DLA Change of Circs for over 70

Jedicris wrote: Hi,

I've been "volunteered" to help my wife's aunt with her disability benefit.

Her condition has gotten worse and she would like to have her benefit re-assessed.

She is 70 years old and receives an indefinite award of Lower Rate for Care.

She also now has mobility problems, so would like to claim for this as well.

I presume that the easiest way as she is over 65 is just to notify a change of circs for her DLA and not consider going the PIP route.

Any suggestions.

Thanks.

PIP is not an issue as she is over 65 and therefore cannot claim it.

I am afraid that the same applies to the DLA Mobility component, you cannot make a new claim for this over the age of 65 unless you can show that the mobility problems existed before the age of 65, if she is only now considering such a claim, then this will not be the case.

With regard her Care award, I would recommend that you both go through our DLA Claim guide to ensure that she has a strong case that she meets the criteria for Middle rate Care, if this is the case then she should write to the DWP informing them of the change.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/dla/#dlaclaims

Is there any risk to asking for Change of Circumstances?

Gordon