Random DLA payment after renewal

trayharlem
trayharlem Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

hey everyone,

I have a quite severely autistic child (although still waiting for an official diagnosis) she is on middle rate care & low rate mobility DLA. Due to be renewed by June & was sent the form to do so, a couple of months back & received a letter 3 weeks saying it had been received. I am due to receive the regular payment next Tuesday but woke up this morning with a random payment of £36.50 in my account. Her condition has worsened she has been awarded a home tutor as too severe for school, her mobility is terrible she’s limping, needing a wheelchair & can’t get into the bath. I’ve included this in the form. I was just wondering what this payment could be? I’m on the spectrum myself with some mental health issues & always feel worse case scenario is happening. Stopped the claim, this will be my last payment etc. I need to get out of this negative mindset but this is my only source of income as I am now a full time carer so this money is my only means of survival. Any advice would be helpful. Do they stop the claim while they’re reassessing it? It was awarded June 2025-2026. I’ve had no letter or update. Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks

Comments

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,290 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @trayharlem, thanks for sharing your situation. I'm not sure what the payment could be but hopefully someone else might know. I do know that you'll continue to receive DLA while you're being reassessed so you don't need to worry about that.

    Are you both getting the support you need?

  • trayharlem
    trayharlem Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    Hi Rachel,

    Thank you for your response. I’ve called them & they’ve said they’ve reached a decision about the renewal & I will get a letter in 10 days but couldn’t get tell what the decision was. From the research I’ve done it looks like they’ve put me on a lower rate for care which would be absolutely disastrous for me as I’m struggling as it is. My daughter’s condition has worsened so much to the point of needing a wheelchair, it’s a 24/7 hour job so I baffled if this is the case. I’ll have to wait for the letter I suppose

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,290 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    I'm glad the letter is on its way. What makes you think they've put you on a lower rate for care? You can always appeal the decision but there's the risk of the benefit stopping or reducing.

  • trayharlem
    trayharlem Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    because I used chat GPT Stupidly it & said that 🤦🏻‍♀️ I asked someone else that receives it & said they would not give you an extra payment if they’re lowering your award. It seems more likely it will stay the same or higher which I’m hoping. It’s all just worrying when this is your only income and my brain never thinks rationally 😂

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,290 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    ChatGPT can be great for some things but it's also great for causing a lot of worry 😂 I have a very similar brain and it's so draining isn't it? Will you let us know what the outcome is? I've got my fingers crossed that it'll be positive news.