The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children in the UK is a crucial benefit for families caring for children with disabilities or health conditions. The DLA1 form, specifically designed for children under 16, is the key to accessing this support. This article will guide you through the process of understanding and accurately completing the DLA1 (children) form, focusing on its different sections and the specific questions or boxes.
Who is the DLA1 Form (Children) Meant For?
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, represented by the DLA1 form, is a UK-specific benefit designed for families who are caring for a child with a disability or a long-term health condition. Understanding who is eligible for this benefit and what the form entails is crucial for those who may be considering applying.
Eligibility for DLA for Children
Age Criteria: The DLA1 form is specifically for children under 16 years old. Once a child turns 16, they may need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
Residency and Presence Requirements: The child must be ordinarily resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands. Additionally, they should have lived in these areas for a certain period, typically out of the last 3 years.
Severity and Impact of Disability or Health Condition:
The child must require significantly more care, attention, or supervision than a child of the same age without a disability or health condition.
The condition should be expected to last for at least three months and should have been present for at least three months before the benefit can be claimed (except in cases where the child is terminally ill).
4. Special Rules for Terminal Illness: In cases where the child has a terminal illness and is not expected to live more than 6 months, special rules apply. These rules allow for a more expedited process under the DLA.
What Conditions or Disabilities Qualify?
The DLA1 form is intended for a wide range of disabilities and health conditions. These can include, but are not limited to:
Physical disabilities that affect mobility.
Severe learning disabilities.
Sensory impairments, such as blindness or deafness.
Chronic or long-term illnesses, including cancer, epilepsy, or diabetes.
Mental health conditions that require additional care or supervision.
Role of the DLA1 Form
The DLA1 form plays a critical role in assessing the child’s needs. It is designed to capture detailed information about:
The child’s personal details and residency status.
The nature and extent of their disability or health condition.
The specific care and mobility needs arising from their condition.
The impact of their disability on daily activities, including schooling and social interaction.
The DLA1 form for children is a vital resource for families in the UK caring for a child with significant disabilities or health conditions. It acknowledges the extra care and attention these children require and provides financial support to help meet their needs. Eligibility for DLA for children encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions and circumstances, underscoring the government's commitment to supporting young individuals with disabilities and their families.
What is the Difference Between DLA1 Form for Children and DLA1 Form for Adults?
The key difference between the DLA1 form for children and the equivalent for adults lies in their target beneficiaries and specific requirements:
Age Group:
The DLA1 form for children is designed for applicants under 16 years old.
For adults, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has been largely replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those aged 16 to 64 in the UK.
Content and Focus:
The children's DLA1 form focuses on the extra care or supervision a child needs compared to others of the same age without disabilities. It includes questions about the child’s school, daily routine, and specific care requirements.
The adult DLA form (now mostly PIP) focuses on how an individual's condition affects their daily living and mobility, with a detailed assessment of their capabilities and needs.
Assessment Criteria:
For children, the assessment emphasizes the additional care and attention required beyond what is typical for their age due to their condition.
For adults (under PIP), the assessment is more about the individual’s ability to carry out specific activities related to daily living and mobility.
Transition to PIP:
Children receiving DLA will transition to PIP when they turn 16, requiring a new application and assessment under PIP criteria.
Adults already on DLA have been gradually moved to PIP following reassessment, as per the guidelines set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Application Process:
The application for children’s DLA involves detailing the child’s specific needs and how their condition affects them differently from other children their age.
The PIP application for adults involves a detailed questionnaire and usually a face-to-face assessment to evaluate the impact of their disability on daily activities and mobility.
Wwhile the DLA1 form for children and the adult version (now mostly replaced by PIP) serve a similar purpose in providing support for individuals with disabilities, they differ in their age focus, assessment criteria, and specific content tailored to the unique needs of the respective age groups.
What are the Different Sections of the DLA1 (Children) Form?
Navigating the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) application for children requires a clear understanding of the DLA1 form's various sections. This segment of the article demystifies each section, offering insights into their purpose and guidance on how to effectively complete them, ensuring a thorough and accurate application process for your child's needs.
Section 1: Child’s Details
This section requires basic information about the child, including their full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number if they have one. It's important to double-check these details for accuracy.
Section 2: Child’s Address and Contact Details
Here, provide the child’s current residential address. If the child has different addresses (like a second home or care facility), mention all relevant locations.
