Am weeping at the length of reply i typed before PC closed down!
OK, well firstly the addy for more info is www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-reform-consultation.pdf
Note the bits about DLA being an out of work benefit- it is not.
At the moment the disabled claimant is entitled to two special benefits on top of teh usual HB etc. ESA (formerly incapacity benifit) covers living costs and has some entitlement to it's slightly dubious rep becuase once upon a time people could refer either on one GP signature or even themselves, leading to fraud. It replaces JSA / IS. This is now assessed as it should be, but by untrained assessors adn a key question is 'can yu pick up a pencil>'- ds3 (severely ASD, 7) could do that but ahs a 2 minute attention span- yet on that basis would absolutely be assessed as able to work; we have a business and love him very much but would not employ him!
DLA covers the costs of disability and is awarded in two aspects- care which has 3 levels, and mobility with 2. to get the much-fabled motability car you have to get the highest in both areas, plus sacrifice cash benefit. It is not emans tested on finances, and is payable alongside work even though the government insists on referring to it as as an out of work benefit (www.mumsnet.com/Talk/politics/1100175-Supporting-disbaled-people-unsustainable see here]]). It is obtained by filling in a form of extraordianry length and complexity and that alone makes it hard for many people to claim- claims need many NHS professional's signatures and reports, and are turned down initially at a very high %, and if the claimant fights they may find it is automatically overturned- ds3 went from refused to high rate (no longer on that level) in one letter.
the new proposals are currenlty about adults and how it affects kids is still ebing debated, however vague suggestions include:
Counting people in wheelchairs as mobile, despite a likelihood of a need for supervision / adapted vehicles
Having one budget from which funds are allocated, so that for eg a choice has to be made between SEN funding or care needs.
Having contracts for mobility vehicles so that if you stop needing one (eg you recover from an illness or disabilty) you have to continue to fund it for the remainder of teh year from your own pocket, thus scaring many people from taking the option.
Counting care's as part of universal credit, thus fully means testing it with the result thatany in a joint earning relationship who have to take on a carer role get nothing to help with mortgage / bills.
There is a stated aim to reduce claims by 20% but no evidence to suggest 20% of claims are fraudulent.
DLA mobility is already being cut for those in residential care; this includes schools so if your child is in a residental school 32 weeks a year Monday - Friday and needs an adapted vehicle to come home you won't be able to bring them home. Quite possibly, ever. And exepcting private care homes to fund mobility as it is suggested is almost laughable in a competitive sector.
At the same time, services such as day centres are being closed off making working far less of an option for carers.
high rate care equates to care needs day and night. if you get high or middle rate care you can have a carer paid for at a total of £53.60 a week; the carer must not work over IIRC 20 hours or earn mroe than a hundred pounds a week, but their aprtner's income is not taken into account as it is considered a payment for services rendered. It is not and entry level benfit to anything else- no automatic entitlement to housing, free glasses tests etc unless other benefits qualified for; if you get income support you get an extra carer's payment which I think is under £20 a week but lose carer's allowance.