The care component
This is available to people who meet one
or more of the care conditions. [Legislation (27)]
The 3 rates, and the conditions which apply to them, are:
Lowest:
- for people who need attention with bodily functions for a significant portion of the day
- or if aged 16 or over, are unable to prepare a cooked main meal.
Middle:
- for people who need frequent attention with bodily functions throughout the day
- or need continual supervision throughout the day to avoid substantial danger to themselves or others
- or need prolonged or repeated attention at night in connection with bodily functions
- or need someone to be awake during the night for a prolonged period or at frequent intervals in order to avoid substantial danger to themselves or others
- or regularly use a kidney machine at home or in a self-care unit at least twice a week, and this means they need attendance or supervision by another person. If renal dialysis is provided for them as a hospital outpatient under the NHS scheme, and with assistance from hospital staff, this will not normally entitle them to receive DLA [Legislation (28)].
Highest:
- for people who satisfy both a day-time and a night-time condition which apply to the middle rate.