Section 3: Other Benefits and Education
Indicate if the child is receiving any other benefits or if they are in education. This information helps determine eligibility and the correct DLA rate.
Section 4: Nationality and Residence
Confirm the child's nationality and residency status. The DLA is typically available to those who are ordinarily resident in the UK.
Section 5: Hospital Stays
Detail any hospital stays in the past 12 months. Include dates and reasons for each stay, as continuous hospitalization can affect DLA eligibility.
Section 6: Medical Conditions
List all medical conditions or disabilities the child has. Be thorough and include conditions even if you think they might not be relevant.
Section 7: Medications
Provide a comprehensive list of medications the child takes, including dosage and frequency. This information helps assess the child’s needs.
Section 8: Treatments and Therapies
Mention any regular treatments or therapies the child undergoes, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.
Section 9: Professionals Involved
List all healthcare and educational professionals involved in the child's care. Include contact details and the nature of their involvement.
Section 10: Educational Psychologist or Specialist Teacher
If the child has been assessed or is being supported by an educational psychologist or specialist teacher, provide their details.
Section 11: Sight
If the child has sight issues, provide details, including if they wear glasses or contact lenses and the extent of their visual impairment.
Section 12: Hearing
For children with hearing difficulties, specify the level of hearing loss, whether they use hearing aids, and how the impairment affects daily activities.
Section 13: Speech
Describe any speech difficulties, including the child's ability to communicate verbally and any alternative communication methods used.
Section 14: Physical Abilities
Detail the child's physical abilities, focusing on mobility, coordination, and any use of aids like wheelchairs or walkers.
Section 15: Learning and Understanding
Assess the child’s ability to learn, understand, and engage with their environment. Mention any specific learning difficulties or developmental delays.
Section 16: Behaviour
Describe any behavioral issues, including triggers, frequency, and impact on daily life. Be open about challenges faced due to behavior.
Section 17: Other Information
Use this section to provide any additional information that hasn't been covered but is relevant to the child's care and condition.
Section 18: Child’s School or Nursery
If the child attends a school or nursery, provide the name and address of the institution. Indicate if they receive any special support there.
Section 19: Extra Help at School
Discuss any additional help the child receives at school, including special education needs (SEN) support or individual education plans (IEP).
Section 20: Overnight Care
Detail if the child requires care during the night. Include frequency and types of care needed, such as help with toileting or medication.
Section 21: Daytime Care
Similar to overnight care, provide information about the care needed during the day. Be specific about the type and frequency of care.
Section 22: Out and About
Discuss how the child's condition affects their ability to go out, including challenges faced in unfamiliar environments or crowded places.
Section 23: Declarations
This section is for declarations and consents related to the application. Ensure that all statements are read carefully and agreed upon before signing.
Section 24: Communication and Understanding
Focus on the child's communication skills, including their ability to understand, speak, and interact with others. Detail any alternative communication methods used, like sign language or communication aids.
Section 25: Vision and Hearing
Provide information about the child's sight and hearing abilities, including the use of aids like glasses or hearing aids. Be specific about the limitations and how they impact daily activities.
Section 26: Eating and Drinking
Discuss the child's ability to eat and drink independently. Mention any assistance needed, like cutting food or using special utensils.
Section 27: Medication and Treatment Management
Describe the child's ability to manage their medications and treatments. Include details on any support needed to administer medication or carry out treatments at home.
Section 28: Mobility
This section addresses the child's mobility challenges. Describe how their condition affects their ability to walk, use stairs, or move around indoors and outdoors.
Section 29: Personal Care
Detail the child's needs related to personal care activities such as dressing, washing, and using the toilet. Be thorough in describing the level of assistance required.
Section 30: Behavioral Challenges
Discuss any behavioral issues and how they impact the child's and family's daily life. Include information on any safety concerns, self-harm tendencies, or difficulties in interacting with others.
Section 31: Developmental Needs
Focus on the child's developmental needs, including their social, cognitive, and emotional development. Detail the extra help they need in these areas.
Section 32: Educational Support
Provide information about the child's educational environment and the support they receive at school or nursery. This includes special education needs, assistance during transitions, and help with school activities.
Section 33: Social and Recreational Activities
Describe the child's involvement in social, recreational, or religious activities. Mention any support they require to participate in these activities.
Section 34: Nighttime Needs
Explain the level of care and supervision the child needs during the night, including help with sleep disturbances, nighttime treatments, and safety concerns.
