DLA: Change of circumstances

[ep1987]

A relative who is 75 currently gets the higher mobility and lower care component of DLA (both on an indefinite award). Their situation has worsened and they now require more daytime assistance/supervision; thus should probably be entitled to the middle rate care component.

 

If they report their change of circumstances what will happen? With the current culture they are wary of being re-assessed due to the onerous guidelines now in place and they couldn't deal with the stress of having their benefit reduced and having to appeal.

 

Thanks for any help and guidance.

[estellyn]

If they report their change of circs, they will be sent a form to complete. It used to be that they could just complete the care section and personal details section, but it may be now that it is just one form and they have to complete the whole thing.

 

 

Yes there is a risk they could lose some of their current award, though the risk is small. Best to get assistance to complete the form - Age UK can often give assistance to make sure the form is completed correctly. With middle rate care it is also useful to make a diary of a typical day, and the help that is needed throughout the day, giving times and help needed on each occasion, including supervision.

[ep1987]

Thanks. Have done some research and now have one more question. If we fill in the care section, focusing on how the condition affects their day to day life and provide medical evidence of increased risk (serious fall last year resulted in long hospital stay) how likely is it that an assessment will be requested by the decision maker?

[mikeymack2002]

Hi you are required to inform DWP of ANY changes that affect the claimant, either good or bad, you must actually fill in the form as if it forms part of the claim.

 

 

Also when you fill this change of circumstances form out please be as honest as you can this includes how much this change affects the claimant in all of their daily life, if they need more care explain in as much detail as you can, it will always pay to have up to date medical information that will confirm/deny the changes that have occurred to the claimant.

 

 

Since this person is needing more care has anyone put in a claim for carers allowance/credit yet? It always pays to keep the claimants Dr informed of any changes as well, because if DWP request this information at a later date then it will be seen as confirming the changes.

 

 

In this case the long hospital stay will help significantly. I hope this helps

 

 

MM

[estellyn]

Thanks. Have done some research and now have one more question. If we fill in the care section, focusing on how the condition affects their day to day life and provide medical evidence of increased risk (serious fall last year resulted in long hospital stay) how likely is it that an assessment will be requested by the decision maker?

 

 

 

dLA doesn't require a formal assessment very often, they rely mostly on medical evidence and the claim form.

 

 

If there was a long hospital stay then the DWP should know about this as you are required to notify hospital stays, as any stay in excess of 4 weeks can affect a DLA claim.

[estellyn]

Hi you are required to inform DWP of ANY changes that affect the claimant, either good or bad, you must actually fill in the form as if it forms part of the claim.

 

 

Also when you fill this change of circumstances form out please be as honest as you can this includes how much this change affects the claimant in all of their daily life, if they need more care explain in as much detail as you can, it will always pay to have up to date medical information that will confirm/deny the changes that have occurred to the claimant.

 

 

Since this person is needing more care has anyone put in a claim for carers allowance/credit yet? It always pays to keep the claimants Dr informed of any changes as well, because if DWP request this information at a later date then it will be seen as confirming the changes.

 

 

In this case the long hospital stay will help significantly. I hope this helps

 

 

MM

 

 

A person can't be awarded carer's allowance for someone until the person they're caring for gets either DLA mid rate/high rate care, PIP care, or AA.

 

If the person being cared for lives alone, then claiming carer's allowance for them can in some circumstances affect the benefits of the person being cared for, so it is important to take advice first.

 

 

And any change doesn't always need to be notified - only changes that might affect the benefit.

[mikeymack2002]

estellyn

 

 

It appears you have not read the post correctly, the OP clearly states DLA HAS been awarded already

 

 

And any change doesn't always need to be notified - only changes that might affect the benefit.

 

 

Since DLA is a benefit solely for a disability then the DWP/DLA MUST be notified of ANY changes that may affect the amount payable, this is clearly STATED on your award letter, this includes any long hospital stay change of your abilities' of their care/mobility needs.

 

 

And since there has been a significant change in needs, the DLA needs to know so they MAY award to the higher level of care, but this is their decision, based on the applicant's replies to any notifications of change of circumstances that ARE required. The OP has already stated DLA is already being paid, has also said they may apply for the higher rate of the care component, because of a change of needs.

 

 

MM

 

 

Also as far as AA goes the person living on their own can still have a carer, the carer does not need to be living in, as far as DLA goes it does not affect a carer because that's what is being paid for by way of an award.

[estellyn]

estellyn

 

 

It appears you have not read the post correctly, the OP clearly states DLA HAS been awarded already

 

 

And any change doesn't always need to be notified - only changes that might affect the benefit.

 

 

Since DLA is a benefit solely for a disability then the DWP/DLA MUST be notified of ANY changes that may affect the amount payable, this is clearly STATED on your award letter, this includes any long hospital stay change of your abilities' of their care/mobility needs.

 

 

And since there has been a significant change in needs, the DLA needs to know so they MAY award to the higher level of care, but this is their decision, based on the applicant's replies to any notifications of change of circumstances that ARE required. The OP has already stated DLA is already being paid, has also said they may apply for the higher rate of the care component, because of a change of needs.

 

 

MM

 

 

Also as far as AA goes the person living on their own can still have a carer, the carer does not need to be living in, as far as DLA goes it does not affect a carer because that's what is being paid for by way of an award.

 

 

You know, I have absolutely no idea what point you are trying to make - DLA has been awarded.....err yes, so what point are you making here?

 

 

Regarding reporting changes, I was merely pointing out you don't have to report insignificant changes that would have no impact on benefit - for instance a short term change or a minor change.

 

 

And regarding the AA and carer issue - not sure what point you're trying to make here either?