DLA - Should I bother to apply?

[pepsi]

My ds7 has in May been diagnosed with mild aspergers. I have been sent some info from the local autistic society and which says that we could be able to claim. I see there is a higher and lower rate. Firstly how much is this? Secondly, would we qualify do you think. We are currently on no benefits I am a SAHM, hubby is in full time employment and no financial worries. DS has no extra needs at home, I treat him the same as my dd. He doesnt wake at night. Is there anything that I can claim. Also someone told me I could qualify for a disabled parking badge....(is this the blue badge), not that we need one. Should I try for that. Finally is there anything out there that I he is entitled to that I dont know about. All advice appreciated as this is all new to me. Thanks.

HIgh rate care is £64.50, middle rate is £43.15, low rate is £17.10 per week. Mobility is £17.10 per week low rate adn £45 high.

DLA is not means tested so your financial situation is irrelevant.

If your ds truly needs no extra care then no, you wouldn't qualify. But it is worth really thinking about whether he does need extra help - do you have to remind him or coax him to do thngs more than a 'normal' child his age for e.g.

I think you usually have to qualify for DLA mobility in order to get a blue badge but check your local council website.

Contact a family produce factsheets about benefit entitlements. As do lots of other charities. Try googling. Seem to remember Down's Syndrome Association had some really good links about DLA.

The amounts are listed here. It's not means-tested so it doesn't matter what your current income is.

It's worth applying IMHO. Have a look at one of the on-line guides like Cerebra (will dig out the link in a minute). There might be things that you're used to doing that you hadn't really thought of as being extras IYKWIM.

DLA guide