This is what I was getting at - many thanks for all your contributions. Margie.
"There was a proviso attached to DLA claims which were clerically issued, that these were date-stamped and provided the DLA claim forms were returned within a six week period, if an award was appropriate, it would be from the date of claim. However, if the claim forms were returned after the six week period, an award could only be considered from the date the claim forms were received back in the DLA office."