Change in circumstances with DLA - what to report?

[Glitterandglue]

This is a slightly complicated one. I am caring for a child who hasn't always lived with me, so when they were awarded DLA that was a result of someone else's application. It was also years ago when the child's needs were much more significant. As a result of a lot of hard work plus time, the child probably wouldn't be eligible for the same level of DLA if we applied now, so I feel I need to report a change, but it's a strange one because a) I don't know what needs were initially reported since I didn't do it and b) it's been such a gradual thing, it's not like they improved after an operation or recovered from an illness, so it's not like a change in circumstances, just needs. I know with some things they want you to specify a date things started or ended and I would have no idea what to say. There's a part of me that is also worried about reporting it in case they say I should have reported earlier and therefore they're going to reclaim lots of money (or worse, be taken to court) but I haven't deliberately tried to cheat the system, I've just realised recently how much this child has developed over time and how this probably doesn't reflect what they need any more.

Does anyone have any advice or thoughts?

Ask for a copy of the DLA form

so it's not like a change in circumstances, just needs.

A change in needs to the point the award is no longer correct is a change of circumstances. For many, it is a more gradual change. If the award is no longer correct, you must inform DWP. If the child is placed with you via social care, you should also speak to their social worker.

However, make sure this is a true change in the level of support required. Some people make the mistake of jumping in too quickly with a COC when it is actually a shorter period of improvement rather than actual sustained changes. Then they regret it. Or they don’t realise although things have changed it is because the correct support is being provided rather than a change that means there is a reduction in care or supervision and they don’t realise things they are doing still count.

If you go ahead with a COC, you can explain the change has been gradual and (if DC’s needs changed more than 4 months ago) that is why you hadn’t told them within the last 4 months.