DLA and AA

jodied73

Hello, My 75 year old Moher has an indefinite DLA award, low rate care & low rate mobility. Her health is much worse now, can we apply/request for higher DLA rates or would we have to ask for AA? Mum wants to stay on DLA ideally, but should be getting the high rates for both components now. Thanks in advance

poppy12345

She will not be able to have her mobility award increased because she's passed State Pension age. For high rate care DLA she will need to have care/supervision needs during both day and night.

For mid rate care does she need help with personal care frequently or supervision continually throughout the day only, or help with personal care or someone to watch over you during the night only?

If any of those apply then she can report a change for the DLA and she won't need to apply for AA.

jodied73

Thanks Poppy, so I can report change to DLA to get change in rate for care. Wasn't sure if the DLA would cancel out and DWP would say to go for AA instead. helpful, thank you x

Alice_Holt

You can ask for the DLA award to be looked at again. 
However, after pension age (and in line with AA which doesn't have a mobility element) only the care component can increase.

It's worth checking that a higher care award will be the likely outcome. Make yourself aware of the DLA criteria first before requesting a review, and have your evidence ready to include with the new form.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/disability-living-allowance/

https://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit/your-DLA-claim

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/if-youre-an-adult-on-disability-living-allowance/

The high rate for care is awarded when there are care needs during the day and the night - is this the case with your mum?


Edit: Cross posted with poppy

jodied73

Thanks Alice
Yes, Mum has much higher needs now, day & night supervision 

she has numerous health problems and a Stroke ( mild but still!) this week 🥲

Alice_Holt

Good luck with the new application.
Whilst you await the form, it is a good idea to keep a diary of your mum's care / supervision needs. This can be useful for examples when completing the DLA form.