Mum got DLA -now what?

HGLTsuperstar

Well having a pretty crap day but some good news - Mum's DLA claim has come through! She's getting higher rate mobility and middle rate care- thanks for all the support on here.
Next question: obviously there are numerous discounts and concessions she's now eligible for but, of course, the DWP don't shout these from the rooftops so can anyone summarise for me please.
Also do we just carry a copy of the letter that came today as proof when asking for a concession etc?
One more thing, should I now apply for carers allowance? How much is it and how will it affect my IS (have the illness premium on that). I'm desperately job hunting so hopefully CA will be avery short term thing but surely worth a shot?
Thanks in advance,
Holly x

[Deleted User]

Yes you can now claim CA its normally around £50 per week but as you are on I/S that will mean you get the CA premium which is £28 per week,you have to be providing care 35 or more hours per week,however if your mum lives on her own and she claims I/S then it would be better for her to apply for the severe disability premium which is £50 per week added to her I/S.
As for numerous discounts/concessions,i wouldnt go that far,yes there are some but not that many

HGLTsuperstar

Spoke to DWP and they confirmed I can get the extra £27.75 pw in an !!!!-about-face way, i.e. they'll knock the carers allowance from my IS and pay the premium on top - surely easier just to pay the premium extra and leave IS as it is? Typical "joined-up thinking" from our glorious benefits system.
Anyway I know there are various discounts for both the DLA receipient and their carer so come on please and share!

Pete268

Hi,

With high rate mobility DLA she will be entitled to:

Use Motability to get a car or powered scooter/wheelchair
Free Disabled Tax Disc (for her use or use on her behalf such as picking up prescriptions etc)
Usually a free National Bus Pass
She can buy a disabled Railcard
She can buy a CEA card to take a carer into most (but not all) cinemas free of charge.

With DLA Middle Care she maybe entitled to;

Have someone else claim carers allowance (subject to the rules as set out above)
Increased Premiums on most means tested benefits

I cannot think of any more off the top of my head at the mo but others will no doubt come up with other things.

Pete

HGLTsuperstar

On the leaflet from DWP it just says "Help with NHS costs" - does this mean she'll finally get free prescriptions and/or dental check-ups

Gemmzie

Not from DLA alone as DLA isn't means tested

James123_2

DLA affords you a Warmfront Grant - up to £2700 to replace boiler etc if you're renting privately or owner-occupier.

cw18

HGLTsuperstar wrote: »

On the leaflet from DWP it just says "Help with NHS costs" - does this mean she'll finally get free prescriptions and/or dental check-ups

My hubby is on higher rate of both, and gets free prescriptions. Still has to pay for dental and optician bills though.

sarah_smurf

Hi.

She will also be able to get a RADAR disabled key & a Blue Badge to use in a car she is travelling in to park in disabled bays when out.

How do you get free prescriptions on DLA cw18 as it isn't means tested? Curious as my brother has high both and has to pay for his prescriptions.

Thanks.

HGLTsuperstar

Thanks for that - got the key and blue badge en route.
cw18 - please enlighten re prescriptions - are you referring to the HC1 (low income form) which is a different matter.

[Deleted User]

HGLTsuperstar wrote: »

Thanks for that - got the key and blue badge en route.
cw18 - please enlighten re prescriptions - are you referring to the HC1 (low income form) which is a different matter.

could also be related to the medical condition e.g. i get all items on all prescriptions free as i have epilepsy