Just started getting DLA- am I now a carer?

[DontYouLeaveMe]

After months of fighting I’ve received the letter saying I will receive DLA for my child. One of the things it mentioned is being a carer. Now I’m not really his carer (any more than a usual parent is!) and I’m not planning on trying to claim money to be. But Im looking to book a trip and it says tickets for carers, just need to show proof of receipt of DLA? So can I book myself as a carer? (I’ll be honest, the tickets are much cheaper and anything that will help right now!)

Following in a similar situation 😊

🙄 if you get dla it’s because your child requires more care than a child of their age which is what makes you entitled to cares, is this just a dig at parents that do claim carers?

Yes, you are considered a carer and can book carers tickets for attractions.

I can understand that you don't feel you are a carer, any more than any other parent, but officially you are. So use that position for the cheaper tickets.
I was recently described as DH's carer, to me I am just looking after him.

Yes. Usually if you get DLA, that is enough to get you a free carer place - just check what it says in the small print as some want proof of carers allowance etc. usually DLA is enough.

You can claim carers allowance is your child receives a certain level of DLA and you don't earn more than the threshold they set.

Don't feel funny about calling yourself a carer - we would be raising our children anyway but it is much harder on lots of levels with SEN in the mix. Take the freebies where you can, life can be crap enough 🤣

I get PIP, my carer is anyone who comes with me - they don't have to be in receipt of carers allowance. It's the same for DLA.

Unnecessary. Claiming DLA can be a confusing time.

yes op, you can get carers tickets, you might need your DLA letter, I’ve found most places don’t even ask to see anything.

You do not have to be in a paid capacity to be his carer.

If a child has enough care needs they need dla they have extra care need above their typically developing peers. As hard as it can be to accept that makes you a parent carer.

It’s not unnecessary I’ve seen posts like this where people are judging parents who claim carers for their child so this thread comes across that way, I claim carers for my daughter as her disability means I’m unable to work and it’s £60 odd pound a week so hardly rolling in it

Yes ! There are lots of discounts for carers. Some local authorities will give you a Carer's Card that you can show. Some organisations ask to see the DLA letter of award. Some places just use their eyes. I suggest you contact your local authority to ask about a card and what support organisations for carers operate locally. There's all sorts of things routinely available.

You can claim carers allowance if your child get at least medium rate care DLA and you earn under a certain amount I don't know why you wouldn't claim it if you meet the criteria?

@BiscoffSundae how the hell am I judging? I’m literally asking for help because I’m in the same position? I’m asking for help because I’m new at this, but thanks your judgement has been really helpful 🤨

Yes, you are now classed as a carer.

I understand why you feel that way and may feel defensive but I really don’t think op came across that way. Like op, I fought for DLA for a long time for my son too and wondered the exact same at the time, I’m not entitled to carers allowance and did wonder myself once if that meant I was a carer for other things or not.

Yes you are a carer. Which means you can get discounts on lots of things. Obviously that's dependent on you having a child who actually wants to leave the house

BiscoffSundae replies like yours are the absolute bain of this site!! Its very obvious that the OP wasn't having a dig at anyone. She's confused, new to the system and asking for advice. That's all. Take that chip on your shoulder somewhere else.

Yes you are because it's deemed you're giving more care than needed for an average child of the same age.
As well as carers tickets, if your child is 8+ you can look at getting a cinema card (CEA).
Also make sure its documented on your records (and your child's) at the doctors it means your entiled to flu vaccination /covid was group 6 etc.

I'm interested in why you would accept money from a random attraction, by way of a free ticket, but won't accept money from the government, who actually have a responsibility towards supporting disabled people and their carers.

As others have said, if your DC qualifies for DLA it is because they need more care then other children, which you are providing over and above what other parents do. This will be taking more of your time, leaving you less able to do paid work. Carers allowance just counters this a little, so you can focus more on providing the best care to your child without as much financial strain.

Yes my two sons get DLA and anyone who takes them out be that me (and I do get carers for them) , their dad, grandad or uncle etc (who don't) still get a carer ticket.

Thanks everyone who’s offered help! I have no idea why I’ll accept money off places but don’t want to apply for a carers allowance, but I suppose you’re all right. He does require extra help and I have had to reduce my work to deal with all the appointments and treatments. I’ll have a look into it too

Some attractions you have to have higher rate to get a discount. We have a copy of the letter folded up in our wallets. Its really useful as some places just wouldnt be worth paying for as he cant access parts of it or not for very long.

What lever of care and mobility your DC is receiving?

Definitely look into the Carer's Allowance.
I had to go part time when my son was diagnosed and the £60 a week helps a little.

There is a special cinema card you can get which you use all year to get an extra free ticket. Think I found it on arty Lewis. Or Google something like cinema exhibitors association. Covers all the main chains and some u can use it to book on line.