DLA information

People with arthritis have been asking questions since the Emergency Budget statement. Part of the proposal was changes to the way claimants could quality for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Arthritis Care has put together answers to some of these important questions. Further information will become available after the next stages for legislation of the welfare reform bill take place in October 2011.

What did the Emergency Budget announce for DLA?

In his budget statement on 22 June, the Chancellor, George Osborne, announced that DLA will be kept at its current level. The Chancellor also stated that a new ‘medical assessment’ to qualify for DLA will be introduced for new and existing claimants from 2013.

Who will have to undergo the new medical assessment?

This will apply to all existing and new claimants. The assessment of current DLA recipients will not – for the foreseeable future – include people over the age of 65 or under 18. The medical test will be for working-age disabled people.

When will the medical assessment for DLA be implemented?

The government plans to re-assess all existing claimants between 2013 and 2016.

What will the medical assessment consist of?

The medical assessment will be similar to the Work Capability Assessment undertaken by those applying for Employment and Support Allowance. The aim of the assessment is to find out how your arthritis affects your day to day abilities for tasks; it is not a diagnostic assessment for your condition like you would have at the hospital or by your GP.

The government anticipates that the new test will result in fewer people being eligible for DLA.

What happens if I fail the assessment – will it affect any other benefits I claim?

The government has not stated what the impact of a failed assessment will be, but may provide more information following the Spending Review this October.

Will I be eligible to claim DLA as of 1 April 2011?

While we can provide general information on DLA, please contact the Disability Benefits Helpline on 08457 123 456, 7.30am to 6.30pm weekdays or email DCPU.Customer-Services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk for specific information on claiming DLA in the next financial year.

Will there be any major changes to DLA in the Spending Review?

Until we see the detail in the Spending Review, it is difficult to confirm whether or not there will be any significant changes to DLA.

Will the rates at which DLA is paid change?

The rate of inflation of DLA, along with other benefits, will be linked to the lower rated Consumer Price Index (CPI), rather than the current Retail Price Index (RPI), which is likely to lead to below real-terms increases in future years.

Find out more information on DLA and other benefits. Alternatively call our free and confidential Helpline on 0808 800 4050, from 10am – 4pm weekdays or email Helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk

What will Arthritis Care be doing now?

We are engaging with the debate as it develops, working closely with key partners, and we will continue to champion the interests of people with arthritis to ensure that their voice is heard. We encourage people to share any thoughts or concerns they may have on this.

Please see Disability benefits consultations and email your comments to Campaigns@arthritiscare.org.uk. We will collate the feedback and use it to inform our submissions, and to inform our position generally going forward.