Section 35: Claimant's Details
This section is for the person filling out the form. Provide your personal information, including your relationship to the child and contact details.
Section 36: Payment Information
Provide the necessary details for the payment of the benefit, ensuring accuracy to prevent delays or issues.
Section 37: Additional Information
Use this section to add any other relevant information about the child's care needs or daily challenges that have not been covered in previous sections.
Section 38: Declaration and Consent
Read and sign the declaration, confirming that the information provided is accurate and complete. This section also includes consent for the Department for Work and Pensions to process the claim.
Section 39: Consent to Share Information
Provide consent for the Department for Work and Pensions to share information with relevant parties. This can expedite the processing and facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the child's needs.
Section 40: Other Information
Use this section to include any final details or considerations that may aid in the assessment of the claim. It's essential to ensure all relevant information about the child's condition and needs is included in the form.
Section 41: Checklist
The form includes a checklist to ensure all necessary sections are completed and supporting documents are attached. This can include medical reports, care plans, or educational statements. Make sure to review this checklist thoroughly.
Section 42: Where to Send the Form
This section provides information on where to submit the completed form. Double-check the address or submission guidelines to ensure the form is sent to the correct location.
Additional Tips for Completing the DLA1 Form
Be Thorough and Detailed: Provide as much detail as possible in each section. This helps in accurately assessing the child's needs and eligibility for DLA.
Use Additional Sheets if Necessary: If there is not enough space in the form to provide full answers, attach additional sheets. Ensure these are clearly marked with the child's name and the section they refer to.
Include Supporting Evidence: Attach any relevant medical reports, letters from healthcare professionals, or school reports that provide additional insight into the child's condition and needs.
Seek Assistance if Needed: If you are unsure about any part of the form, consider seeking assistance from a healthcare professional, social worker, or a charity organization specializing in child disability support.
Review Before Submission: Before submitting the form, review it thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Mistakes or omissions can delay the processing of the application.
The DLA1 (children) form is a comprehensive document designed to capture the full spectrum of a child's needs and challenges resulting from their disability or health condition. By following this detailed guide, and providing thorough and accurate information in each section, you can effectively convey the support requirements of the child, ensuring a fair assessment of their DLA claim. Remember, this form is more than just a bureaucratic requirement; it is a tool to ensure that children with disabilities in the UK receive the support and assistance they need to thrive.
Filling Out the DLA1 (Children) Form - Question By Question
Filling Out the DLA1 (Children) Form in the UK" is a crucial section of our article, designed to guide parents and guardians through the intricate process of completing the DLA1 form. It offers step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and essential insights to simplify this complex procedure, ensuring a smooth application for child disability benefits.
1. Claiming Under Special Rules​​
Q: Are you claiming for a child under special rules?
A: Choose "Yes" only if the child is nearing the end of life and not expected to live more than 12 months. If "Yes", you can skip care-related questions (54 to 72).
2-3. Child's Name​​
Q2: Their surname or family name.
A2: Write the child's legal surname.
Q3: All their other names in full.
A3: Include all given names.
4. Other Names Known By​​
Q: Any other names the child has been known as.
A: List any other names, including nicknames or previous names if applicable.
5-7. Personal Details​​
Q5: Their National Insurance number, if known.
A5: Provide the number if the child has one.
Q6: Date of birth.
A6: Enter the child's birth date in DD/MM/YYYY format.
Q7: Their sex.
A7: Tick the appropriate box (Male/Female).
8. Home Address​​
Q: Where the child normally lives.
A: Give the full address where the child spends most of their time.
9. Nationality​​
Q: Their nationality.
A: State the child’s nationality (e.g., British, Spanish, Turkish).
10-12. Residency Status​​
Q10: Swiss/EEA national living in the UK before 1 Jan 2021?
A10: Answer Yes or No.
Q11-12: Residency in England/Wales and any move from Scotland.
A11-12: Confirm if the child lives in England or Wales, and if they moved from Scotland after 1 July 2021.
13-14. Child Disability Payment​​
Q13-14: Date of moving to England/Wales and if claiming Child Disability Payment.
A13-14: Provide the move date and state if there's an ongoing claim for Child Disability Payment.
15-16. Recent Move to Great Britain​​
Q15-16: If the child moved from another country to Great Britain in the last 3 years.
A15-16: Indicate if they have, and specify the arrival date in GB.
