How to Get High Rate Mobility for Autism

Applying for the high rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for a child with autism can be a complex process, but it is possible even if your child does not have physical walking difficulties.

This guide will explain how to qualify, what evidence to provide, and what to do if your claim is refused, giving you all the information needed to support your application.

What Qualifies for High Rate Mobility for Autism?

Children with autism can qualify for high rate mobility even if they do not have physical difficulties with walking. There are two main pathways that can make a child with autism eligible for high rate mobility. Understanding these can help you determine the best approach for your application.

Virtually Unable to Walk

A child may qualify for high rate mobility if they are virtually unable to walk due to behaviours linked to their condition. This includes frequent refusal to walk, dropping to the ground, or going limp. These behaviours must stem from a recognised condition such as autism, which is considered a physical disorder of brain development.

If these behaviours are severe and frequent enough to prevent walking, you can argue that your child is virtually unable to walk. Providing specific examples of these behaviours, how often they occur, and the impact on your child’s daily life is crucial for strengthening your claim.

Severe Mental Impairment and Challenging Behaviour

Children may also qualify for high rate mobility through severe mental impairment and challenging behaviour criteria. This route is available for children who receive the higher rate of the DLA care component and meet all five eligibility tests.

These tests include arrested or incomplete brain development, severe impairments in intelligence and social functioning, and displaying extreme and unpredictable behaviour. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) refers to this as qualifying based on severe mental impairment. A doctor’s certificate confirming the condition is required to support this pathway.

It is important to demonstrate how your child’s mental impairment affects their everyday mobility and safety in various situations.

What is Severe Mental Impairment?

Severe mental impairment is defined as a permanent condition that severely affects both intellectual and social functioning. Conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia, and learning disabilities, including autism, fall under this category. It is not just about IQ scores; it involves how the condition impacts everyday life, such as decision-making, understanding safety, and social interactions.

To qualify under this pathway, you will need a certificate from a doctor confirming severe mental impairment. The DWP will assess whether your child can make sound judgements, understand their surroundings, and navigate everyday situations safely. For example, a child with autism who cannot grasp the concept of danger may still qualify under this criterion.

How to Apply for Disability Living Allowance for Children

Applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children involves several steps. Follow this guide to help ensure your application process is smooth and successful.

Check Eligibility

Before applying, ensure your child meets the eligibility criteria for DLA. This benefit is for children who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to walk or requires more care or supervision than other children of the same age. Confirming your child’s condition aligns with these requirements is essential before you proceed.

Gather Necessary Information

Collect all relevant information about your child’s condition. This should include details on how their disability or health condition affects their daily life, any medical diagnoses, and specific care or mobility needs. Having this information ready will make completing the application easier and more accurate.

Complete the Application Form

You can apply online through the official government website or request a paper form from the DWP. The form will ask for detailed information about your child’s condition, how it affects their daily activities, and any care or mobility needs they have. Be thorough and honest in your descriptions to accurately reflect the challenges your child faces.

Include Supporting Evidence

Attach relevant evidence to support your application, such as medical reports, letters from healthcare professionals, or statements from carers. This evidence should provide additional insights into how your child’s condition impacts their mobility and daily activities. The more comprehensive the evidence, the stronger your application will be.

Review and Submit

Carefully review your completed application to ensure all information is correct and complete. Double-check that all required documents are attached. Once you are confident that the application is thorough, submit it either online or by post, depending on how you initially chose to apply.

Await a Decision

After submission, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will review your application. The review process can take several weeks. During this time, the DWP may contact you for additional information or clarification. Be patient, and be prepared to provide any further details if requested. You can also track the status of your application by contacting the DWP directly if you have any concerns or need updates.

Steps to Take if Your High Rate Mobility Claim is Refused

If your high rate mobility claim is refused, there are several steps you can take to challenge the decision and improve your chances of success:

Ask for Mandatory Reconsideration

You can request a mandatory reconsideration by using the CRMR1 form on the GOV.UK website, or by writing a letter to the DWP. This must be done within one month of the decision date. If you miss the initial deadline, you still have up to 13 months to submit your request, although you will need to provide a reason for the delay.

Appeal the Decision

If the mandatory reconsideration does not result in a favourable outcome, you can appeal the decision. To do this, complete an online appeal form on the GOV.UK website or fill out form SSCS1 and post it to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Be sure to include a copy of your mandatory reconsideration notice and any additional evidence that supports your case.

