DLA Abroad

shazakaz

I have spent a frustrating day on the telephone (all local rate calls of course!!) trying to get a definitive answer as to whether or not my husband & I can claim our DLA in europe. We have family in Bulgaria and would love to join them but, until now, that has always been a pipe dream. With the new ruliings coming into force in December 2008 we decided to try to find out a bit more. I have rang DLA, CAB, CLS Direct and my local Disability Alliance group ......... and I am no better off now that I was before!!!
The ruling on the directgov website says that it IS possible if you or your partner claims Incapacity benefit. This doesnt apply in our case, but my husband DOES get Severe Disablement Allowance. Do we still qualify? The Disability Alliance says yes....DLA don't know!!
I have also tried to email the "exportability team" as you can't get a phone number for them. All attempts have failed as my emails get returned. I have triple checked the email address and it is correct.
Apparently you have to write to the team, giving all your details of when you will be moving etc, before you can get an answer.
I dont really want to do this and have been advised by the Disability Alliance not to give them personal details until I am DEFINITE that I want to move.
I just want to know if we can CONSIDER the possibility or not.
Anybody got any ideas??????

shazakaz

The pre 1992 rule no longer counts as the European Court has ruled that AA, DLA Care component & Carers Allowance IS exportable. It is the criteria that is so confusing

allydowd

Have a look at this thread:

DLA Mobility Component Abroad link

shazakaz

Thank you for that but unfortunately it still doesnt answer the question of whether Severe Disablement Allowance qualifies or not. It is so confusing!!!!

Oldernotwiser

The rulings are so new that their implementation is taking time. I believe that those already living abroad who lost benefits when they moved are being given first priority.

I don't really understand why you don't want to follow the advice you've been given or why the Disability Alliance have suggested you don't do so. It seems daft to be told how to proceed and then not to follow the advice.

allydowd

Severe Disablement Allowance is sometimes paid for to people who move abroad.

This might help:

DWP link

To find out for sure you will need to speak to the DWP directly.