dla help please?

[katie111wilk]

Hi, so we're currently awaiting a decision on my DS DLA. It should be sorted within the next 3 weeks but what I am wondering is with people getting backpayments from tax credits once DLA is awarded do universal credit do the same? I don't think they will but we don't receive tax credits it's an all in one payment from universal credit. It just doesn't make sense to me if child tax credit gets backdated but the child tax "element" on UC doesn't? Not sure if I make any sense haha but thank you for any help.

Mmm...not entirely sure but I thought the "child" element of UC was paid on first claiming. DLA is paid separately, and on top, when / if you get it.

Sorry...meant also to say that if you're also claiming the disabled child premium of UC you won't be able to claim until awarded. If awarded, it will be backdated. Also: I believe that the DWP are cutting back on DLA payments for the lower rate.

Was that the question?

From Carers UK it looks like the backdate may be to the date you were entitled so could be the date you applied for DLA

What happens if my circumstances change?

If there is a change in your circumstances you must notify the DWP.

If you have an online account, you can report the change via your online journal. If you do not have an online account, you can report the change by calling the UC helpline on 0800 328 9344.

Generally, if a change of circumstances happens during an assessment period, it is treated as having happened on the first day of that assessment period.

However, a change of circumstances which means you get more UC is only treated as having happened on the first day of that assessment period if you report it before the end of that assessment period. If you miss this time limit the change applies from the start of the assessment period in which you reported it. This time limit can only be extended in exceptional circumstances.

One exception to the above rules is if you are entitled to more UC because you or your partner or a member of your household are awarded a qualifying benefit, for example: Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance, the change takes effect from the date entitlement to the qualifying benefit began

www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-benefits/universal-credit#contenttop

If you're on UC already then ring the Helpline to ask or journal your work coach. Your payments should be clear -you need to check your device.

If you're transferring to UC and claimed TC in the past be wary of overpayments, as deductions will be made from your UC.

Crossed post with above!

You get extra child tax element with UC if you are awarded DLA. The child tax element is basically the same as child tax credits but it's merged along with standard living allowance etc etc. I get the same amount of child tax element on UC as I did when I was on child tax credit. I know with child tax they will backdate the money from the start date of DLA but I just have no idea if UC will be the same. It just seems strange if they don't backdate but if they don't then they don't i'll just be happy if we're awarded DLA. Just not sure where we stand with any of it

It may be worth your while to get a "better or worse off" calculation done. I know CAB do one.

You tell them your circumstances, they'll crunch it all in. At a click of a button, they'll be able to tell you if you're better or worse off.

They'll also be able to fiddle around with the figures easily and do you a report. .

If you are asking for help from welfare agency make sure they know you are on universal credit not legacy benefits (including tax credits). That might help you understand what you get but you can’t go back to the old benefits now anyway.

I've recently been through the dla prosses while claiming UC,yes they do backdate your UC,it gets backdated as far back as your dla,make sure you contact the UC when u receive a desion from dla

@vicky8 that's amazing to know!! Rang earlier we have been awarded MRC so happy!! Could I be a bit nosy and ask how long it took for the backpayment for UC?x

hi I just started getting dla for my son and I started my claim in April because I applied for dla in April they backdated for disabled child and carers but u have u make a change online or u could ring them and there do it for u hope this answers ur qastion