Talk to me about DLA

[NowtWorthOwt]

DS 2(spastic/hypotonic quad CP) recieves higher rate care DLA, as he needs help during the night, turning/drinks etc.
I have heard although not a lot about DLA being stopped and PIP in it's place, my main questions are:
*will my payments change, or stop?
*will DS need to be assessed by an independant dr?
*Will I need to fill out the form again?
*what do the government hope to achieve by this?
*will it become means tested?

I have read the government leaflet and I must be thick or something because I just don't understand what they are on about, really what is the point?

Changes in DLA are still out for consultation until 14/2 - so not definite yet. Also proposals are to re-assess adults 1st and children will come later. Proposing only 2 rates in future (lower to be abolished) so should not be affected if on higher rate. Govt hoping to save money of course as current benefits system for disabled is not sustainable! Haven't heard mention of it being means tested but anything possible in future.
Hope that helps a bit - I'm going to a meeting about it on 10/2 to put in comments to the consultation on behalf of families of disabled children in our county.

thanks bigbluebus I really hope it won't be means testes, I don't qualify for carers allowence as it is, but I'm not a high earner, far from it infact.

It's good to know people like you are fighting our corner, it seems that the disabled society of this country has no voice!

Thanks Nowtworthowt.
The consultation is open to anyone to read and comment on.
Follow this link:
www.dwp.gov.uk/dla-reform

The more disabled people (or their carers) who put their point of view across the better.

Thats my DS out then. He gets low rate for both. I think its fair, I dont expect any higher but if they abolish it, its like saying he has the same needs as any other 7 year old.

thefirstmrsdevere.
Suggest you read consultation and send your comments too - otherwise they won't hear about the impact loss of allowances will have on people with disabilities.
One of the proposals is to stop mobility component of DLA for anyone in residential care. This means children at residential schools 38 weeks a year will lose their allowance & parents won't be able to take them out in school holidays if they don't have an appropriate car or extra money for taxis. Also the new proposals imply that if you are disabled but have an aid to compensate, then that disability is no longer a problem eg if you only have one leg but are gven an NHS prosthetic leg - you are no longer disabled! How ridiculous is that.

Would urge as many of you as possible to follow link in previous post & submit comments before this gets passed in its present form. This could affect your child's future

The bit about children in special needs schools looks very worrying. Are they going to withdraw care benefits from severely disabled children because they have other people looking after them from 9-3 5 days a week?

Sorry x post whilst I was reading the consultation. I was commenting on the bit I read in there rather than your post bigblue*

I have to say, it looks like weasel words to me (the paper, not your post!).

That stuff about prosthetics is like a bad joke. FFS, why did anyone think this wasnt going to happen?

Sorry I'd forgotten about the bit about children being looked after at school.Had been told about that. They are still disabled whether they are at school or at home - can't see what difference that makes to their benefit. It's hard to believe that a PM who had a disabled son could allow this drivel to get to the consultation stage. Where do they think they are going to find the staff to re assess everyone, and how much will ATOS or other such companies charge for that work!