Post by Beryl on Dec 10, 2010 17:24:58 GMT
Care Component:
This component of the Disability Living Allowance can be claimed if a person needs assistance or has difficulty in caring for themselves or in the activities of daily living. There is a waiting period of 3 months to qualify for the benefit as it is only intended for people who have long term impairment. However, if prognosis is clear then a person can apply before the 3 month deadline. ( For exceptions to this please see the last paragraph below concerning Terminal Illness)
It can only be claimed by people before they reach their 65th birthday and who are over 3 months old.
It is not an income related benefit and is assessed on the level of difficulty the person experiences or the amount of assistance some one needs with their personal care and daily living activities. It will not have a negative affect on the amounts of any Income Related Benefits that a person may be receiving and may increase their entitlement due to the additional premiums a person may be able to claim. See Income Related Benefits chapter.
There are 3 levels of award: Higher rate, Middle rate and Lower rate. These are paid at £71.40, £47.80 and £18.95 respectively. The level of award is dependent on whether a person needs a small amount of help during the day, a lot of help during the day or the night or help day and night.
Carer's Allowance:
If a person is in receipt of Middle or Higher rate of the care component then the person who assists them may be entitled to Carer's Allowance. For more on this benefit please see the Carer's Allowance chapter. However, please note that if the person who is in receipt of the Care component also claims Income Related Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support and they live alone, they will be entitled to a Severe Disability Premium worth £53.65. This will be lost if a carer claims Carer's Allowance.
****]Terminal Illness:
If a person has a terminal illness then there should be no waiting period before the benefit is awarded and the benefit will be paid automatically. The person or carer on their behalf must obtain a medical declaration from the Doctor called a DS1500 and this is to be enclosed with the application form.
This component of the Disability Living Allowance can be claimed if a person needs assistance or has difficulty in caring for themselves or in the activities of daily living. There is a waiting period of 3 months to qualify for the benefit as it is only intended for people who have long term impairment. However, if prognosis is clear then a person can apply before the 3 month deadline. ( For exceptions to this please see the last paragraph below concerning Terminal Illness)
It can only be claimed by people before they reach their 65th birthday and who are over 3 months old.
It is not an income related benefit and is assessed on the level of difficulty the person experiences or the amount of assistance some one needs with their personal care and daily living activities. It will not have a negative affect on the amounts of any Income Related Benefits that a person may be receiving and may increase their entitlement due to the additional premiums a person may be able to claim. See Income Related Benefits chapter.
There are 3 levels of award: Higher rate, Middle rate and Lower rate. These are paid at £71.40, £47.80 and £18.95 respectively. The level of award is dependent on whether a person needs a small amount of help during the day, a lot of help during the day or the night or help day and night.
Carer's Allowance:
If a person is in receipt of Middle or Higher rate of the care component then the person who assists them may be entitled to Carer's Allowance. For more on this benefit please see the Carer's Allowance chapter. However, please note that if the person who is in receipt of the Care component also claims Income Related Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support and they live alone, they will be entitled to a Severe Disability Premium worth £53.65. This will be lost if a carer claims Carer's Allowance.
****]Terminal Illness:
If a person has a terminal illness then there should be no waiting period before the benefit is awarded and the benefit will be paid automatically. The person or carer on their behalf must obtain a medical declaration from the Doctor called a DS1500 and this is to be enclosed with the application form.