There are two components to DLA, which can be claimed separately or together, Mobility Component and Care Component. Disability Living Allowance is a benefit concerned with personal care and/or getting around. It can be claimed as an individual with a disability for them or by a carer for someone else with a disability.

It possible for people to claim DLA for their children if they need help doing certain things for example dressing, washing and going to the toilet or need help getting around. It is important that you contact the Benefits Agency Helpline 0800 882200 to find out more regarding the criteria required by you or your child to claim either component.

DLA will not affect any other benefits; in fact it may mean you are entitled to more. For further information on other benefits you may be entitled to, see below.

OTHER BENEFITS

Bridging Allowance
This is for people under 18 and between a training course or a job.

Job Seekers Allowance
Benefit for people actively seeking work and available for work. Mainly for 18 year olds and upward, however in exceptional circumstances 16 and 17 year olds may be entitled.

Incapacity Benefit
Incapacity Benefit is available to those who are incapable of work, or if you are in full time education for less than 21 hours per week.

Income Support
Income Support is a benefit for those with a low income. It is not paid to people in full time work or those actively seeking work.

Housing and Council Tax Benefit
If you are responsible for the rent on your home and you receive a low income you may be entitled to housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Child Benefit
Is a benefit paid to the parent or guardian of a child under the of 16 or a child in full time education under the age of 19.

The Social Fund
This is a Government fund set up to provide for those in need. There are various loans, grants and payments that can be applied for.

Working Families Tax Credit
WFTC is paid to workers on low pay with children who work 16 hours or more per week.

Disabled Persons Tax Credit
DPTC can be paid in the form of an allowance to disabled people who work 16 hours or more per week.

Invalid Care’s Allowance
You may be able to claim this if you care for some one more for more than 36 hours per week and not be earning more than £70.00 per week.

Blue Badge Scheme.
If you get DLA at the higher rate you may be entitled to this privilege.
Contact your local Social Services office.

Library Services
Books, CD’s, DVD’s, Audio Books and Cassette tapes are free of service, order and fine charges. Available at all LCC Libraries when you show them your DLA or ICA payment books.

Other Services
From time to time Action ASD comes across offers or services that would possibly benefit members. We will endeavour to up date these pages and the newsletter with this information.

The Rowan Organisation.
Independent Living in Lancashire; committed to enabling disabled people to live independently and take control of their lives. Direct Payments; this is an alternative to social services buying the service for you - you can use this money to purchase the services you need. Freephone 0800 7831755.

Disabled Facilities Grant.
Adaptations to rented or private accommodation may be available through your local council, i.e. loft insulation extra rails on stairs bathroom adaptations. See Local Council.

Family Fund Trust.
Help for people who care for a disabled child and whose income before deductions is not more than £21,000 per year and who have savings of £8.000 or less.
Contact: Taking Care, The Family Fund Trust, P.O. Box 50, York YO1 9ZX

Family Holiday Association
Providing holidays to disadvantaged families who have not had a holiday for four years.
For an application form, write to;
F.H.A., 16 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3JL.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Benefits Agency Helpline: Tel 0800 882200

Citizens Advice Bureau (contact local office)

Welfare Rights Office (contact local office)

Action For ASD: Tel 01282 415455