Please note that these forms can be upsetting, and it can be difficult to describe your life in black and white terms. Visit our Mental Health Page for more support.
Benefits Information and Support Service
Many families don't realise that they are entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if their child has additional support needs.
Adenydd is here to offer signposting to the information you need and guidance on what to include in your claims form.
Support for Claiming DLA
Disability Living Allowance is available to all children who "need much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability".
The term "disability" is misleading - the most important aspect is that they have additional care needs. No diagnosis required.
Children who have had a difficult start in life, or face challenges with sensory regulation often need additional emotional and practical support, day and night. Claiming DLA can make a huge difference. It may even enable you to pay for additional therapies for your child, such as Occupational therapy.
Right now, Adenydd can only provide signposting to relevant information and guidance for what to include on the form, but we are hoping to expand this service in the future.
An informational pamphlet on DLA from The Belay Foundation
Could you help someone fill out their DLA forms? We are always looking for volunteers. Please get in touch with us.
Claims Process
Step 1 - Register
Register your claim with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by telephone.
This starts the 'clock' for claims, which can be backdated to the day of your call. Take note of the day you called.
Step 2 - Complete the Form
You must complete the DLA form within 6 weeks. If you don't complete it within this time, you will have to do this process again from Step One..
Step 3 - Gather your Evidence
Gather any information that you might need to make your claim.
This may include: reports from heathcare professionals, school and nursery records, or a diary detailing your child's care.
Step 4 - Post your Form and Evidence
You must send your completed form and any relevant evidence to Freepost DWP DLA Child. Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or stamp.
If you received a paper form by post, you can use the included envelope to return it.
Step 5 - Receive your Letter
After you apply, you will receive a letter within 3 weeks that will explain how long it will take to get a decision.
For more information, please visit the DLA information pages on Gov.uk
Free Resources
Sources of help and advice from Adenydd and third-parties
Kin Cymru
Provides assistance through their DLA for Children Project
Call: 01792 969269
Email: info@kincymru.org.uk
The Belay Foundation
Offer workshops and one-to-one support to complete DLA forms together. They can help you make the best application you can for your child or young person.
Cerebra
Provide helpful information, including a free, downloadable DLA guidance booklet.
Quick Links
Disability Living Allowance Mythbuster
Citizens Advice for DLA
Swansea Carers Centre - Welfare Benefits
DLA Info on Gov.uk
Claim a free Caudwell Autism Sensory Pack
Editable PDF Form
The form below contains ideas for what you might want to write in your application. Please personalise this form to reflect all of your child's care and support needs. It can be easy to overlook how much extra support your child needs when you have become used to it, so please ensure that it is an accurate reflection of all their needs.
When filling out the form, please replace 'the child' with your own child's name.
A word from BIASS project lead, Mary Ryder
"Hi, my name is Mary. I have two sons who have Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and I have a wide range of knowledge about raising ALN children and all the hurdles you face along the way - including DLA and other benefits.
In my daily life, I live and breathe all things ALN. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer, broaden and share my knowledge to help others. I am extremely passionate about Additional Learning needs, and want to help other families who are on this journey."
Donations from people like you allow us to expand services like these to help more families in need. Please consider making a donation today.
Thank you.
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