DLA circumstances changes

marikiki

My son was diagnosed with leukemia and was awarded DLA until 2027. He has now finished treatment, but he still needs regular support and help with certain things. He’s often weak, sometimes unable to attend school, and still has frequent medical appointments. I’m worried about whether our DLA might stop even though it was awarded until 2027. Could anyone advise if this is likely, or how changes are usually handled?

Anhedonia

What brilliant news he's finished treatment! I'm so pleased for the two of you it must feel amazing.

DLA isn't based on a condition but on the care your son will have needed day and night. If you report a change in his condition they will reassess his eligibility and his award may go down. If he's still needing the same level of care as when he was getting treatment or there has been no significant change to his care needs, you probably don't need to report any changes just yet. About 6 months before his award ends you'll be sent a new form to tell them how he is then.

Sending hugs to you both for what you've fought through.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @marikiki, I'm so glad he's finished treatment. as Anhedonia has said, it's based on the care he needs. Here's some information for you https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children . Have his care needs changed much, if at all?

You should report a change of circumstances and here is information about that https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/changes-you-need-to-report .

marikiki

thank you for the info both of you , he does still need care of course but we’re on high right now so maybe I will let them know and they might adjust that x

Rachel_Scope

You're welcome. Yes just be prepared for the possibility that the award is reduced. There is the possibility it may stop but if he still needs care, which you've said he does, I don't think that's likely. I bet you're all feeling so happy now the treatment is over.

marikiki

yes I am feeling so happy it’s all done with but it has defo left a mark on me I’m finding hard to shake off , going back to work is scaring me and giving me so much anxiety , not being available for him whenever scares me , I don’t really know what to do with all this fear , I also feel like my social skills have gone as iv spent so much time ah home just being mum n taking care of him and my daughter