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?

As others have said YANBU to apply because it's not means tested so your DD is as entitled to an assessment as any other child with SEN.

Personally I didn't for my DS because we had a good household income (not as much as yours) and I saw what a difficult, bureaucratic process it was via friends I'd made in a SN group who did need the money. So I made a judgement call based on time/stress vs need.

Yes ⚠️Vouchers are not going to happen⚠️

Yes you should. She is a child with a disability and will be disadvantaged throughout her life compared to people without disabilities. The benefit is there for additional costs associated with her disability - it doesn't matter whether these affect you now or in the future.

And Katie Price for Harvey, which is a better example. Now she’s in huge financial difficulties at least she had the sense to make sure his needs were recognised in his own name from an early age. Anything can happen in life, you’ll see it less on AIBU but there’s many stories of women who have gone from well funded lives to nothing due to becoming carers. It can have a huge strain on relationships over the years and you absolutely cannot rely on always having a working spouse to make up the family income. Always put things in place for your children and yourselves now, especially if you’re between a rock and a hard place when it comes to working and being a carer. I’m talking from experience on that one unfortunately.

Do you know what that disability is ? If not, how on earth can you judge whether OP can afford to foot the bill for it without help ? The cost of living with substantial disability runs into the thousands - especially where specialist equipment is needed. It’s not means tested for a reason. It’s needs based and not income related so that everyone who has a disabilty severe enough to qualify gets a contribution to the cost of that disability. It doesn’t begin to cover the actual cost, so while OP is better placed than a lot of people to cover more of that cost, there’s no reason she shouldn’t get the same help as everyone else, as well as the additional services it will qualify her DD for, David Cameron is a multi millionaire and he claimed it for his son. Interesting that no-one questions the provision of free childcare for comparatively well off parents, or child benefit itself for above average earners, but if an above average earning parent of a disabled child rears their head above the parapet woe betide them.

The child is entitled to it, thats how it works. If it is a moral question then I still maintain OP should claim - why wouldn't you?

That's not the way it works Ops daughter may or may not qualify for DLA as it goes on need ,not diagnosis
Nobody is going to miss out if the Op,s daughter is awarded.

@Emmanuelll correct. But equally they absolutely shouldn't be penalized for on the same basis for the same.

IT'S FOR THE CHILD

Apply. Everyone in my team is on well into six figures, most have autistic children, all apply. It's your right. You pay the tax after all.

I'm sure you will get roasted but go for it. That's what it's there for. To help with a disability.

It's like people saying Katie P should pay for her sons school transport. I don't agree and kids needs shouldn't be means tested. I actually spend all of my sons dla easily every month on things he would not need if not disabled.

You should and if it makes any difference as a tax payer I am more than happy. Disability support is a right not a privilege. By not claiming it you could inadvertently be adding to the stigma. I think we have a moral responsibility for people with disabilities as society.

Thank you. I was getting bemused by all the misinformation. People may disapprove of disability payments, but the rules have been there since the 90’s.🙄

The pot isn’t limited if you’re entitled to it. People have to fight for all disability benefits because that’s the way they are designed - that’s nothing to do with their income and everything to do with whether their condition satisfies the strict eligibility conditions. No one is going to miss out of they need it.

Absolutely claim. We are in a similar boat and claim. It is used specifically for disability related needs. The literal purpose of it.

I was joking about the school fees issue. I know it wouldn't touch the sides.

As a parent with a neurodiverse DC in PS I know how little sympathy we get on here.

I think I am old school - I see benefits as something you apply for when you need it. Parenting a neurodiverse child is challenging. So the OP may need money down the road, but for now seems able to cover the costs.

Don’t be so sure. The consultation paper is due to close and the new government is looking very carefully at the results. They’ve been tight lipped when it comes to disability benefits, and as always, the disabled are the low hanging fruit when it comes to cuts. Labour doesn’t necessarily equal fair.

I remember that! I'm no fan of KP but the free taxi was for her severely disabled son, not her, in order he got to school. And as she said at the time, she was one of the taxpayers that the DM readers complained she was ripping off!

And yes David Cameron claimed it for Ivan, who also had considerable NHS treatment. OP don't worry about claiming it, it's for your daughter not you.

I have seen the opposite on those groups every day i see people trying to put claims in for the flimisiest of reasons ,with zero evidence of any disabilities, then getting irate when they get knock backed ,

That’s grossly short sighted of you.

That is not what DLA is for.

that is absolutely untrue.

It’s very unlikely to happen. Vouchers are very, very expensive, and admin heavy.

The new government are more interested in sorting out working age sickness benefits.

The rules with those may well change. They see more people in work as a help to growing the economy.

It’s blatantly untrue that’s why.

there is no such guidance or audit.

True. There isn’t and never has been.🙄

Yes I do, thank you very much. I have that agreement in front of me (you don't have to sign it and send it back). The four criteria are:

1. You must always act in the best interests of XX when managing and spending the DLA.

1. You must always report any changes in XX circumstances that may affect their entitlement.

1. You must report and changes in your own circumstances that may affect your ability to act as an appointed person.

1. You must not take a fee or any payment for acting as the appointed person for XX.

Absolutely zero about them auditing or needing to keep proof of expenditure.