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?

I have never had to sign something and send it back (ds been getting DLA for about 10 years now)

I have filled in the form, had a letter to say I am the nominated person and then the decision and that’s it other than letters about Christmas bonus (ha!) and new years rates.

you spend DLA as you see fit and nobody audits how you spend it. Your response is just bollocks.

Transport for children with SEND isn't legally measured by whether they get DLA or not. It is not connected and could be challenged under the law.

It may be a local policy but it has zero to do with actual law around nearest suitable place of education, in England at least.

Just in case this example puts anyone off applying for transport where a child or YP has an EHCP.

SENTAS will give you all the info needed around the legality of LA claims. LA's are notorious for this kind of thing as a money saving device and it's like red rag to a bull for me. It flouts the law designed to protect the rights of children with SEND.

Where we used to live children in mainstream school could only gain specialist transport if they had DLA, an EHCP alone wasn’t enough.

This is unlawful.

Yes you should claim it. It’s a modest tax break for someone like you to recognise the some of the expenses of having a child with additional needs.

how is this going to work? Most people I know spend it on general households expenses as usually at least one parent has to reduce working hours or give up work. Do you keep the Tesco receipts?

Benefits are a safety net. She may need a safety net when you are no longer able to help her, but do you need it now?

The whole process is so stressful. If we had 300k a year, I wouldn't bother

YANBU. It’s her money if she is awarded it. It doesn’t matter how much money you have. You could have millions in the bank and if she meets the criteria she would still be entitled to the money. Why shouldn’t she have an extra bit of money to make her life a little bit easier on top of the money you bring in?

It is worth claiming if eg: you earn 300k but your DH can only work very part-time as your DD can't do wraparound on top of attending school. He could then use it to apply for Carer's allowance to top up his NI contributions during these years.
(Or if you both work, someone else on this thread might find that info useful)

The savings thing is so you don't open up a specific account for DL A and save it for years and years for flat deposits or whatever.

Who knows if I will make it to my pension. I have not claimed any benefits to date. But having worked for 36 years and still another 9 years to go. I will have more than paid my share of NI to justify taking my pension and unfortunately I don’t earn 300k (or anything close to that).
I don’t agree with a lot of the pension benefits though like cold weather heating subsidies for pensioners who can afford it I think benefits like these should be means tested and would happily opt out of those and anything similar if the option was there

DLA do sometimes send out a review of appointment form to sign saying you understand your responsibilities. Also gives you a box to write in if you don’t understand something, want to ask something or want more information.

No, some benefits are intended to be a safety net. This one isn't, hence why it isn't means tested. This particular benefit is supposed to address the extra costs that come from having a disabled child.

Only means tested benefits are a safety net, DLA/PIP are not. Yoy can improve your lot via training to get pay rises etc, you can’t train yourself out of your disability.

I have claimed it successfully for both dc in the last, middle rate so I also got carers allowance. Our income has increased to yours and now I don’t claim. Didn’t sit right with me. Just a personal view. You’re entitled to it, it’s not like you’re scamming anyone (which I would take a very dim view of)

If your dd is mainstream educated it is not a high chance of it being awarded unless she has other disabilities too. My dd had it at some points then was denied it and went to appeal - I only applied really because it's a gateway benefit for other services including 1:1 subsidised swimming lessons essential due to seizures. Without the second disorder I don't think she would have qualified

Yes claim, it's for your daughter.
Also, as a side note, please look into creating a trust for in your will. If you leave money direct to her the Government will take their share back and it could make it difficult for her to claim possible benefits she might need.
Mencap have advice on this, you will need a specialised solicitor to set this up properly.

It is incorrect to say there is not a high chance of being awarded DLA because DC attend a MS.

Parents may have to request a MR and possibly appeal, but that is also sometimes the case with a child in SS.

There is nothing wrong with claiming a non means tested benefit for your DD if she qualifies.
I see it a bit like sending your child to state school even if you could afford private or using the NHS for treatment if you can afford private care.

But where do you draw the line?
For ex imagine I receive £500 a month in benefits/tax credits etc. and I spend £200 an month on holidays, make up, days out, etc does it mean I should ask my benefits to be reduced by £200 as I could afford it?
DLA is not supposed to supplement income, it is specifically for the extra costs from disability. These costs are the same regardless of your income.

Honestly? Regardless whether you're entitled to it I'd think quite poorly of someone claiming this in your position.

And yes I know there are people not paying taxes who should yada yada yada I think poorly of them too. I also think poorly of benefits claimants who are scamming the system.

As part of applying for the benefit you agree to keep proof of what you’re spending it on.

I’ve never been asked to agree to that and have never been asked to prove how I’ve spent it - what utter nonsense.

@AmberFawn 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.

Nonsense! There’s a reason it’s not means tested. People who claim DLA for their child are still allowed to save. Plus who’s to say she’s saving £500 from the DLA and not from her income?

on the other hand, if she cannot work and has a certain amount of savings, she will not be able to claim certain benefits for herself such as UC