement or reminding to do tasks. A person's needs will vary depending on their condition.

No, DLA or Attendance allowance can only be backdated to the date on which you made your claim.

Not necessarily, the Decision-Maker can if they feel it is appropriate but there is no duty to do so. They may send a Disability Benefits Centre doctor to see you instead.

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