Care benefit entitlement

karenculshaw

Hi, I currently get esa & dla: mobility-higher rate, care-lower rate.I broke my ankle on 3rd August due to head injuries sustained in the car crash.I had one of my many falls ! I have had to come and live with my parents because I am now unable to walk so need help with everything.My husband had to return to his full time job after the1st week as he doesnt get paid.I am currently sleeping on a blow-up bed downstairs & use a camode.My mum has to give me a full body wash every day (embarrassing at 46).I will be like this for at least another 3 weeks.I wonder if I'll be able to claim for higher rate care for approximately 3-4 months ?

CockneyRebel

Simple answer is no I am afraid
You need to have had the condition for three months and expect that it will last another nine months

CR

poppy123456

karenculshaw said:

Hi, I currently get esa & dla: mobility-higher rate, care-lower rate.I broke my ankle on 3rd August due to head injuries sustained in the car crash.I had one of my many falls ! I have had to come and live with my parents because I am now unable to walk so need help with everything.My husband had to return to his full time job after the1st week as he doesnt get paid.I am currently sleeping on a blow-up bed downstairs & use a camode.My mum has to give me a full body wash every day (embarrassing at 46).I will be like this for at least another 3 weeks.I wonder if I'll be able to claim for higher rate care for approximately 3-4 months ?

As already stated no you can't. However DLA no longer exists, it's now PIP and you'll soon be invited to apply for this like others have. Just incase you didn't know.

foxuk

Just a little bit of help - ditch the commode and get a portapotti - yes one of the standard 'toilets' used by campers and caravaners . 
It's a lot easier and far more hygenic than a commode. You also use less air freshener.....
Ours even has a battery powered flush.
The big plus is for the Carer - easy to carry and easy to empty.

Jon

Sam_Alumni

@Debbie_Scope do you have any thoughts?

poppy123456

karenculshaw said:

Hi, I currently get esa & dla: mobility-higher rate, care-lower rate.I broke my ankle on 3rd August due to head injuries sustained in the car crash.I had one of my many falls ! I have had to come and live with my parents because I am now unable to walk so need help with everything.My husband had to return to his full time job after the1st week as he doesnt get paid.I am currently sleeping on a blow-up bed downstairs & use a camode.My mum has to give me a full body wash every day (embarrassing at 46).I will be like this for at least another 3 weeks.I wonder if I'll be able to claim for higher rate care for approximately 3-4 months ?

Simple answer here is no, you wouldn't be able to. DLA no longer exists to start with as it's now PIP. With PIP you must have had the condition for 3 months and expect it to last for a further 9 months. Because of your Low rate care award Carers Allowance wouldn't be payable either i'm afraid.

Debbie_Alumni

Hi @karenculshaw,

There's not much that I can add here only to confirm that if you have a change in your condition you'll be reassessed under PIP.  As others have said you'll need to pass the 3-month qualifying period and the 9-month prospective period. It's not something you'll be able to get for a 3-4 months i'm afraid.

All existing DLA claimants are expected to have been invited to claim PIP by the end of 2018. It might be better to wait to be invited than triggering an early invite. If you need any further advice, let us know.

Hope you make a good recovery soon.

Best wishes
Debbie