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

[Milesandmilesandmiles]

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?

Exactly

My DD has recently been diagnosed with ASD. She is in mainstream and both DH and I work (him full-time and me 0.8). She is 'high-functioning'. We were awarded MRC and LRM a few months ago (before she was even diagnosed).

The important thing is laying out clearly and in detail how much their care needs differ from a child of the same age without the disability.

Why does it matter
The amount spent would be the same?

If you’re found out to be saving it and not using it it could well be taken away based on the evidence you don’t need it. Do apply because as PPs have said, it’s a gateway to other things that will help your child. But use it

No, this (DLA) isn't a means tested benefit so it's not about supporting 'needy' families, this one is for extra disability related costs.

Because two of my children are on high rate care each, my own benefits are raised (I currently can’t work because of two children with high needs, it’s a difficult cycle), so whilst it’s far from an ideal lifestyle it’s not one that currently leaves us in financial straits. I’m still going to apply for my youngest despite not actually needing it - as I said above it comes with additional benefits beyond financial means. For example, if my youngest is awarded, his nursery will get additional funding for SEN children, which is always desperately needed. The level of need for children with disabilities needs to be noted by the DWP, maybe then the government (whoever is in charge) will see that much more notice needs to be taken of SEN in schools and the possible implications about what needs to change for the future of the workplace.

Apply and, if successful, use it to help your dd.

Save money from your own income.

'Being in receipt of DLA' can be a gateway to additional support that you may all be grateful of as the years go by.

DLA do sometimes audit people and ask for proof of what the money has been spent on. As part of applying for the benefit you agree to keep proof of what you’re spending it on. I know it’s unlikely most people will religiously but just be aware.

That's completely untrue. Noone will be checking what the money will be spent on (or not).

Yes. If she is entitled to it, then claim it. I didn't claim and I wished I had as it was "proof" that issues existed, and it might dovetail into other benefits and support when she is an adult. It's for her, not you 🙂

I personally wouldn't claim it on that income, I'm on much lower and haven't applied as I don't need it.
I'd be careful with saving for her future too dependant on her needs. I think savings over 16,000 make someone a full cost payer with adult social care and would take away entitlement to UC. If her needs are such that she won't be able to work when she is an adult and needs a high level of support the savings would be gone in no time just paying for her accommodation and support.

Our income is about half yours and I dithered for 9 years about applying for DS1 because of thinking we were being 'greedy'. But the truth is DLA does not even touch the sides of the extras we have to spend because of DSs's disability. He has counselling. He has medication which for a few years needed to be bought outisde the NHS costing £134 a month. He has a couple of physical therapy sessions a month. He has 1-1 support at school which we pay extra for. (He is in a mainstream but private school) i recently spent over £300 on specialised clothes because he has sensory issues. I have to drive him to school because he cannot take public transport and this costs us roughly £48 a week in petrol.

I put his DLA into a special account and spend it only on the extra costs. Doing that has brought it home just how much having a disabled child costs that others would never see. We get middle rate care and lower rate mobility and I have usually run out by week 2-3.

But there are other benefits, particularly if your child is likely to need care and support for the rest of her life. We have set up a disabled trust (and the requirements for this are based on the level of DLA received) and this will hopefully mean that DS is protected in the future.

DLA is not means tested. I bet you pay a shedload of tax that means the few hundred pounds you might get in DLA is a drop in the ocean. For us it took the pressure off. Yes I CAN put DS into a specialised autism holiday club for 2 days next week. Which this time last year I had no hope of stretching to.

As I said above, when you apply you agree to use it on specific stuff and they can and do audit people

Well, David Cameron, millionaire, applied and got it for his disabled son. Rightfully. It’s not based on income or savings,

That's not true.

Please do show me in any of the guidance or terms and conditions where it says you are required to keep proof of spending.

They can do that then. Keep a spreadsheet

Please do show me that guidance.

No, they don’t. I used to work for them, and now do voluntary work. They never check what DLA/PIP is used for.

Councils may check what any Direct Payments (a different thing) are being used for though.

I don't think a few hundred quid in a savings account is going to do much. Why don't you use your earnings to make some investments that will actually be feasible for supporting her in later years.

DLA is for disability related costs and she'll have these regardless of your income. Our household income is similar and we have claimed DLA for DS since he was 3, and also always claimed entry to activities as a free carer, short breaks payments, EHCP and special school placement and any other non-means tested support available. The DLA has been useful as proof of disability for things like fast queuing passes and eligibility for disability schemes - as a child and later as a student. DS gets PIP now as an adult and we've never been audited.

I do think people might judge so it's something we keep private, but we're generally very private about our finances anyway.

As others have said, the money is for her needs. If she gets it then spend it on her and save the equivalent yourselves. I wouldn’t save it in her name though as it can impact her ability to claim as an adult.

Also, the health visitor told me it is easier to evidence a claim as an adult if you’ve had dla as a child, and as you don’t know what needs she will have as an adult it’s best to apply as a child anyway.

Do you claim DLA? I have done for the last ten years for my child, including a renewal last year. You get a separate agreement you sign and send back as the administrator of the child’s benefit outlining your responsibilities, which include parts on what it should be spent on. If you’re actually claim you should probably remember that bit.

Dla isn’t means tested. David Cameron claimed it for his disabled son so I don’t see why you shouldn’t.

Does that rather arbitrary explanation of the "benefits system" mean you will be refusing your old age pension?

My son had a much easier time moving to PIP when he turned 16 because he's been in receipt of DLA since he was 5. Thinking about your daughter's future, you won't be around forever. Have you got sufficient savings and a plan in place for her care when she's an adult, or will she need to claim state benefits to get by? You can't possibly know the future, but this claim could help her down the line.