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To apply for DLA for DD when we have a household income of over 300k?

535 replies

Milesandmilesandmiles · 24/07/2024 16:14

Just that really - we have an autistic daughter who needs support with most things (although is in mainstream school). Between us DH and I earn over 300k, so we don’t need the money. However, conscious that we won’t be around for ever and we could save it for DD’s needs as she grows. But is this what state benefits are for?

OP posts:
Billyballyboo · 24/07/2024 16:28

You would be unreasonable to save the money. DLA is for the extra costs associated with a disability. She either needs it for day to day living or she doesn't.

Nappyvalley15 · 24/07/2024 16:27

Doesn't sit right with me. Unless the extra costs are really excessive I think you should cover them yourself with that level of income.

waterrat · 24/07/2024 16:26

the DLA is very specifially because your daughter needs extra care compared to a child her age without the disability. You won't get it unless you show clear evidence that your life is impacted by that care - ie. extra time at night/ getting her dressed/ she can't go to normal childcare etc

If you fulfil all that then they will give you the money and you have no reason not to take it

It is NOT means tested - as many benefits are.

Sirzy · 24/07/2024 16:26

It’s not means tested, if she is eligible then you have just as much right to claim it as anyone else.

elliejjtiny · 24/07/2024 16:25

Yes you should. DLA can be a gateway to other things that she might need like SEN sessions at attractions which are quieter than the other sessions.

TinkerTiger · 24/07/2024 16:25

ThinkingAgainAndAgain · 24/07/2024 16:21

DLA is for your daughter, not for you. You just receive it on her behalf due to her age. Your daughter doesn’t have a £300k income, so, if the assessors think she should be paid it due to her disability, she is entitled to it.

Edited

I agree with this. Also, the money can enable you to free up your own spending for something else, like...savings.

But bear in mind what a PP has said about savings limits and claiming benefits in future.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 24/07/2024 16:24

Spend the DLA/PIP on her, save the equivalent out of your current income for the future.

She's entitled to it, she has the right to have it. It was good enough for the Prime Minister a few back, after all.

It'll also help protect her should you both lose your jobs, go bankrupt and then suffer a fatal accident - it's not as if that doesn't happen to some people, after all.

ThinkingAgainAndAgain · 24/07/2024 16:21

DLA is for your daughter, not for you. You just receive it on her behalf due to her age. Your daughter doesn’t have a £300k income, so, if the assessors think she should be paid it due to her disability, she is entitled to it.

Reallybadidea · 24/07/2024 16:20

You're going to get a roasting on here but I don't see why you shouldn't. It's not means tested so why shouldn't you, in the same way that you're entitled to use state schools, the NHS, libraries, public parks etc? I'm guessing you pay more tax than most and take less out of the system than many.

TwoBlueFish · 24/07/2024 16:19

You aren’t supposed to save DLA, it’s for the extra costs associated with having a disability. If she has extra costs then yes apply. Be aware that if you expect that she will be on income related benefits (such as universal credit) as an adult then she will not be eligible if she has more than £16k savings in her name.