Reporting change of circumstances

Kyampa

Hi friends, my youngest son has severe learning difficulties and been in receipt of DLA since he was little. Hes now 29. In 2012, he started living in a care home due to a lot of challenging difficulties. A month after he moved, I called DWP and informed them. I also wrote them a letter. However for all the following years nothing changed about his benefits. Until recently when his DLA was stopped. When i called them they asked if hes still at home and i told them he moved and gave them details. I also told them I had informed them but they said they have no record of that. Since then I haven't heard from them and am getting anxious. Any advice and information about what to do next? Thank you all

poppy123456

Moving house wouldn't affect any DLA claim and his claim shouldn't have stopped because of that. A simple change of address is all that's needed.

However, living in a care home can affect the care part of DLA but it will depend what sort of care home and the funding. What DLA award did he have? This link may help https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Care-homes-and-benefits/Benefits-that-can-be-paid-if-you-live-in-a-care-ho

Kyampa

He was getting care component middle and mobility component lower. Both have been stopped. Am worried they may insist that they didn't receive a notification. Thanks again

poppy123456

The mobility part shouldn't be affected. The care part can be it's difficult to advise with no information given other than it's a care home. Do you have proof that you did contact them?

Kyampa

Its a care home which is partly funded by Local authority and NHS. Then he tops up from his benefits for his care. I do not have the specific date that i made the phone call but I do have a copy of the letter that I sent them informing them. Please feel free to ask me anything as am longing for advice and views. Thanks

poppy123456

As he's partly funded by his local authority then yes it can affect DLA care part. You can request all the information held about him by using this link here. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/request-your-personal-information-from-the-department-for-work-and-pensions

Once you receive all the information then you'll be able to look through it to see if there's anything that shows you did report the changes. If it's their error then any overpayment won't be recoverable.

Kyampa

Many, many Thanks Poppy123456. This is very helpful. I shall definitely request the information. Just out of curiosity, what happens if they say they have nothing on record to show that i informed then? For example they have already said they have no record of the telephone call that I made.

poppy123456

Then an overpayment maybe possible but i can't say for sure because i can't see any paper work or know anything about his circumstances and the care home he's living. Some advice from an agency is also advised here, if you can get some help. Use this link to see what's local to you. https://advicelocal.uk/

Ross_Scope

Hello @Kyampa

I hope the advice provided above has been helpful, if there's anything further we can help you with please don't hesitate to ask.

Ross
Online Community Coordinator 

Kyampa

This has been great help. Thank you very much.

janer1967

Hi @Kyampa Welcome to the community glad you have joined us and that Poppy has helped you with your query. It must be a worrying time for you and I hope you get it sorted

Kyampa

Hello janer1967, thank you so much for having me and supporting me. The support has been amazing. I hope it gets sorted to because am very worried about whats gonna happen. I probably will give them a call sometime next week.

janer1967

Keep us updated on progress and take care 

Kyampa

Will do. Thanks and u too.

poppy123456

You're very welcome. I hope you'll be able to get it sorted soon.

Kyampa

Hello Mikehughescq, thank you very, very much for this great information. Absolutely reassuring. I greatly appreciate. I am so happy I joined the forum/group. I definitely still have the copy of the letter and have an idea of the details of the telephone conversation. Been just soo worried that they may accuse me of fraud. Please keep me informed of any similar situations and outcomes that u may know. Thanks again