DLA- Finally got award!

mad_as_a_march_hare

Hi All

I know many of you on here are a wealth of information, so hope you can offer me some advice.

I have just called the DLA, and have just been given the great news that my DS has just been awarded DLA for the first time, They have told me he has been awarded HRC and LRM.

So here comes my list of questions.

The claim form had to be back in by the 5th of Nov which it was and the form is date stamped 24th sept, so will there be any back pay? and if so what date will they use?

Also is there now anyone i should notify of this award?

Is there anything else that being awarded this benefit unlocks?

The benefits i currently get are widowed parents allowance, child benefit and child tax credit.

I hope this makes some kind of sense, as quite frankly i am a little overjoyed right now that we have the award after hearing so many stories about appeals.

Thanks

MrsManda

Yes there will be backpay. It'll be back dated to the day the form was stamped.
You may be able to claim Carer's Allowance if you care for him 35hrs or more a week and don't earn more than £100 a week.
Have a look at the link below - there's also a link to a document on benefits connected with child DLA
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/DG_10011925

kaya

free car tax if you get higher rate of mobility
and a blue parking badge

kingfisherblue

Ring CTC and tell them what rate you receive for your son. HRC means that you should get a disability premium, plus a severe disability premium, on top of your current amount. It makes a big difference every week.

You are also entitled to a carer's assessment from Social Services - this could lead to additional help, such as respite care, specialist clubs, holiday care in the summer, etc. What is available varies from place to place, but in my area, disabled children receive 39 hours of holiday club in the summer (equivalent to 13x3 hour sessions) and nine hours at Easter (3x3 hours). This isn't always offered to children in mainstream, though, so you might have to apply.

You might get help with transport to school - contact the education department at your local council if you think you need this.

https://www.familyfund.org.uk help families with disabled children. They provide a whole range of things to make things easier for you - holidays, toys, washing machine, trampoline, fridge, tumble dryer, bedding, clothes, etc. They will do an assessment (very easy, someone comes and has a chat with you about your child's disabilities and how it affects family life). You can apply every year until your child is a certain age (depends on whether you live in England, Scotland or Wales). Most years you will only get help with one or two items, but first awards are sometimes three or four items. FF paid for my driving lessons and test when my son was a baby.

Your local Carer's Centre is a source of information and support.

Google CEA and you can apply for a cinema card, allowing a carer in for free when your son goes to the cinema.

Some attractions allow a free carer place - always worth asking. Many theme parks also have 'exit passes' for children who can't queue.

Indie_Kid

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Some attractions allow a free carer place - always worth asking. Many theme parks also have 'exit passes' for children who can't queue.

The OP may find (I've not had this yet) that many places offer discounts but don't advertise them - always worth asking.

If you & your son travel by train a lot, you can apply for a disabled childs' railcard. This entitles the holder plus a companion to 1/3 off tickets.

If you receive carers allowance, you can receive income support and would not need to available for work.

zee_2

now retired, have been on high mobility and low rate care since 2000 due major spine damage.
quite often housebound as too painfull to go outside or drive , wife is a saint.
have never seen about increase of care component ,cannot reach past knees ect., doctor has me on major med incl,morph.
what little I recieve terrified to loose , wife is oap as well and with little savings pay full rent and tax [ although would be better off without savings but want cushion for wife ifI ''pop off''
does any increase claim stop at 65 and if not would we be better off
on so many meds difficult to understand gov website.
unable to visit cit/advice and social service advice is non existant all too vague.

zzzLazyDaisy

I am sorry, I am not sure what it is you are asking....

DLA awarded before age 65yrs continues to be paid after 65yrs.

As far as I know, you cannot apply to increase the award after 65yrs, but in appropriate circumstances you may be able to make a claim for attendance allowance if your care needs have increased (this would replace the care component of your DLA). There is no mobility component for AA.

Age Concern are very good, and worth ringing if you need help. If you need to make a claim they will come to the house and help you to fill the forms in.

Does that answer your question?

sunnyone

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

I am sorry, I am not sure what it is you are asking....

DLA awarded before age 65yrs continues to be paid after 65yrs.

As far as I know, you cannot apply to increase the award after 65yrs, but in appropriate circumstances you may be able to make a claim for attendance allowance if your care needs have increased (this would replace the care component of your DLA). There is no mobility component for AA.

Age Concern are very good, and worth ringing if you need help. If you need to make a claim they will come to the house and help you to fill the forms in.

Does that answer your question?

You can get a supersession on DLA care rate post 65 but not mobility rate LD.

Ziggazee

Zee you cannot apply for AA whilst you are already getting DLA. Sunnyone is correct in that you can apply for a supersession of your DLA if your care needs have increased.

You should be aware however that when you ask for your claim to be looked at again the Decision Maker will look at the whole of the claim, not just the part you have asked them to look at. As such, your award may go up or down, may last for a longer or shorter period, or in some circumstances may stop altogether.

Please don't let this put you off applying if your care needs have increased. Please complete the form with as much information as possible about your care needs, giving the Decision Maker a full picture of the needs you face on a daily basis.

moonbeam2007

kaya wrote: »

free car tax if you get higher rate of mobility
and a blue parking badge

The OP just said she gets LRM so this doesn't come into what she gets.

mad_as_a_march_hare

Thank You all for your advice, i will speak to the tax credits once i get the DLA award paperwork through.

After a little bit of googling, i don't think i will be entitled to claim carers allowance as i am currently in reciept of Widowed Parents allowance.

Just one more question that has popped into my head, Do i need to let the council know about my award as i currently recieve HB/CTB?

I also assume that i should tell the office that pay me my Widowed parents allowance aswell?