Mum is 52,DLA and is being harassed!

Oldernotwiser

I hope that your mother is successful in getting the whole thing finished due to permanent disability. On the other hand, deferring every year is no real stress; you send in one form every year with your proof of income and that's it. (Unless the form gets lost!) I mention this fact for anybody else who might be concerned about it.
Unfortunately, even if disabled you have to keep up with paperwork on finances or ask someone else to do it for you; you can't assume that it'll just happen. She's lucky to have you to take care of things for her.

ps. How did your mother get on with the student loan helpline? Were they helpful?