DLA ending?

Hi Gordon

Hope you are doing well. Just a quick one. Friend is in receipt of Carer's Allowance and Income Support due to her caring for her son who is getting DLA.

However, the son's DLA ends in a couple of weeks. But she has put in a renewal claim which she is confident of being awarded for him. Unfortunately, it looks like the renewal claim for DLA will not be decided on before the old award runs out.

I understand if this indeed happens then Carer's Allowance will stop. As for Income Support, am I right in thinking that if they (DWP) try to stop that, she can argue for it to continue whilst she is still caring for over 35 hours a week for the boy and at the same time, having made a claim for DLA whilst waiting for a decision?

Hope this makes sense.

Buster

Hi Buster
The renewal period for DLA begins 20 weeks before the end date of the current award, the form is always sent out at this point (20 weeks before end date of award).

You do not have to send the forms back immediately, just as long as you get them back in time for them to review your award.

I have heard that decisions are made very quickly so hopefully this won't occur but if it does the rules for eligibility for IC is complicated
First can I ask how old the child is- a lone parent with a child under 5 could make her eligible

Hi Sue

The boy is 15. The mum sent in the new claim for DLA 7 weeks before the existing claim is due to end. The DWP have not yet made a decision on the new claim. Sadly, it now looks like the claim won't be awarded in time.

Another thought regarding Income Support; if her claim for this is stopped and then say a few weeks later the new claim for DLA is awarded and back paid - will the mum be able to make a rapid reclaim for DLA or will she be sing posted to the dreaded lobster pot of Universal Credit?

Many thanks.

Buster

Hi
Sorry, I meant to say a rapid reclaim for Income Support - not DLA of course.

Buster