How to Claim DLA

Boy playing with plastic toysFilling in a claim form for DLA can be daunting, but when you consider that awards are worth several thousand pounds a year, this may be the best day's work you ever do. This section deals with the practical aspects of making a claim for DLA.

Getting a DLA claim pack

Start by getting a claim pack soon as possible: DLA cannot be backdated beyond the date you first asked for this. You can:

  • download a claim pack by visiting the Direct.gov website’s DLA page
  • request it from the Department for Work and Pension’s (DWP) DLA helpline on 0800 882200 or 08457 123456 or text phone on 0845 7224433.
  • Complete the form online at the DWP

It's best to get the form by phoning because then the DWP stamp it with two dates: the first is the date you phoned to ask for it and the other is six weeks later. As long as you send the form back within six weeks, if it's successful, the claim can start from the first date.

Make sure you are sent the right claim pack. Be clear that you are claiming for a child and not yourself. Tell them your child's age. The application form you need is DLA1CH. This is different from the claim pack for adults. If your child is nearly 16, expect to fill in an adult claim form (DLA1A).

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Help with making a DLA Claim

Get support. The forms are long and detailed and it's worth getting help to fill them in. Ask a friend to help. Other parents who have children with similar problems can be a great source of information about what to say and what not to say.

Other sources of help

Many disability organisations and their websites offer useful advice about claiming DLA for children and young people with specific chronic illnesses, disabilities, or impairments. These can be good places to visit, especially if your child's needs are just emerging. It can be really hard in the early days to make sense of how a child's diagnosis might have an impact on everyday life.

Disability Nottinghamshire will help with applications and appeals for County residents.

Disability Direct will help with applications and appeals for City residents.

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What if you do not agree with the outcome of your child's claim?

If your application for DLA is turned down, don't give up. If you do not agree with a decision, ring and ask for the decision to be looked at again. Do this as soon as possible and follow up your request in writing or. If you think you should be paid it at a higher rate than they have offered you or you wish to challenge the length of an award, or its start date, you also have the right to ask for the decision to be looked at again. This sort of review is called a revision. Do this as soon as possible and follow up your request in writing.

Where a decision was correct at the time but circumstances have changed, you can also ask for a review. This may happen if your child's condition alters and they need more help. This sort of review is called a supercession.

It's important to seek advice so that you make the best of any of these opportunities.

Going to a tribunal

If asking for a decision to be looked at again is unsuccessful, you can still appeal to an independent tribunal:

You can submit an appeal in writing, if you choose not to attend in person or send a representative. At appeal you don't have to take a representative to act on your child's behalf. You might choose to do it yourself, especially if you have a campaigning spirit and find it easy to speak from the heart.

If you are on a very low income, the Citizen's Advice Bureau may be able to help you with an appeal.

You can find a legal adviser through Community Legal Advice. Funded by the Legal Services Commission, their website has a 'Find a legal adviser' search tool and all the advisers listed have the Community Legal Service quality mark. You can also look up sources of help at the library; ask to see The Legal Services Directory.

There are time limits for reviews and appeals, so always get advice as quickly as possible.