Son Awarded DLA - New Universal Credit Changes

Zoey92

Hi All, 

I applied back in August/September 23 for my son whilst we were awaiting his autism assessment diagnosis as well as a referral/appointment for suspected ARFID. Good news is that I received a text today saying that my son qualifies for DLA and that I will receive a letter within 2 weeks with details Unsure of which rate he qualifies for right now.

I'm just wondering if anyone would know, 

My son is 5 and I'm currently working 16 hours a week. The new changes to universal credit coming into play from April 2024 are that I would need to now work 30 hours a week. I would rather not change my job as I have been there for nearly 8 years and at the moment, they are unable to offer me full time until minimum next year. So now as my child qualifies for DLA (even if it is the lower rate) as I will have to update UC, does this mean I wont be required to work anymore than my current hours? 

Thanks in advance.

poppy123456

If your son has been awarded either mid or high rate care DLA then you will be able to claim carers element of UC for looking after him. By doing this you will not have any work requirements so can do as many or as few hours as you want to. 

To claim it you will need to report a change of circumstances. Then click caring for someone and tell them you care for your son. The carers element will then be included in your claim and will increase your maximum UC entitlement by £185.86/month. 

If he's only been awarded lower rate care then you won't be able to claim carers element and your commitments will remain the same. What will be required of you in the future will depend on your work coach but they should take into consideration the age of your child. 

You should also tell them that he's been awarded DLA and you'll be entitled to the disabled child element. It will be the lower amount of £146.31/month. Or if he's been awarded high rate care then you'll be entitled to the higher disabled child element of £456.89/month. 

Zoey92

poppy123456 said:

If your son has been awarded either mid or high rate care DLA then you will be able to claim carers element of UC for looking after him. By doing this you will not have any work requirements so can do as many or as few hours as you want to. 

To claim it you will need to report a change of circumstances. Then click caring for someone and tell them you care for your son. The carers element will then be included in your claim and will increase your maximum UC entitlement by £185.86/month. 

If he's only been awarded lower rate care then you won't be able to claim carers element and your commitments will remain the same. What will be required of you in the future will depend on your work coach but they should take into consideration the age of your child. 

You should also tell them that he's been awarded DLA and you'll be entitled to the disabled child element. It will be the lower amount of £146.31/month. Or if he's been awarded high rate care then you'll be entitled to the higher disabled child element of £456.89/month. 

Thank you. Very helpful.
I actually have a video call with my work coach booked in at the end of the week I was going to update her then. I'm hoping to have the letter by then. If i dont, would I be able to call dwp and ask which rate he qualifies for or would they just say wait for the letter? 

poppy123456

You're welcome. Yes you can ring DLA and ask what the award is and they will tell you.