On the subject of means-tested DLA..

[MannyMoeAndJack]

Hi all, I'm curious about this and wondered if anybody knows the probable answer...

My ds is not eligible for higher rate DLA because he sleeps most of the night (even though whenever he is awake, he is a 1-1 child, so not any less disabled!). Anyway, I was wondering about the criteria for a blue badge. Obviously, my doesn't qualify because eligibility for the scheme hinges on being in receipt of higher rate DLA. But, if DLA becomes a means-tested benefit, then what criterion would be used to ascertain blue-badge eligibility for families who fail the means-test??

Any insight would be appreciated.

I was never aware of DLA ever being means tested only carers allowance??

I believe you can apply for a blue badge without HR DLA as long as you have a supporting letter from your GP od Paed.

Your post title is a bit confusing (and worrying to some people) as DLA is definitely not means tested at present.

Eligibility for the Blue Badge is at the discretion of your Local Authority.

They can issue a Blue Badge without the claimant receiving HR DLA. I know this because I helped someone I work with obtain her Blue Badge last year and she doesn't get HR DLA.

HR DLA is only an indicator that a person may qualify for a Blue badge. If you think about it the LA cannot force a perosn to claim benefits they may not wish to claim merely to provide evidence to the LA that they have a serious enough mobility problem to be eligible for a Blue Badge.

Same here, no high-rate DLA but our GP filled out a form for us to get the badge.

Interesting, everything I've ever read thus far about the blue badge scheme has always revolved around being eligible for higher-rate DLA. I don't particularly need one for my ds but I was just curious as to how families who lost their DLA would otherwise be assessed for a blue badge but it seems that there are other methods of obtaining one anyway!

Mannymoeandjack I think you are confusing the elements of dla. The one that counts for blue badges is the mobility element of dla. It has nothing to.do.with needing care overnight - that is the care element.

Starfishmummy, in the case of kids with autism, who qualify for the mobility component because their behaviour and judgement when walking impairs their mobility rather than because of any physical disability, then the child has to be in receipt of higher rate care in order to demonstrate that there is sufficient mental impairment. That means my 6 year old does not qualify for HRM, even considering his worst moments when he will run off or throw himself on the ground, regardless of where he is, simply because he usually sleeps quite well at night.

yes, starfish I think you're right! But my question has been answered because if somebody who needed a blue badge had failed any future means-testing for DLA, then they coud get their GP to refer them anyway.

Generally speaking there is an underlying entitlement clause anyway. So even if you don't qualify for the benefit for financial reasons, you still qualify for 'credit'. I got very reduced CA for a while because I had Maternity Allowance, but my underlying entitlement stayed intact.

Where have you seen that DLA would be means tested in the future? I have not heard this!

I have read speculation that DLA will be means tested on......MN! Nowhere else...