Can You Get DLA For Dyslexia?

The aim of this blog post is to help in answering the question of whether or not you can claim DLA for dyslexia. To answer this question in the best possible manner, we will explore the eligibility criteria for DLA as well as review the expected payment to claim if one qualifies for the benefit. For a holistic view, we will also explore if one can claim any other benefits in addition to DLA for dyslexia.

Can You Get DLA For Dyslexia?

Yes, you can claim DLA or Disability Living Allowance for dyslexia.

A lot of people believe that DLA can only be claimed for physical disabilities or severe health conditions. However, if a child who is younger than 16 years of age is faced with a learning disability such as dyslexia, their parents can claim DLA on their behalf.

To be eligible for a DLA claim, the child must be faced with the following conditions:

• they need extra care, attention or supervision than any other child of their age
• they find it difficult to get around in unfamiliar places as compared to a child of the same age 

As per Section 6 of the Equality Act 2010, an individual can claim to be disabled if they suffer from a physical or mental impairment. Additionally, this impairment should bear a substantial and long-term impact on the individual’s ability to perform normal duties on their own.

Therefore, dyslexia is classed as a disability as per the Equality Act 2010. The reason for this lies in the fact that dyslexia is a permanent condition that hinders one’s ability to read or write and also impacts their sense of direction due to which a person may need regular supervision.

As a result of this, parents of children with dyslexia can claim a Disability Living Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions. This is a non-taxable, non-means-tested state benefit that caters to the care and mobility needs of individuals affected by a disability such as dyslexia.

You can apply for DLA three months after your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia and their condition is expected to last for more than the next six months. Although a doctor’s note is not essential to file your claim, it is advisable for you to arrange one before you apply for DLA.

If your child qualifies for a DLA claim, you can get between £24.45 and £156.90, depending on the level of care the child needs. 

It is paid every 4 weeks into a bank account, building society account or credit union account.

Once a parent applies for disability benefits, the Department for Work and Pension will organise a visit by a healthcare professional to assess their child’s condition and needs. You may also be asked to provide a doctor’s note that can serve as supportive evidence. 

How Do You Claim DLA For Dyslexia?

To claim Disability Living Allowance, a child should be able to meet the below eligibility criteria:

• be under 16 years of age
• living in England, Wales, a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland
• lived in the UK Great Britain for a minimum period of 6 of the recent 1 year (this applies to a child above 3 years of age)
• be a habitual resident of the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands
• should not be subject to immigration control
• require additional care or have walking difficulties

You can either apply for DLA using the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children claim form or call the Disability Living Allowance helpline at 0800 121 4600 and ask for a printed form.

How Much Can You Get If You Claim DLA For Dyslexia?

The amount that you can claim for dyslexia will depend on their disability needs. Below is a classification of DLA rates:

Care Component:

Mobility Component:

Can You Get Any Other Benefits For Dyslexia?

Yes, there are other benefits than DLA that you can claim for dyslexia. 

Students who are faced with dyslexia can claim (or their parents can claim on their behalf) Disabled Students’ Allowance. To claim student finance for undergraduates you will have to fill out the DSA 1 form which can be found online.

Full-time or part-time undergraduate or postgraduate students who qualify for DSA, can claim up to £25,575 per year during the 2022-2023 academic year. 

Children who are older than 16 years can receive Personal Independence Payment and Adult Disability Payment for dyslexia. If your claim is approved you will receive a payment of £627.60 every four weeks in your bank, building society or credit union account.

To apply for PIP, you can call the PIP helpline at Telephone: 0800 917 2222 or send a letter to PIP new claims at the following address to ask for the application form:

Personal Independence Payment New Claims

Post Handling Site B

Wolverhampton

WV99 1AH

Additionally, the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to the most disadvantaged students so that they are able to overcome certain barriers and can remain in education. This includes bursaries for defined vulnerable groups especially those who are receiving benefits; as well as discretionary bursaries to meet living expenses such as transport, meals, books and equipment.

Conclusion:

The above discussion has clearly highlighted that anyone suffering from dyslexia can claim DLA or Disability Living Allowance for their condition. The amount that they will be able to get depends on the severity of their condition and the amount of care they need. Since dyslexia is classified as a disability, there are also some other disability benefits that can be claimed in addition to DLA.

References:

Check if you can get DLA for your child – Citizens Advice

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Eligibility – GOV.UK

Claim PIP or new ADP benefit for dyslexia and you could get up to £627 each month – Daily Record