17. Passport Number​​
Q: Child’s Passport Number, if known.
A: Provide the passport number if available.
18. Time Spent Abroad​​
Q: Has the child been abroad in the last 3 years?
A: Detail any overseas travel, including dates, locations, and reasons.
19-20. Parental Benefits and Work Status​​
Q19-20: If parent/guardian receives benefits from or works in an EEA state or Switzerland.
A19-20: State whether this applies and provide relevant details.
21-22. Hospital and Accommodation Stays​​
Q21: Is the child currently in a hospital?
A21: If yes, give the admission date, hospital name, address, and contact.
Q22: Any overnight stays in hospices, residential colleges, or similar?
A22: List any stays in the past year with dates, reasons, and facility details.
23. Health Assessments​​
Q: Has the child had any health assessments?
A: Mention any assessments like audiograms, MRI scans, or therapy sessions.
24. Letters or Reports​​
Q: Do you have any letters or assessment reports?
A: List and provide any relevant reports, but exclude appointment letters or general info.
25. Health Professionals Supporting the Child​​
Q: Does the child have any health professionals who are not their GP supporting them?
A: List any health professionals involved in the child's care, such as neurologists or physiotherapists, and their relationship to the child.
26-28. Child’s GP Details​​
Q26: Child’s GP’s name.
A26: Provide the GP’s name or the name of the surgery/health centre.
Q27: Surgery address.
A27: Include the full address and postcode.
Q28: Surgery phone number.
A28: If known, provide the phone number.
29. Last Contact with GP​​
Q: Date the child last had contact with their GP regarding their condition.
A: Provide the date in DD/MM/YYYY format and include the child’s hospital record number if available.
30-31. School or Nursery Information​​
Q30: Name of the school or nursery the child attends.
A30: Provide the name and the date of last contact about the child’s condition.
Q31: Address of the school or nursery.
A31: Include the full address.
32-34. School Contact Person​​
Q32: Name of a contact person at school.
A32: Give the name of a teacher or support worker who knows the child well.
Q33: Contact’s phone number.
A33: Provide the phone number if known.
Q34: Contact’s email address.
A34: Include the email address if available.
35. Mainstream School Attendance​​
Q: Is the child attending a mainstream school?
A: Indicate ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
36. Specialist School Attendance​​
Q: Is the child attending a specialist school?
A: If ‘Yes’, specify the type of specialist school.
37. Educational Reports or Plans​​
Q: Does the child have any educational reports, plans, or statements?
A: Tick all the relevant documents the child has, such as EHCP, IEP, or IBP.
38. Additional Information Provider​​
Q: Is there anyone else who knows the child and can provide more information?
A: Indicate ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. If ‘Yes’, they should fill in a statement about the child’s difficulties.
39. Consent for Sharing Information​​
Q: Do you consent to share the child’s health information with DWP?
A: Indicate whether you agree to share information about the child’s health condition with the DWP.
40. Details of Health Condition or Disabilities​​
Q: Information about the child’s health condition or disabilities.
A: Describe the health condition or disability, duration, treatments, and frequency of treatments.
41. Aids or Adaptations Used​​
Q: Does the child use any aids or adaptations?
A: If ‘Yes’, describe the aids used, any aids they are waiting for, and the help needed to use them.
42. Consistency of Child’s Needs​​
Q: Do the child’s needs stay the same or change from day to day?
A: Indicate if the needs are consistent or variable, and describe how they change.
44. Standing and Moving Difficulties​​
Q: Does the child have difficulties with standing and moving around?
A: Describe difficulties such as walking distance, time, speed, and walking style.
45. Walking Distance and Time​​
Q: How far can the child walk without severe discomfort and how long does it take?
A: Indicate the distance they can walk and the time it takes, including any need for rests.
46. Walking Speed​​
Q: About their walking speed.
A: Select the option that best represents the child's walking speed compared to peers without health conditions.
47. Walking Style​​
Q: About the way they walk.
A: Choose the description that best matches the child's walking style, including any irregularities like limping or shuffling.
48. Difficulties with Mobility​​
Q: Other difficulties during or after moving around.
A: Describe any additional challenges like dizziness, anxiety, or pain related to mobility.
49. Outdoor Guidance​​
Q: Need for guidance or supervision outdoors.
A: Indicate whether the child requires constant supervision or help when walking outside.
50. Frequency of Falls​​
Q: Do they fall due to their health condition or disability?
