Another family has obtained Disability Living Allowance for their 15 year old son. They were awarded the middle rate care component after appealing to the Tribunal.
The family had been unsuccessful in obtaining Disability Living Allowance on a number of occasions but after consulting with Gill Ian, an Executive Member of the Association, who helped them draft a letter to the Tribunal, they were awarded the middle rate care component of the Allowance. Gill has been successful in obtaining the Allowance on a previous occasion.
Disability Living Allowance is a Social Security benefit for people with an illness or disability who need help with getting around (this is called the mobility component) or help with personal care (called the care component) or both of these.
Help with getting around:you can get help if you cannot walk at all, have difficulties in walking or need someone with you when you are outdoors, or are severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems. Children over five are also entitled to this allowance if they need more care than other children of the same age.
Help with personal care: you can get help if you need help with washing, dressing, using the toilet or help with something like this; if you need help to prepare a cooked main meal; if you need someone to keep an eye on you; or if you need someone with you when you are on kidney dialysis. Children of any age are eligible if they need more help than other children of the same age.
You are normally only entitled to Disability Living Allowance when you have needed help for three months and expect to need it for a further six months from your claim. You must be under age 65 to claim.
After the Workshop session devoted to benefits, Gill said: 'We have agreed to compile a simple leaflet giving information about accessing more practical financial support.'
Earlier article on Disability Living Allowance
(UK) (November 1993).
Later article on Disability Living Allowance
(February 2000).
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Source: Gauchers News July 1998
© Copyright Gauchers Association 1998