One in 10 eligible people are failing to claim a key benefit that could help with their daily living costs. More than £850 million in Disability Living Allowance went unclaimed last year, according to new data. The latest figures on unfulfilled eligibility in the benefit system released by the Department for Work and Pensions were analysed by BMAS, revealing that 1 in 10 people are missing out on DLA support.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is financial support that is often paid to children with disabilities who require extra care or have mobility needs. The benefit provides money towards specialist therapies, equipment (such as hearing aids), home adaptations, and help with day-to-day living such as transport.
Those who are eligible for the highest levels across two components of the benefit are missing out on £187.45 a week. This is £9,747.40 a year which could make a substantial difference to struggling families.
When young people reach 16, they are usually transitioned over to Personal Independent Payment (PIP). But according to the latest figures, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) also has people missing out on the benefit.
The figures showed there was £1.06 billion unclaimed, the largest amount across all the benefits. In second place came Universal Credit with £980 million unclaimed, followed by Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with £850 million unclaimed.
Amelia Hornsby, of BMAS, said: “It’s vital that people know what they are entitled to claim. Checking eligibility for DLA and PIP can ensure you or your loved ones access the support available that can make a real difference to their daily life.
“Many people do not realise that they are entitled to a variety of schemes and extra support through applying for the benefit, including a Blue Badge. The Motability Scheme funds an adapted car and free bus passes, which are fundamental to living an independent and fulfilling life.”
She added: “The scale of unclaimed support shows just how many families are struggling without the help they are entitled to. Making the process clearer and easier to navigate could transform lives, ensuring disabled people and their families access not only financial aid, but also the wider independence schemes that come with it. No one should miss out on support simply because the system feels too complex.”
BMAS, mobility experts who specialise in transforming bathrooms, has drawn up a guide to help people who might be eligible for the benefit for their loved ones.
How to Apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Who can apply?
Parents or guardians of a child under 16 with a disability or long-term health condition are eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Individuals aged 16 to 64 may apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Applications can also be made on behalf of someone who cannot apply themselves.
How to apply?
Download or request a DLA or PIP claim form from the government website. Alternatively, you can call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to start your claim. A form will be sent in the post to fill in with details about your condition and daily needs.
It is important to keep medical records, care plans, and letters from specialists to support your claim. Remember to make copies of all your medical records and letters in case they get lost in the post.
You may need to attend a medical assessment appointment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Keep in mind that a claim can take time to process and once it has been completed it can take 4 weeks for your first payments to arrive.
Terminal Illness
If an applicant has a terminal illness, there is a fast-track process for both Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A doctor or healthcare professional can provide a DS1500 form to support the claim.
How much can I claim?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is a tax-free benefit made up of 2 components (parts). The child might qualify for one or both weekly components.
Care component:
- Lowest £29.20
- Middle: £73.90
- Highest: £110.40
Mobility component:
- Lower £29.20
- Higher: £77.05
DLA is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Tuesday. If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid before the bank holiday.
After that you’ll continue to get paid as normal. All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid into your bank or building society account.
Where to Get Help with your Application
If you struggle to fill out forms, Citizens Advice provides free support throughout the whole application process. Charities such as Scope, Mencap and Contact, the charity that supports the families of disabled children, provide support too.
Extra Support
Applying for these benefits may also make you eligible for a Blue Badge, Motability Scheme to lease an adapted vehicle and a free bus pass for disabled people.
