If your child gets the high rate care component what are their care needs like?

[DLAWait]

• The gov.uk website says ‘highest rate - help or supervision throughout both day and night, or they’re nearing the end of life (for example, because of a life-limiting illness)’

But what does this actually mean? Because I know it is really hard to get the high rate. My child is 3 (nearly 4) years old and he needs help with all of his daily care needs and cannot communicate his needs (doesn’t know when he needs his nappy changing, can’t tell someone if he has hurt himself ect.). He cannot be left alone as he will climb on and jump off of anything, jump down the stairs, he can’t safely go out without being in the pushchair ect. So I think his daily care needs should get him the middle rate. However, he also needs the exact same care at night time as his night time is no different to his day time. He is usually awake until anytime between midnight and 2am. If he wakes up in the night he rarely gets out of bed but the average 3/4 year old is obviously not awake until midnight-2am. As he is awake he still needs to be constantly supervised and have his nappy changed ect. I have no idea what rate to hope for as I think he meets the criteria but I’m not sure?? It’s so difficult isn’t it? 😫

A 3 year old who is routinely awake until midnight-2am and needs care/supervision during that time would generally be eligible for HRC. However, you may have to appeal.

Night time is typically classed as 11pm-7am. And you either need to show DC requires prolonged (typically considered 20mins+) or repeated (typically means 2+) support with bodily function during the night or someone needs to be awake for a prolonged period or at frequent intervals (typically considered more than twice) to watch over them to prevent harm.