DLA -daily rate

benji_boy

Can we receive DLA payments in daily rate if my wife is still an inpatient in a Mental Health Hospital but received overnight leave for most of the time in August? Actually she is at home all the time, just coming back to Hospital for Ward Round once a week , have a blood checked, then she is receiving more leave for following week. But she isn`t discharged finally yet. Can anyone help with this?

benefitbaby

Hospital and DLA becomes a problem when yu are an in-patient.

If your wife is at home then arguably she is not an in-patient and so DLA should be paid. You might want to get evidence from the hospital of her days in/out of hospital and provifde this to DLA.

rogerblack

There are rules that can treat someone who is admitted for multiple short periods as in hospital for DLA purposes continuously.
It's not unfortunately as simple as 'she's out 5/7 days, therefore she's not in hospital'
You need to contact DLA with exact details.

benji_boy

benefitbaby wrote: »

Hospital and DLA becomes a problem when yu are an in-patient.

If your wife is at home then arguably she is not an in-patient and so DLA should be paid. You might want to get evidence from the hospital of her days in/out of hospital and provifde this to DLA.

I have all the care plans received with the dates in my folder(just in case)

rogerblack wrote: »

You need to contact DLA with exact details.

I phoned them week ago and someone said to send something on writing with all dates included and they will sort it out.
But this time someone else said they have to send information to DM for advice.

benefitbaby

benji_boy wrote: »

I have all the care plans received with the dates in my folder(just in case)
I phoned them , and they`ve said they have to send information to DM for advice. Well someone week ago said to send something on writing with all dates included and they will sort it out.

You have done everything right (contact them if you don't hear back within 2 weeks). The reason it is so complex is because 28 days as an in-patient means DLA is suspended until they are no longer an in-patient... so far so simple however many people are in and out of hospital and so these periods can link.

The DLA department is pretty good at ensuring the in-patient rules are determined accurately as long as they are clear that whilst your wife may still be a hospital patient (as she is not discharged from their service) she is not an in-patient as she sleeps at home.

gingergee

Is it stopped if you are in hospital? x

benefitbaby

gingergee wrote: »

Is it stopped if you are in hospital? x

Yes but only the care component, it is suspended if you are an in-patient for more than 28 days (the day you go in, and the day you come in do not count), it will then be reinstated when you notify them you are no longer in hospital.

This rule does not apply if you are paying for private medical/hospital care.

gingergee

Ah, i see. Am meant to have surgery at some point, but cant see me being there 28 days!! Will inform them anyways x