Introduction
Are you a parent navigating the complexities of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your child? It’s crucial to keep the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) informed about any changes in your child’s condition or living situation, as these can significantly impact your DLA payments. This guide will help you understand when and how to notify the DWP, ensuring you receive the support your child deserves. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and help you resolve any legal issues. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK.
If your child is receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), it’s important to keep the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) updated about any changes in their condition or living situation. These changes can affect the amount of DLA you receive, so staying informed is crucial.
When to Notify the DWP
You should inform the DWP as soon as you notice any of the following changes:
- Your child’s health condition improves or worsens.
- The amount of care or support your child needs changes.
- Your child moves out of your home, whether it’s to live with relatives or to a care facility.
- Your child permanently relocates to Scotland.
It’s worth noting that a hospital stay typically does not affect DLA payments.
If you’re uncertain whether a change impacts your DLA, it’s better to reach out to the DWP anyway.
How to Report Changes
To report any changes, you can contact the DLA helpline:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Helpline
- Phone: 0800 121 4600
- Textphone: 0800 121 4523
- Relay UK: If you have difficulty hearing or speaking on the phone, you can use Relay UK. Just dial 18001 followed by 0800 121 4600. Learn more about using Relay UK here.
- Video Relay: If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can access video relay services here and find a tutorial on YouTube here.
The helpline is available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and calls are free from both landlines and mobiles.
Reporting Changes Promptly
As soon as you become aware of a change that could affect your DLA, let the DWP know. Reporting changes quickly is essential because:
- A change may increase your DLA payment, and delaying your report could mean missing out on additional funds.
- If a change could reduce your DLA, reporting it late won’t save you money. In fact, if you report late, you might receive too much DLA and have to repay the excess amount later. This situation is known as an overpayment.
What Happens If Your Child Stops Living with You
If your child is no longer living with you, your DLA payments may change. This can happen if:
- A local authority is taking care of your child and you are no longer responsible for them.
- Your child is living with another adult who is eligible for DLA.
Residential Care or School
If your child goes into a care home or a boarding school, it’s crucial to keep the DWP informed about when they enter and leave these facilities. This will help ensure you receive the correct amount of DLA and avoid overpayments.
Generally, you will continue to receive the mobility component of DLA if your child is in a care home. However, the care component might decrease. You can still receive the care component for days your child stays with you, even if they spend part of the day away.
For children who are terminally ill or living in a private home arranged by a local council, there are special rules regarding DLA payments while in residential care. If this applies to you, consider using Contend’s legal expert chat for clarification and assistance.
Moving to Scotland
If your child moves to Scotland, you need to inform the DWP. You will continue to receive DLA for the first 13 weeks after the move, but after that period, you will switch to a new benefit called Child Disability Payment. To learn more about this benefit, visit mygov.scot.
Keeping the DWP updated about your child’s situation is essential for ensuring that you receive the correct amount of support. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to try Contend’s legal expert chat for help. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
For more info, check out some of our related articles:
