What will affect my claim?
 

10 things that won’t affect your claim

The DLA is a complicated benefit and many people, including some doctors, care workers and DWP staff, pass on information and opinions that aren’t correct. So we’d like to start by telling you 10 things that, no matter what you’ve heard or been told before, don’t affect your right to claim DLA.

1. You are getting any other benefits (except attendance allowance and some war pension or industrial injuries supplements) - DLA will be paid on top.
2. You work either part or fulltime.
3. Your partner works.
4. You are a student.
5. You have savings.
6. You don’t consider yourself to be disabled - DLA is for people with long term health problems which affect their everyday activities.
7. A doctor, nurse, care worker - or anyone other than a welfare rights worker - tells you, you won’t get DLA. Eligibility for DLA is a legal question, not a matter of medical - or any other - opinion.
8. You live alone and no-one is providing care for you.
9. You have someone, a partner for example, providing care for you and
10. You’ve been turned down before. Many people who end up with a DLA grant have been refused repeatedly in the past.

2 things that will affect your claim

1. Are you under 65?
Yes? You can claim
No? Unfortunately, if you are 65 or over you cannot begin a claim for DLA. However, you may be able to claim a similar benefit called Attendance Allowance.

2. Have your health problems lasted at least three months and are they likely to last at least another six months?
Yes? Then you can claim immediately.
No? If they haven’t already lasted three months you can still make a claim, but payment can only begin from the date when they have lasted three months.