Can a husband and wife both receive DLA?

lipsthefish

Hi all

Sorry if this is a silly question, I have googled but I am just more confused! I currently receive high rate care and low rate mobility, have been getting this for almost 3 years. We are on benefits, my husband being on incapacity benefit, he receives an underlying entitlement to carers allowance for being my carer. His condition has worsened to the point that he is having to spend a lot of his days in bed. Everything is documented at the doctors and hospital. Would he be allowed to apply for DLA or is only one person in the household allowed? Thanks for any advice.

easy

No problem at all, it is perfectly OK for both spouses to receive DLA AND both receive carers allowance for each other !! DLA is awarded to a PERSON for their care needs, not to a household

lipsthefish

Thank you easy, I will download the form now, that should keep me busy for a few days!

Cpt.Scarlet

lipsthefish wrote: »

Hi all

Sorry if this is a silly question, I have googled but I am just more confused! I currently receive high rate care and low rate mobility, have been getting this for almost 3 years. We are on benefits, my husband being on incapacity benefit, he receives an underlying entitlement to carers allowance for being my carer. His condition has worsened to the point that he is having to spend a lot of his days in bed. Everything is documented at the doctors and hospital. Would he be allowed to apply for DLA or is only one person in the household allowed? Thanks for any advice.

Yes. providing you can show the his care and mobility needs do not conflict with Caring activities, remembering the he needs to provide that care 35 a week. So as an example. if he cooks the meals as your Carer, then he won't be able to pass the DLA cooking test.

mary-op

Thanks for this thread lipsthefish - I've been wondering about this sort of thing for my OH.
I receive DLA high rate care and low rate mobility and he was -still is - my Carer in as much as he can still do all the things needed to help me.
But he has been ill on and off since March, in and out of hospital, 3 operations, and still not right. He can't work, not even part time at the minute but managed to cook the meals, get the shopping and do the things I can't do.
I wasn't sure what he could apply for -if anything- as I get dla, small pension and pension credit.
With so many different benefits it's confusing......should he try for incapacity or dla ? I've not a clue and nor has he.

lin_c_2

Being a carer can just be supervision of a disabled person therefore no conflict with DLA.

GlasweJen

But if your husband can safely cook a meal, get himself to the toilet, showered, dressed and isn't at risk of endangering himself throughout the day (either due to mental health problems or a physical condition like epilepsy) then he wont be classed as having care needs.

Shopping, working, cleaning the house and doing chores are not considered care needs.