A: If yes, specify the average number of falls per month.
51. Onset of Mobility Needs​​
Q: When did the child’s mobility needs start?
A: Provide the date when the child first required assistance for mobility.
53. Additional Mobility Information​​
Q: Other information about mobility difficulties.
A: Use this space to add any other relevant information about the child's mobility needs.
54. Assistance to Settle in Bed​​
Q: Need for help settling in bed during the day.
A: Describe how often and in what ways the child needs assistance with activities related to resting in bed.
55. Toilet Needs Management​​
Q: Assistance with managing toilet needs.
A: Indicate the types of assistance needed, such as getting on and off the toilet, managing clothes, and cleaning.
56. Indoor Mobility Assistance​​
Q: Assistance needed to move around indoors.
A: Specify the type of help required, including assistance with stairs and chairs.
57. Assistance with Personal Hygiene​​
Q: Help with washing, bathing, and cleaning.
A: Detail the child’s needs related to personal hygiene, such as getting in and out of the bath or shower and using toiletries.
58. Dressing and Undressing Assistance​​
Q: Help needed to dress and undress.
A: Describe the level of assistance required for dressing, including choosing clothes and managing fastenings.
59. Assistance with Eating and Drinking​​
Q: Help needed with eating and drinking.
A: Explain if the child needs reminders or physical assistance for eating and drinking.
60. Medication and Treatment Management​​
Q: Help with managing medication and treatments.
A: Detail the support required for medication intake and the management of any home treatments.
61. Vision Difficulties​​
Q: Difficulty seeing, including with glasses or contact lenses.
A: State if the child has vision impairments and whether they are certified as sight impaired.
62. Hearing Difficulties​​
Q: Difficulty hearing, including with hearing aids.
A: Indicate if the child has hearing difficulties and
68. Assistance at School or Nursery​​
Q: Need for help at school or nursery.
A: Indicate if the child requires assistance for using the toilet, moving between lessons, changing for physical activities, and eating meals at school or nursery.
69. Participation in Activities​​
Q: Assistance for hobbies, interests, and social activities.
A: Describe the activities the child engages in or would engage in if they had help, the assistance required, the frequency, and the duration of the help needed.
70. Night-time Assistance​​
Q: Need for assistance or supervision during the night.
A: Specify how often the child needs help at night, the activities requiring assistance (like getting in/out of bed or using the toilet), and the duration of each assistance.
71-72. Additional Information​​
Q71: Start date of the child's care needs.
A71: Provide an estimated start date of when the child first needed help with their care needs.
Q72: Any other information about the child's daily living and care needs.
A72: Use this space to add any additional details about the child’s difficulties or needs that haven’t been covered in previous sections.
Payment Details​​
Q: Account information for payment.
A: Fill in all required details for the account where DLA payments should be made, including account holder's name, bank/building society name, sort code, account number, and any reference number if applicable.
Checklist and Final Steps​​
Q: Final review and checklist.
A: Before submitting the form, ensure all sections are completed accurately, especially where additional information is required about healthcare providers, GPs, and any extra details about the child’s condition. Double-check that all declarations and consent forms are signed.
How an Accountant Can Assist with Your DLA1 (Children) Claim in the UK
When applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children in the UK, the role of an accountant might not be immediately obvious. However, their expertise can be invaluable, particularly in managing the financial aspects of the claim and ensuring that all relevant expenses and financial implications are correctly accounted for. This article will explore the various ways an accountant can assist families during the DLA1 claim process.
Financial Record-Keeping and Expense Tracking
Detailed Expense Documentation: An accountant can help document and maintain detailed records of all expenses related to the child's care. This includes medical expenses, costs for special education needs, transportation, and any specialized equipment or modifications required for the child's condition.
Advising on Eligible Expenses: They can guide which expenses might be relevant to the claim. Knowing which costs can be factored into the DLA1 form can potentially strengthen the claim by highlighting the financial impact of the child's disability.
Guidance on Financial Support Management
Managing DLA Funds: Once a DLA claim is successful, an accountant can assist in effectively managing the funds received. They can provide advice on budgeting these funds to ensure they are used in the most beneficial way for the child’s care and well-being.
Investment Advice for Long-term Care: For long-term financial planning, accountants can offer guidance on how to invest or save the DLA funds to secure the child’s future, especially considering their specific care needs.
