It is important to understand your rights and entitlements to government funding. If you have a child under the age of 16 who has extra care and/or mobility needs because of a physical and/or mental disability you could be eligible to receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

DLA is one benefit, with two components: care and mobility. Depending on your child’s circumstances, you may be suitable for one or both components. Our in-house Social Worker has created some myth busters which we hope will help you.

TOP 5 DLA myth busters

#1 MYTH: Applying for DLA will affect my income and/or existing benefits.

FACT: DLA is non-means tested, not taxable, not treated as income, and any savings are ignored. If already claiming benefits, it can lead to an increase in benefits e.g. Universal Credit.

#2 MYTH: I can’t claim DLA because my child doesn’t have a diagnosis.

FACT: You do not need a diagnosis to apply for DLA. DLA can be awarded where a child needs more care, additional supervision and/or who has difficulty getting around compared with other children of the same age.

#3 MYTH: My child’s condition is not severe enough. 

FACT: DLA is paid at different levels reflecting the different needs of children with disabilities. Babies from the age of 3 months are eligible to apply provided they meet all the other conditions.

#4 MYTH: DLA can be backdated.

FACT: Unfortunately, DLA cannot be backdated. It is best to phone the DLA helpline and request an application pack because (provided your claim is successful) your payments will then be backdated to the date you called the enquiry line. (You have 6 weeks to complete the application from the date of your call).

#5 MYTH: My child is in hospital, my DLA will be stopped?

FACT: All children under 18 are exempt from the rules restricting payments in hospital. Your DLA will continue when your child becomes inpatient, and you do not need to notify anyone.

EXTRA MYTH: – It can be hard filling in the form.

FACT: YES, BUT HELP IS AVAILABLE!

If you are being supported by Momentum and would like help with applying for DLA or have any questions about the benefit, please speak with your family support worker who may be able to answer basic queries, or they can refer you to our in-house social worker.

Coming soon – we will provide top tips for applying for DLA.