DLA Claim

[Ros1609]

I've just applied for DLA for my three year old son due to his developmental problems. I'm not sure he'll qualify but my Health Visitor and his Social Worker seem confident he will be awarded something.

 

I'm a single mum on full benefits. I get Income Support as a Lone Parent, Child Tax Credits, Child Benefit and CSA off his dad. Do I need to inform any of these that I have applied for the DLA or do I just wait to see if he is awarded anything?

 

(His dad is aware of the application so no doubt has already informed the CSA in the hope it will reduce his payments)

[Nystagmite]

Wait until he's awarded something. Mid or high rate DLA means you're entitled to carers allowance and won't need to start looking for work once your son reaches 5. You'll also get extra child tax credits for having a disabled child. Not heard of anything which says that DLA means you'll get less CSA. I don't see why it would either.

[Ros1609]

I didn't think it would affect the CSA but my ex husband thinks he pays too much and is always looking for ways to reduce his payment.

[Nystagmite]

All I can find about DLA and CSA is that DLA isn't counted as income when it comes to working out how much CSA should be paid.

[Ros1609]

Thanks. I think if he is awarded any I'll give the CSA a ring along with everyone else just to be on the safe side.

[mikeymack2002]

DLA is wawrded to to the child, for the disabilities he /she has and is disregarded for income purposes, your ex will still have to pay support at the required level, again this is for the child and should be used for only that purpose and not for running expenses of your household bills. Any income must always be declared if not you run the risk of being pursued for overpayment, as nanny always said "Honesty is the best policy" always declare any income to the DWP everytime, also depending what level award they are given you may also be allowed to apply for a blue badge and/or a free bus pass look for this when you receive you award

[Ros1609]

DLA is wawrded to to the child, for the disabilities he /she has and is disregarded for income purposes, your ex will still have to pay support at the required level, again this is for the child and should be used for only that purpose and not for running expenses of your household bills. Any income must always be declared if not you run the risk of being pursued for overpayment, as nanny always said "Honesty is the best policy" always declare any income to the DWP everytime, also depending what level award they are given you may also be allowed to apply for a blue badge and/or a free bus pass look for this when you receive you award

 

Thank you

[mikeymack2002]

You are welcome, personally if I had extra money for the child I would put it in a savings account and let the interest accumilate and they will have a nice nest egg for when they leave home, Also if you are awarded DLA for them the household will have protection from certain people like bailiffs and DCA's (debt collection agencies), which helps in many ways, also you may want to look at getting a discount card for the local services like swimming and so on, goto your local council and ask at reception for anything you else that may benfit your childs health and welfare, also look into applying for carers allowance and a things like that, hope this all helps you. Then if you are awarded the higher rate for

mobilty you can get a free VED (vehicle excise disc) for your car

Edited April 7, 2013 by mikeymack2002

[Nystagmite]

You only have to be on the higher mobility for the VED.

[Ros1609]

I don't drive so won't be needing the blue badge. Whilst your suggestion about the savings account is nice the extra money if I get it will be going on things he needs like nappies etc as he is still in them night and day and the bigger they get, the more expensive they get.

[mikeymack2002]

what I meant to have said is save SOME money no disrespect to mums and dads that have child support, I am a single dad too and have custody of the child, i have a problem with my mind it does'nt work normally and say write the things slightly different to what I actually want to say/write if i offened sincere appologies offered, if like me you like the thought of going swimming/activities your local council may do as ours does and off a advantage card, so like when I go swimming the cost is normally £4-50 the seesion with the card i can go for £1-00 instead it's worth the look at

[estellyn]

You should inform Tax credits dept, that you have applied for DLA, it helps with backdating.

[Ros1609]

Yeah I have a Flex card so we can go swimming for £1. Saves me loads as my little ones love to swim.

 

Estellyn I shall ring them first thing tomorrow morning

[Ros1609]

Just had a text message from the DWP thanking me for the claim. Bit surprised but nice to know they have received the claim form ok

[mikeymack2002]

glad its going wel for you keep all doc's secure as yo umay need them latter come back if you need to thx if i have helped please click on my black star thx Mike

[Ros1609]

Well much to my surprise my son has been awarded DLA at the middle rate for personal care. I have spent the week informing the DWP (as I claim IS as a lone parent), child tax credits, my local council (as subject to the bedroom tax) and my Housing Association. I have to take the decision letter into the Council Offices tomorrow so they can scan it and add a copy to my file. Can you think of anyone else I need to tell or do I have it covered?

[45002]

I don't drive so won't be needing the blue badge. Whilst your suggestion about the savings account is nice the extra money if I get it will be going on things he needs like nappies etc as he is still in them night and day and the bigger they get, the more expensive they get.

 

You don't need to drive or have a car to apply for a blue badge !

 

I don't drive or own a car get my BD due to receiving (DLA mobility rate high) and use blue badge in friends and family cars when out and about !

 

https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

 

Well much to my surprise my son has been awarded DLA at the middle rate for personal care. I have spent the week informing the DWP (as I claim IS as a lone parent), child tax credits, my local council (as subject to the bedroom tax) and my Housing Association. I have to take the decision letter into the Council Offices tomorrow so they can scan it and add a copy to my file. Can you think of anyone else I need to tell or do I have it covered?

 

Glad you got it sorted anyway ...

Edited May 2, 2013 by 45002

[mikeymack2002]

Hi also if you have the high rate you can apply for the bus pass too and if necessary one for yourself as a carer its free and expires as your award comes to an end hope this help too?

[Ros1609]

He just gets the middle rate for Personal Care. Nothing for mobility

[Nystagmite]

You can apply for lower mobility once he turns 5. He may also be entitled to a bus pass (I'm not sure how it works with children - the general criteria is high mobility or refused driving licence for medical reasons other than drugs or alcohol) due to his disabilities.

[time4change2]

congratulations on his dla glad you got it for him. you can also apply for a lot of things from the children disability charities too like turn2us. etc ect my mum gets things like white goods , holiday vouchers, clothing grants all that stuff might be worth you having a look and applying

[petes]

Also if you are awarded DLA for them the household will have protection from certain people like bailiffs and DCA's (debt collection agencies), which helps in many ways,

 

Could you please explain how having a DLA award will protect people from bailiffs and debt collection agencies if you owe people money?

 

Does having a DLA award somehow wipe away debts?

 

I'm just thinking - I have a DLA award (HRM & MRC) and also have a mortgage. Is there any way that that debt can be cleared?

 

I've never heard anything like it.

 

If you owe money, you have a responsibility to repay it in full. Using an excuse that you receive DLA certainly would wash with me if I was knocking on your door or trying to sieze your goods.

[Ros1609]

It doesn't clear the debt but it places you in the 'vulnerable' category. If you ask your question on the bailiff forum then I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will explain in full

[Ros1609]

Hi all

 

Just a quick question. My son (age 4) receives DLA at the middle rate for personal care. Had a letter from the DWP today saying he is getting a £10 Christmas Bonus. He's only been receiving DLA since last March. Does everyone on DLA get a similar bonus?

 

Thanks in advance

[leigh04]

We do, every year so far since my sons were 15yrs and 3yrs old.