Don't know if this is the right place to post this ...

[windywillow]

Does anyone claim Disability Living Allowance? I thought this was split into two components - Mobility and Care.

Today I was told it is possible to get just one component, you don't automatically get both. Does anyone know if this is correct?

[jen78]

Some info about it here...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Fin ancialSupport/DG_10011731

[pussy.licker]

Im sure you will get many answers from all the hypochondriacs on here who just sit at home doing f@ck all claiming they are ill when there is f*ck all wrong with them.

[bednobs]

yes it is correct.
it is split into two componenets, mobility and care.
There is no "automatic" about anything - if your problems qualify you for help with care you will get the care component, and if your problems qualify you for help with mbility that is what you will get. if your problems qualify you for both, you will get both

Also, there are different levels for both care and mobility, meanng somone who cant walk at all will get more than someone who just struggles with walking. people who are paralysed in bed get a higher rate than people who for example cant cook a meal

[pussy.licker]

I rest my case. Well done Jen

[pussy.licker]

and bednobs ROFL

[jen78]

I work a full time job.

Absolutely nothing wrong with people claiming what is deserved.

[redcrx]

if you automatically got both then there would be no need to split it into 2 components would there?

[bednobs]

lol you muppet, i know because part of my (full time) job is giving people advice on how to claim this benefit when they are diagnosed with cancer, or are ill enough with cancer to claim

[redcrx]

i hope you meant gravy or whatever hes being called today bednobs lol

[bednobs]

of course ma'am.

[windywillow]

Thanks for replies.

redcrx, yes there is a need to split it into two components, because each component is split into different levels -
mobility is low or high, and care is low, medium or high.

[Rosetta]

Windywillow, you can always telephone the Benefits Enquiry LIne. to discuss your possible entitlement. Just click on the link Jen gave you. ( You need to click on the link at the bottom of the section Rates and how to claim. )
Alternatively you can get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They offer a free and independent service and in my experience they are excellent.

Good luck with it.. Be warned,it is a fat form. Some people find it useful to get advice in completing it and again CAB are very good

[windywillow]

Thanks Rosetta.

I didn't put my question as directly as I should have. What I really am wondering is, is there anyone on AB who only gets one component, not both? I am told it is rare that DLA is awarded for just Mobility or just Care.

I am trying to find out if this is true. I don't think the Helpline will tell me this.

[Rosetta]

Its not at all unusual for a person to get one component and not the other.

so if you don't think you qualify for both there is no problem in claiming the one you may be eligible for.

Again contact CAB if in doubt

[bednobs]

it ntirely depends on the nature of the persons problems. they really look at both care and mobility seperately, and if it's not usually awarded seperately it will be because the people applying have problems with both care AND mobility which can often go hand in hand.
Afriend of mine who i know through the arthritis group has the care component because mainly her arms are affected, meaning she cannot lift pans, turn taps on, wash her hair. However, hr legs are ok, so she wouldnt expect to get any mobility component - she can walk just fine

[bednobs]

BTW you are right in saying the helpline wont give you this information - why should they? it has no bearing at all on any claim you make which will be entirely decided upon the information YOU put on YOUR form, not what "usually happens"

[sara3]

here's a quote from the DLA site

"You may get Disability Living Allowance if:

your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or you have walking difficulties, or both"

[windywillow]

Thanks for replies.

bednob, this enquiry is not for myself. I have been asked to help a lady who is an alcoholic and in debt. She has asked if she can give me her income, I shall then sort out what should be paid in order of importance.

She has told me her only DLA income is �17. A member of her family told me she is lying about this, and I suspect she wants to keep some cash back for alcohol.

I know that if I ask the authorities, they will not discuss her with me. So I am asking the question I've posted, to make a guess as to how likely she is to be telling me the truth. Of course, I know I am not going to get an 100% correct answer about her particular circumstances from asking other ABers this.

[sara3]

the lowest rate of either component is �17.75, but that can't possibly be all the is claiming.

well, it could but she would be entitled to other benefits.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Fin ancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/DG_100 11925

[sara3]

all that she is claiming