DLA child claim

[vfqueen]

Hello,
I had a text today to say my child has been awarded DLA. When will I receive the back payment as we have been waiting 17 weeks?
how long does it take for the letter to come through?
I need to update my UC claim, depending on what he has been given i think I can claim carers allowance. However I also work full time
would I be able to claim or not?

Thanks

If you provide care 35hrs a week or more you can claim carers element and if your child receives high rate care then they'll also be a disability premium on top of a disability element.
You usually receive the money in the bank before the letter! So very soon.
Carers allowance is deducted £ for £ from UC

Really you should be adding carers element (if 35hrs of caring) disability element and potentially disabled premium element

As soon as you know the DLA rate you'll need to update your UC account.

Home > Report a change of circumstances > Children & Other People who live with you.

Click "change" next to the relevant Child's name and re-input their details - including details of the DLA award.

You'll need to use the "start date" for DLA as the Date of Change.

Carers Allowance is separate to UC, and has an earnings threshold.

Carers Element is just an additional UC element and will form part of your overall award.

You'll need to update Caring under Home > Report a change of circumstances > Caring for someone. Again, use the "start date" of DLA as the date of change.

Stick a message in your Journal afterwards asking for both Disabled Child Element and Carers Element to be sent to a Decision Maker for backdating as you were only able to update after receiving the DLA award letter.