ASD DS just awarded middle rate DLA, what now?

[parentallyinept]

Just received the letter today to say that DS has been awarded middle rate DLA for help with personal care. He's not eligible for the mobility component, which I'm not going to fight as frankly I'm amazed that they have processed anything without any kind of fight/appeal (which I had been warned to expect!).

According to the statement, he's eligible for it until september 2021! I presume this is subject to reviews? How often can I expect those?

Also, what happens now? I have been told that DLA is a 'gateway' benefit, and looking at the direct.gov website, I believe I should be eligible for carers allowance as he has got middle rate. Is there anything else I should be looking at claiming / anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks for reading thus far! DS only got his diagnosis in July, some 18 months after his original referral, so this is all still very new to us

If you get tax credits, you get an extra amount if you receive middle rate DLA.

Thanks. Having checked further, I won't be eligible for carers allowance anyway, as I earn over the threshold. I'll look into tax credits

How old will your DS be in 2021? My DS had his reviewed when he was 5, 10 and next review is when he's 16.

He will be 16 in 2021