DLA night time

[Tierdmama01]

Hello, I'm just wondering if someone can give me some advice. My son was awarded middle rate care which I'm really happy about. But it's coming up for renewal. My question is what counts as night time care needs. My friend and her son go to sleep for 7.30 but he wakes at 5, for this he was awarded high care rate. My son struggles to get to sleep and can be till 12 sometimes later, he has melatonin which doesn't seem to work.Then struggles to wake for school (this is every day) But this isn't classed as night time care needs. We can't sleep till he's asleep. I'm just wondering how it works. I know my friend's son doesn't require as much supervision throughout the day as mine as he's able to go to sports clubs and other clubs where my son has to have me or his father with him, to support him. I just don't get how they work, high rate and middle rate. Thanks for any advice.

Hi there, did a lot of research for this for my own son.

If I remember correctly the way the DWP classify it is is when is as adults sleep normally

They say an average household goes to bed at 11pm and are awake about 7am. So if your child has needs between this time then they would qualify.

My son can either take an age to fall asleep, meaning I can't sleep, or he's up multiple times a night where I need to try and settle him and put him back to sleep.

I'm still waiting for my renewal so still not sure if what I've put is enough but hope this helps

Nighttime is typically considered from when the household shuts down for the night. As pp said, this is normally considered to be from 11pm-7am. However, this can be different in some circumstances e.g. if the household regularly shutdowns at 10pm.

High rate care is for help or supervision throughout both day and night (or claims under the special rules). Mid rate care is for frequent help &/or constant supervision during the day, prolonged &/or repeated help during the night, prolonged or frequent supervision at night (or someone to help when on dialysis).