Disabilities

[Scarlett]

Is it possible to be on Disability Living Allowance and still work part time?

[daffy654]

Yes. DLA is a tax free benefit and non means tested.

[Scarlett]

And how about Housing Benefit / Incapacity Benefit? thanks!

[daffy654]

I think your wage is taken into account with Housing Benefit but I have no idea about incapacity benefit as i've never claimed it.

[Richard1966]

Incapacity benefit and the new employment support allowance are income replacement benefits, You claim then because you are not capable of working. So the simple answer is you cannot work. However their are rules permitting some work in some situations. Get full advice as these rules are complex.

Housing Allowance is means tested so any non exempt income is taken into account when calculating whether you are eligible. DLA is not taken into account as it is exempt income.

DLA is paid because your health problems mean you meed assistance with day to day care or mobility needs. This does not prevent you working.

[lil123]

Yes as DLA is not counted as part of an income

[trish432]

Have a look at this site Scarlett.

http://www.nacc.org.uk/content/services/testAd ults.asp

[mrs_overall]

Hi Scarlett.

I don't know anything about housing benefit.
You can do some work if you receive incapacity benefit and this link explains how much you can earn. (Remember, Incapacity Benefit is taxable).

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Fin ancialSupport/DG_10020667

[smurfy83]

i claim dla, lower rate do u claim anything else 10 years ive been on it .also other benfits as i have a long illness and live alone with a child.

[Scarlett]

Hi smurfy, I don't claim any benefits, no. I don't think I will be eligible for DLA as the instructions seem to be aimed at people with no legs/only one leg/really severe disabilities that need a carer or special equipment. I can just still walk, but I don't know for how long. Do you mind me asking what you claim it for- illness wise?x

[daffy654]

Scarlett that is not the case.I have both my legs but suffer from constant pain in my chest wall after lung surgery and extreme shortness of breath due to emphysema. I get the lowest rate of the care component as I need minimal help day to day-my fiance has to help me dress sometimes and I can't do the cooking as I can't stand for long,I also can't lift heavy pans etc.
I get the highest level of the mobility component though as I find it close to impossible to walk any distance without having to rest and get my breath.
It is worth applying for if you feel your disability warrants it,if they turn you down you can appeal their decision.

[mrs_overall]

Scarlett, if you are going to apply for DLA can I give you some advice?
Please do not attempt to fill in the forms yourself. Find out if you have a local DAG (Disablement Action Group) or if there is a disablement advisor at your local Citizens Advice Bureau who will help you.
I've applied on behalf of my daughter and my sister and both claims were initially rejected. I went to see our DAG advisor who reclaimed for them and both were awarded middle rate care.

[Scarlett]

mrs overall- that is interesting. I got my rejection letter today! Apparently my walking is too good to get the mobility rate. Ironically, sometimes I can walk a short distance, other days I am stuck in my room unable to walk at all. They don't seem to take into consideration that your illness will vary. Thanks for the advice- i will certainly find out about getting help with the forms next time.

[mrs_overall]

Hi again scarlett.

What most people don't realise is that when you fill these wretched forms in, you have to give details of your worst possible day. Most people (me included) are too honest for their own good which is why you should never fill the forms in yourself.