Disability Living Allowance

[Theland]

My 17 year old son recieves the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA.
As he is incapacitated he claims income support, but when calculating his benefit, the Dept. Work & Pensions have taken into consideration the mobility compnent of the DLA he already gets, and then just topped up his money with an extra one pound fifteen pence per week.
Is this right, or should he receive the DLA on top of whatever income support he is entitled to?

[bednobs]

dont think its wrong ... after all income support is to make sure everyone has at least the basic minimum.
Although having said that i always thought like you that dla was totally seperate.
Not being very helpful am i?

[helliebobs]

Sadly I think it's right, does he have an advisor at the job centre or anyone who can check for him?

[bednobs]

in fact now i think about it a bit more i swear dla isnt supposed to be counted as income when calculating other means tested benefits

[Theland]

Thank you all.

[tboo]

Hi Theland
If you start to get Disability Living Allowance it might increase the amount of other benefits you're entitled to eg: Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit

Disability Living Allowance is ignored as income for working out these income-related benefits
Please ring the DWP as soon as possible to rectify this mistake

Hope this helps

[Info Bank]

DLA should not be considerd when it comes to Means testing.
DLA Is a stand alone benefit.
bednobs was right .
DLA also opens the doors for enhanced payments depending on the circumstances.
For other benefits.
DLA can be issued on a time Situ such as 3 years ,5 years Or indefanitly.
Again depending on each individual case.
DLA is also paid in 3 different levels and after the age of 65 It changes its name and is called Attendance Allowance.
However if you receive DLA before the age of 65 and continue to receive payment of this benifit You continue to receive DLA.
Confusing YES.
Many people who receive DLA and beleve they are receiving the wrong rate can make an application for a higher rate but run the risk of having a judgement that ensures they lose there whole entitlement.
It is a bit like a Postcode Lottery.

[Info Bank]

I think i should also say DLA / AA are what as known as stand alone Benefits.
Which means No other basic benifits should be taken into account .
The Independend living Fund (ILF) Can be paid out on the back of DLA.
This can pay for a care package if the recipitant is receiving Over �200.00 worth of care from your local council.
ILF can fund 24 hour care if need be.

[tboo]

I have just thought of something, you say your son is incapacitated - do you mean he receives incapacity benefit
(please forgive me if he doesnt)
If he does then the DWP have probably not taken into account your sons DLA but just given him a little bit of extra help because he is disabled
The government allow 'applicable amounts' to live on dependtant on their status eg single. married , with children etc. If you are disabled you receive extra help. This amount is then deducted off any income that is received
So if your son receives Incaapacity benefit then this is taken off the applicable amount and then if below its topped up
eg �35.65 AA +�23.95disability premium = �59.60 take away incapacity benefit = a small amount ofIncome support
When your son received his award he will have got a breakdown, see what it says and if you dont understand it then contact the tel number on the top
Hope this helps

[Theland]

I shall telephone them this morning. Thank you.