OMG DLA!

[Catsdontcare]

Just been awarded middle rate dla for ds (HF ASD). I'm really shocked I didn't think we would get it at all let alone middle rate AND I only sent the form off 3 weeks ago so am shocked it was processed so quickly.

Our finalised statement has also just arrived with all the changes we agreed and extra funding to cover lunch's and playtime.

I am so relieved about both and it is nice to be able to share positive news for once! The Dla also means that we can afford to continue with speech therapy and can start looking into seeing some privately about his gut issues.

Yay! I always like to hear of things going well

well done, if you work limited hours you could also claim Carers allowance now too

Good news, it's also worth informing the tax credits office

Thanks unchartered I was about to ask about carer's allowance as I currently don't work. Will it affect the amount of Dla that ds gets if I claim it though? (We don't claim any other benefits)

Iceflower: we are no longer entitled to tax credits as dh earns over the threshold does this change if your child gets dla?

nope, your DSs DLA is his and is not means tested - you can earn up to £100 and claim Carer's allowance.

It's not much money (but it's brilliant to have the extra that goes on phone calls, make sure you have a decent phone etc, whatever you need to make YOUR part in caring easier), but you do get Class 1 NI contributions credits in full for the whole time you're entitled.

If you DC gets DLA then yes, also have your tax credits re-assessed too. NOt sure if this affects Carer's allowance though.

Thanks unchartered have just submitted the carer's allowance form online now I know it won't affect dla. Speech therapy is a 30 mile round trip once a week so and cost £40 a time so any extra money will be very helpful.

I just did the tax credit calculator and it seems to think we will be entitled to about 400 ish a year so I think I will call them and see what they say (god I sound really money grabbing but any extra will be ploughed into getting the best help we can for ds)

Here, read this

www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/start/who-qualifies/children/disabled-child.htm

HTH

Thanks for the link

Well done, and wow! 3 weeks! Very fast for DLA! :-)

We get HRC. But we are not eligible for tax credits as our income is over the threshold (well it was at the time - need to review as DP is self employed). anyhow.

I rang tax credits when DS1 was awarded DLA and was told because we weren't eligible we also would not qualify for the extra payments. If anyone knows any different please let me know.

I rang tax credits this morning as as we are over the threshold we do not qualify for anything