Do I have to notify DLA of a change in my circumstances?

MoneySaverForever

Hi everyone, looking for a little advice if you can please.

I was recently diagnosed with a very severe illness and unfortunately, because of that, I've had to give up work and now rely on a home help, support worker and social worker to help me deal with things as I don't have a lot of family support. Just now, I'm trying to get everything sorted out and I'd like to know if I'm legally bound to notify DLA of my new circumstances? I don't want to cause problems for myself when there isn't any because my DLA award is for an indefinite period of time and is used for its intended purpose.

I'm now faced with the prospect of having to move into amenity housing as I'm struggling really badly here and it would be a great weight off my mind if someone could tell me where I stand with DLA because my award for ESA was changed to the Support Group from the 13th week of my claim and I know I won't have any problems with that which is a great weight off my mind. My DLA award is for LRM/MRC and has helped make life a great deal easier for me because I'm able to pay for the things I need to make life more bearable and I can also get back and forth to the hospital now due to this too.

Many thanks for your help.

nannytone_2

you need to notify them if you have a change of address.
it seems from your post that your care/mobility needs may have increased. if this is true, then you should inform them to make sure that you are receiving the correct rate.

jennie-jack

like nanntone said, it sound like your needs have increased and it would make sense to tell dla so they could re assess to see if you were entitled to higher that you have now rates.

jetta_wales

Maybe if you look at the criteria for the higher awards, if you are pretty sure that your increased needs are still not high enough for those awards then you could tell them your needs are greater but not enough to increase your award and they might just note it but not do a reassessment.

If your needs are significantly greater though you should have rates that reflect that.

I can understand why you don't want to go through it though.

lilly81

If u do decide to have your dla looked at again, they will carry on paying you the current award so it might be worth it.

pwales_2

lilly81 wrote: »

If u do decide to have your dla looked at again, they will carry on paying you the current award so it might be worth it.

awards can lower on reassessments as well as go higher or even stop completely,

but if you are sure that your needs have increased then let them know, then you may get the higher rate .