Question re DLA affecting SDA and other benefits

Hi

I hope its ok to ask this question here as it is on behalf of a family member.

My aunt is epileptic, suffers from depression, anxiety and is currently in the process of being diagnosed with CFS.

She applied for DLA a few years ago and was refused. She didn't do anything further about it. She requires a lot of help, is unable to live alone and is unable to leave the house without being accompanied, therefore I think she should re apply for it.

However she is concerned that it will affect the amount she gets from her other benefits. I have at not been through all her paperwork so I am not sure exactly what she is getting at the moment but I think she is getting SDA and IS. Will getting DLA be taken as income and therefore affect the amount of IS/SDA she gets?

She lives with my Nan who gets AA (although she keeps calling it DLA so I'm not really sure which) and her pension. They kind of act like carers for each other, although social services do have a carer who comes round too for my Nan. Will this affect her entitlement to DLA?

Gordon wrote:

Coffee

If you need a definitive answer you will need to go to your local CAB or Welfare Rights, as they will be able to go through all aspects of your aunts case.

What I can say is that DLA is not counted as income and should have no affect on any other benefit. It is paid to help a person cope with their disabilities, so other benefits should not in principle, prevent you claiming DLA.

Hope this explains it.

Gordon

Might DLA have the effect of giving her a "premium" when working out other benefits and also might if awarded at the right level open up the ability of someone to claim carers allowance ... or if no one gets carers allowance open up another premium she can get ?