Changes of circumstances
Once you have been awarded DLA you will receive the same rate of payment for the period of the award unless your circumstances change. It will change only if there is a relevant change in your circumstances, for example if your care or mobility needs change.
Changes you should tell us about
You should tell the Disability Contact and Processing Unit:
- if your condition improves or worsens. This may affect your entitlement to DLA. If your needs increase before you reach age 65, you may be able to move to a higher rate of either component after 3 months. If your care needs increase later in life, you may be able to move to a higher rate of the care component after 6 months. You can move to the highest rate of the care component straight away when the special rules for terminally ill people apply to you.
- if you spend time in a hospital or a care home. Please tell us as soon as you go into a hospital or care home, a hospice or a similar place. Please include the dates you go in and will be coming out. We may need to suspend your benefit because the NHS or a local authority is providing for your needs.
- if you are going to leave the country. Please tell us which country you are going to, how long you will be staying there, and the address at which we can contact you.
- if you go into prison, or are held in legal detention in connection with a criminal offence.
- if you change your address within Great Britain. This will not normally affect your entitlement to DLA.
Please contact the Disability Contact and Processing Unit straight away if any of these apply to you. They will then be able to let you know if the change is likely to affect your entitlement to DLA.