Is my 4 month old grandson eligible for DLA

Hi Jon

DLA comes in two parts - care and mobility. You can claim for his care needs now. Unfortunately, there are strict restrictions on claiming mobility, which will affect him later.

• Higher rate mobility component: Can be claimed from 3 years old.
• Lower rate mobility component: Can be claimed from 5 years old.

Yoju can read all the details on the government website. www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children

BIS

Hi Jon

I certainly wouldn't dismiss the possibility of claiming DLA for your grandson because he is only four months old.

The care component of DLA can be awarded from three months of age. The important thing is to demonstrate that your grandson needs substantially more care or attention than another baby of the same age without disabilities.

Although all babies need considerable care, your grandson's disabilities could mean that he already needs additional help.

For example, babies of his age are beginning to develop the ability to reach for toys, grasp objects and explore the world using their hands. Your grandson may need considerably more assistance with these early developmental activities.

I would particularly look at whether he needs additional help with play, holding and exploring toys, tummy time and positioning, as well as any exercises recommended by physiotherapists or occupational therapists.

I would also consider whether caring for his hands or foot involves extra attention, treatments, special positioning or equipment.

Explain exactly what additional help he needs, how frequently he needs it and how much time it takes. A diary recording his care over a week could be particularly helpful.

His paediatrician, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or health visitor may also be able to provide useful supporting evidence.

There is no guarantee of an award at such a young age because the DWP will compare his needs with those of other four-month-old babies. However, I certainly think it is worth investigating rather than assuming he cannot qualify.

The charity Contact specialises in helping families of disabled children and has an excellent guide to claiming DLA, including advice about claims for babies. Their free helpline is 0808 808 3555.

Listed below are some things from Contact's guide which they suggest you should consider. This should help you being able to fill in the form.

1. Play and early development. Can he reach for toys? Does he need an adult to help him hold, explore or manipulate objects? Does somebody have to spend extra time helping him practise skills that other babies are beginning to develop naturally? This is particularly relevant because the DLA form specifically asks about additional help with development and play.
2. Tummy time and positioning. Does the absence of one hand and the fused fingers on the other make it difficult to support his upper body? Does he need additional physical assistance or positioning during developmental activities? Is he receiving physiotherapy or occupational therapy?
3. Exercises and treatment. Has the family been given exercises to encourage movement and development? Do they have to carry out any special routines for his hands, arms or foot? They should describe how often these are needed and how long they take. Contact specifically advises including home exercises and therapy in DLA applications.
4. Washing, dressing and physical care. Does caring for his affected hand or foot take additional time? Are there problems with sensitivity, positioning, skin care, splints or other medical equipment? Normal baby care doesn't count as extra care, but additional care related to his disabilities may do so.
5. Comfort and settling. Is he unable to comfort himself in ways another baby might, such as using his hands to explore or soothe himself? Does this result in extra assistance during the day or night? Again, this would need to be something the family has actually observed.
Contact's guidance is especially useful here. Under Question 67 – Help with development, it specifically recognises that physical difficulties can prevent children from playing and manipulating toys, and that additional adult assistance may be necessary.

Hope this helps

BIS