Disability Living Allowance

Known as DLA and is a benefit for adults and children, with disabilities, under the age of 65.

DLA is tax free and is not income related and can be paid on top of earnings or benefits that you already receive.

DLA has two compenents. The care component is for help with personal care needs and the mobility component is for help with walking difficulties. You can receive one or both. You can qualify for DLA even if you do not have anyone helping you. The claim is assessed on the difficulties you have or the help that you require because of your disability.

DLA Care Component has three elements:

You can qualify for the lower rate if you are over 16 and are unable to prepare a cooked main meal for yourself using a conventional cooker or you have difficulty or require help from another person for a significant portion of the day in a single period or a number of times throughout the day.

The middle rate is payable if you have difficulty or require help throughout the day or need continual supervision to avoid danger or if you have difficulty or require help during the night or someone to be awake to ensure that you avoid danger.

The higher rate is payable if you have difficulty or require help throughout the day and night or you are terminally ill.

DLA Mobility Component has two elements:

The lower rate is payable if you can not walk outdoors without guidance or supervision from another person most of the time. You can claim if aged 5 years and under 65.

The higher rate will apply if you are unable or virtually unable to walk or the exertion would endanger your life or lead to a deterioration in your health. You can claim if aged 3 year and under 65.

If you are severely sight impaired and meet the relevant criteria you may be entitled to the higher rate because of your sight impairment from 11/04/2011.

If someone does help you then they may be able to claim Carers Allowance but you need to take advice because this action may lose you benefit if you receive an income related benefit.

Payments range from £19.55pw to £73.60pw.

If you wish to claim DLA and require assistance, please call our Benefit Advisor, Ruth Broad on 01872 266711 or email her at rbroad@cornwallblind.org.uk or you can call the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200 or print one from www.directgov.uk/disability-dla