Don't know if this is the right place to post this ...

[windywillow]

Does anyone claim Disability Living Allowance? I thought this was split into two components - Mobility and Care.

Today I was told it is possible to get just one component, you don't automatically get both. Does anyone know if this is correct?

[windywillow]

Thankyou sara. I can't help this lady unless she is completely honest with me, and my instincts tell me she is lying about her finances.

I was kind of hoping I would get replies from a lot of people who get both components, or somebody saying it's just a small percentage of claimants who only get one component, but I know that's not how AB works. :(

[sara3]

to be honest, ww, the form is so lengthy I reckon lots of people might try to get as much as possible!

btw, you can get the care component even if no one provides that care for you.. DLA just covers the need for it.

[windywillow]

I agree with you sara. I can remember a few years ago, someone asked me to help them fill one of those forms in. It was a nightmare. Very hard to understand the questions.

[Rosetta]

T.he lower rate of care component is�17.75 per week, the same as lower rate mobility.

Again, as she is also in debt, I would suggest CAB. The would be able to helh you negotiate with lenders, set realistic repayments etc. Direct debits might be an answer as there is less temptation.

A word of warning, people with alchohol abuse problems may use spare cash for booze rather on essential bills or arrears and sometimes can hide or lie about it. I am not saying this is the case in any way with your friend so please believe me I am casting no aspersions about her.
However it is the case with some.

I would suggest you have a word with your local Alchohol Advisary Service, anonymously if needs be. They would be unable to give direct information about your friend, but they might be able to give information about support services in your area

Hope this helps

[windywillow]

Thankyou Rosetta and IAP.

[daffy654]

My 11 year old son has been in receipt of the care component since he was around 5 years old,he has Aspergers syndrome but is fully mobile so doesn't qualify for the mobility part.

[mrs_overall]

I have three close relatives who receive DLA. As has already been said, you apply, and the DLA decide what you get.

One relative is predialysis and receives the lower rate care component only.
One relative is partially sighted and receives the middle rate care component only.
One relative is paraplegic and receives the higher care and the higher mobility.

I fail to see how an alcoholic would be entitled to any mobility allowance.

[Rosetta]

Apart from the obvious answer Mrs O, lol

[mrs_overall]

I know Rosetta.....I didn't want to go there! :)

[daffy654]

If an alcoholic was to suffer Liver Failure then they might be entitled to DLA or if they suffer circulation problems that cause leg ulcers etc. the same could apply.The disability may not even be connected to their alcoholism.

[windywillow]

Thanks to all for replies.

Mrs. O, this lady has other problems, not just alcoholism, that qualify her for DLA. I only mentioned her alcoholism because I think it's the reason why she's trying to hold back some cash (to buy the drink).