A-Z of Benefits

Care - £17.75 (lower rate); £44.85 (middle rate) and £67.00 (higher rate)
Mobility - £17.75 (lower rate); £46.75 (middle rate)

Who is it for?
People disabled before age 65 with care and mobility needs or who are terminally ill. (See AA for those who are aged 65 or over and Carers Allowance.)

Who pays it?
Department for Work and Pensions Disability Benefits Centres. Local rate inquiry line is 0345 12 34 56

Which leaflet? And how is it claimed?
DS 704 - includes a claim coupon (postage paid) which registers claim and leads to despatch of self-assessment claim pack. Information from Benefits Enquiry Line 0800 88 22 00. Textphone 0800 24 33 55 or claim online or by calling 0800 0556688 or text phone 0800 0234888

What are the age limits?
Claimant must be under 65 at time of first claim, but benefit can carry-on past 65 if awarded. No lower limit for care component; from 3 years for mobility component.

National Insurance based?
No.

Means tested?
No.

How long does it last?
Depends on period of award. DLA Care stops after 4 weeks in hospital or residential care (unless self-funding) but DLA Mobility unaffected by stays in care. DLA Care stops after 12 weeks for under 16s in hospital. For hospices - see Attendance Allowance. Children have DLA reviewed on 16th birthday

What is effect on other benefits?
As for AA above.

Is it taxable?
No.

Increases for dependants?
No, but can trigger Carers Allowance for carer.

Payable if in EU or other?
As for AA above.

Points to watch
Carer only gets CA if cared-for gets either top two care rates. Long application form for self-assessment, and help with completion invaluable. 3 months qualifying period unless terminally ill. Respite care can trigger suspensions of benefit, but DLA Care still paid for any time spent at home. Beware of  short time limits on challenging decisions. Awards can be superceeded (increased) if health deteriorates but supercession request can open whole claim up for revision so theoretical risk of benefit reduction.

The A-Z of Benefits 2008 was compiled by Gary Vaux and Community Care.