Dla

leo-lady

Hi everyone just needed some advice my husband claims dla mobility which is an indefinate award ,but he doesnt get the care component.
Recently however hes needed more care ie help with getting dressed going to the toilet etc is it worth claiming dla care as ive been told that if you have a indefinate award you could lose the mobility if you apply for the care .any help would be much appreciated thank you .

wolfehouse

when you apply for dla if you already have an award they will look at the entire award again.
indefinite isn't for life however, and pip will be replacing dla phasing in from 2013.
if he has had care needs for 6 months or more (and he needs help with personal care for at least 20 minutes broken up throughout the day and/or cannot cook a meal) and he is unable to walk or virtually unable to walk(and you are sure about what that means) you definitely should apply.
if he has a diagnosis that fits his need level (i.e. something that usually gets worse with time - and medical backup for proof) i would think there won't be too much of a danger.
i would take expert advice in all other situations.
oh- and always get help to fill in the form from someone familiar with the criteria
and keep a xerox copy of the form for your records.
chances are everyone will be reviewed sooner or later.

Muttleythefrog

As above. What you could do is speak to the DWP and say you'd like a supercession (redetermination of entitlement following change in circumstances) due to increased care needs and what is the best way to go about it (they may ask you to complete the claim form). There is a risk that they'll look at the whole award and therefore you could lose the high or low rate mobility component currently applying. And as above.. from next year over the following few years DLA is intended to be replaced by PIP. So indefinite awards (which technically could be reassessed at any time for DLA) won't particularly mean much in the coming years as DLA is phased out.