You may feel that this could not apply to you because you do not regard cancer as a ‘disability’. For the purpose of this benefit, however, ‘disability’ is defined as requiring help with personal care or with mobility, or both. Disability Living Allowance is tax-free and is not affected by either your National Insurance contributions or your savings. It is generally for people under 65.
There are two quite distinct elements to the benefit. You may
qualify for the ‘personal care’ element if you need help with, for example, washing, dressing and using the toilet, or preparing a cooked meal. The ‘mobility’ element may apply if you are unable or find it difficult to walk, or if you need someone with you when you walk to ensure your safety.
Under normal circumstances, you would not qualify for Disability Living Allowance until you have needed help for at least three months. There are however special rules for people with a terminal illness who may not live for longer than six months and you may qualify for your benefit immediately. It is of course accepted that even when people are not expected to recover, they may well live longer than six months. This does not affect your benefit – and does not mean that it will be withdrawn after six months.
The two elements of the benefit are considered separately, and are paid at different rates. There are three rates for the care element, and two for the mobility element. It is not necessary to claim for both elements in order to qualify – you can claim one or the other.
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