Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a non means tested, tax free benefit paid to someone with care and /or mobility needs which stem from a mental or physical disability.
There are two components to DLA; Mobility and Care.
Children with diabetes may be awarded the Care component. This is for help with personal care needs. It has three possible rates.
- Lowest rate – If a child needs extra looking after for some of the day. This can be as little as an hour.
- Middle rate – If a child needs extra looking after several times for short periods right throughout the day; needs extra looking after more than once a night for 20 minutes or more; needs extra supervision throughout the day or needs someone awake at night to watch over them several times.
- Highest rate – if a child needs extra help during both the day and night.
DLA is awarded for a minimum of six months, but can be (and often is) awarded for longer.
You can apply by downloading the DLA claim form; or by calling the Benefits Enquiry Line, on 0800 88 22 00. The date you request the form will be treated as the date your claim starts, provided it is returned within 6 weeks of request.
You cannot apply for DLA until your child has needed additional care for at least three months. So in the case of diabetes, three months following diagnosis. If you apply before this time, your claim will be rejected. Entitlement depends upon the need for care, even if your child does not always receive it.
The guidance given here relates to completing the form: ‘DLA1A child Jan 2012’. This is for a child aged under 16. The information provided relates only to Type 1 diabetes and you will need to consider any other condition your child has independently of this information.
When providing details of your child’s condition, it is important not to play down the effects. It can be hard to focus solely on the things your child cannot do for themselves or has difficulty with, however it is important that the impact of the condition is adequately explained.
The person assessing your claim does not have any prior knowledge of diabetes and certainly won’t know how it impacts on yours or your child’s life. It is therefore important that you explain everything in detail and write as you would if explaining to someone who knows nothing about diabetes management whatsoever.
Prior to completing the form, it may be helpful to keep a diary of the help you give your child, to aid you with how many times per day they are given help and for how long each time.
Include every minute detail, such as calibrating test strips, changing lancets, disposing of sharps appropriately and any distress or resistance from your child. You do not need to send this with your form, but it may help your application if you do.
When you come to completing the form do not be afraid to write outside of the boxes if space is insufficient. You can also add additional pages if need be.
It is a good idea to keep a copy of the form once completed, in case any queries arise, or there is any need to appeal a decision.