Assistance with Complex Financial Situations
Handling Complex Cases: In situations where the child’s disability might have led to a loss of income for the family (if a parent had to leave work to provide care), an accountant can provide comprehensive financial advice to navigate these challenges.
Tax Advice: Accountants can offer counsel on any tax implications or benefits that the family may be eligible for due to the child's disability. This can include guidance on tax credits and other government support programs.
Liaising with Legal and Financial Entities
Representation in Financial Matters: An accountant can act as a financial representative for the family in discussions with various entities, including banks, investment firms, and even in conversations with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regarding the DLA claim.
Liaison with Legal Advisors: In cases where legal advice is necessary (for example, in setting up a trust for the child’s future), an accountant can work alongside legal professionals to ensure that financial decisions are made in the best interest of the child.
Ensuring Compliance and Future Planning
Compliance with Financial Regulations: They ensure that all financial dealings related to the child’s disability benefits are compliant with UK financial laws and regulations, preventing any legal issues that may arise from improper handling of funds.
Future Financial Planning: Accountants can help plan for the child's financial needs as they transition into adulthood, especially in understanding how the shift from DLA to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at age 16 might affect their financial planning.
While an accountant may not directly influence the outcome of a DLA1 application, their role in managing the financial aspects surrounding a child’s disability cannot be overstated. Their expertise in financial planning, budgeting, tax advice, and compliance ensures that families can focus more on the care of the child while remaining assured that the financial implications of their child’s disability are being handled efficiently and effectively. The peace of mind and financial stability an accountant brings to families navigating the complexities of DLA1 can be invaluable.
FAQs About DLA1 Form (Children)
Q1: What is the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children?
A: DLA for children is a UK benefit for children under 16 who need extra care or mobility support due to a physical or mental disability. Q2: Can I apply for DLA if my child has a temporary disability?
A: DLA is generally for long-term disabilities or conditions expected to last at least three months and have been present for at least three months.
Q3: What are the two components of DLA for children?
A: DLA for children has two parts: the care component and the mobility component, each addressing different needs.
Q4: Can a child receive both components of DLA?
A: Yes, a child can qualify for both the care and mobility components if their disability affects both their care needs and mobility.
Q5: Is there an income or savings limit for DLA for children?
A: No, DLA is not means-tested and does not depend on income or savings.
Q6: How is the rate of DLA determined for a child?
A: The rate depends on the level of care and mobility support the child needs. There are different rates for each component based on the severity of the need.
Q7: Can parents or guardians apply on behalf of a child?
A: Yes, parents or guardians typically apply on behalf of the child.
Q8: How long does the DLA claim process take?
A: Processing times can vary, but it usually takes several weeks. Urgent cases, like those under the special rules for terminal illness, are processed faster.
Q9: What happens when my child turns 16?
A: When a child turns 16, they may transition to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and will need to apply for this new benefit.
Q10: Can DLA affect other benefits we receive?
A: Receiving DLA can sometimes increase the amount you receive in other benefits or make you eligible for additional support.
Q11: Do I need legal representation to apply for DLA?
A: No, legal representation is not required, but seeking advice from professionals like social workers or benefits advisors can be helpful.
Q12: Are there deadlines for submitting the DLA1 form?
A: There's no specific deadline, but it’s advisable to submit as soon as possible, especially considering the three-month qualifying period.
Q13: Can DLA be backdated?
A: DLA can be backdated to the date of claim or the date the qualifying conditions were met, whichever is later.
Q14: What if my child’s condition changes?
A: You must report any changes in your child’s condition or care needs, as it can affect the amount of DLA received.
Q15: Can DLA be claimed if the child is in hospital?
A: There are specific rules for children in hospital; DLA may be affected if the hospital stay is extended.
Q16: What kind of proof is required for the DLA1 application?
A: Medical reports, care plans, and assessments from healthcare professionals are common proofs required.
Q17: How often is DLA for children reassessed?
A: Reassessment frequency can vary based on the child’s condition and the length of the award.
Q18: What can I do if my DLA claim is denied?
A: You have the right to challenge the decision by requesting a mandatory reconsideration, and if still unsatisfied, you can appeal the decision.
Q19: Are there any special considerations for children with terminal illnesses?
A: Yes, under the special rules, children with terminal illnesses can get a more expedited process and a higher rate of DLA.
Q20: Can DLA be received alongside other benefits like Child Benefit?
A: Yes, receiving DLA does not affect eligibility for Child Benefit.