Consider an Oral Hearing

You have the option to request an oral hearing where you can present your case in person, by phone, or via video call. Oral hearings give you the opportunity to explain your child’s situation directly to the tribunal panel and can often lead to better outcomes than paper-based appeals.

Get Help

Seeking help from support organisations can make the appeal process less daunting. You can get assistance from Citizens Advice, local disability support agencies, or even a legal adviser or solicitor who specialises in benefit appeals. They can offer guidance on how to present your case effectively and ensure all necessary documents are submitted.

Write a Statement

Preparing a written statement can help you organise your thoughts and present your case clearly. A statement allows the tribunal panel to review your arguments and supporting evidence in advance, which can be particularly helpful if you opt for an oral hearing.

Remember, it usually takes up to six months for a tribunal to hear an appeal, so being organised and prepared is key to navigating this process successfully.

Additional Supports and Benefits for Families

Receiving DLA can also lead to eligibility for other benefits and support services, which can help cover the extra costs associated with raising a child with autism. Some key supports include:

Motability Scheme: If your child qualifies for the high rate mobility component, you can lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme. This can be particularly beneficial if your child struggles with public transport or needs frequent travel for medical appointments.

Carer’s Allowance: If you provide at least 35 hours of care per week for your child, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, a tax-free benefit designed to support carers of individuals with significant needs.

Housing Benefit and Other Financial Supports: Eligibility for DLA can also open the door to other financial supports such as housing benefit or reductions in Council Tax, depending on your family’s circumstances. It is worth exploring all available benefits to ensure you receive the appropriate financial support.

Keeping the DWP Updated on Changes

It is essential to keep the DWP informed of any changes in your child’s circumstances. Changes might include a serious deterioration in health, the development of a new disability or health condition, or adjustments in the level of care your child requires. Reporting these changes ensures that your child receives the correct level of support based on their current needs.

Managing the Risks of Reassessing DLA Awards

If your child is already receiving DLA, requesting a reassessment carries the risk of the award being reduced or stopped rather than increased. It is crucial to seek guidance from local advice services, such as Citizens Advice, to fully understand the potential risks before proceeding with a reassessment. These services can help you evaluate whether pursuing the higher rate of DLA is the best option based on your child’s specific circumstances and needs.

Overall

Knowing how to get high rate mobility for autism involves understanding the pathways to eligibility, gathering the right evidence, and being prepared to challenge decisions if necessary. Children with autism can qualify through behavioural pathways or severe mental impairment criteria, even without physical walking difficulties.

By providing strong evidence, maintaining clear communication with the DWP, and seeking expert advice when needed, you can enhance your chances of securing the appropriate support for your child.

FAQs

How Much is High Rate Disability for a Child?

The high rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance for a child provides a weekly payment. The exact amount is updated periodically, so it is best to check the latest rates on the government’s official website or contact the DWP directly for current figures.

How to Get High Rate Disability Living Allowance

To get high rate Disability Living Allowance, you need to demonstrate that your child meets specific criteria related to severe mobility challenges or severe mental impairment. This includes providing detailed information on the claim form and supporting evidence from health or education professionals that illustrate how your child’s condition impacts their daily life.

What Illnesses Qualify for Disability Living Allowance?

Disability Living Allowance is available for children with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions that significantly affect their daily living and mobility. This includes conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, severe learning disabilities, and other physical or developmental disorders that require substantial care and support.

What is Disability Living Allowance for Children?

Disability Living Allowance for children is a benefit that helps cover the extra costs of looking after a child who needs more care or supervision than other children of the same age due to a disability or health condition. It includes two components: care and mobility, each with different rates depending on the level of support required.

How to Apply for Disability Living Allowance for Children Online

To apply for Disability Living Allowance for children online, visit the official government website and access the DLA application form. You will need to provide detailed information about your child’s condition, how it affects their daily life, and any care or mobility needs they have. Once completed, the form can be submitted directly through the website.

How Long Does it Take for a Decision on Disability Living Allowance?

The decision process for Disability Living Allowance can take several weeks. After submitting your application, the DWP will review the information provided and may contact you for further details or clarification. If you have not heard back after several weeks, you can contact the DWP to check on the status of your application.

What is Classed as Severe Mental Impairment for Council Tax?

Severe mental impairment for Council Tax purposes is defined as a permanent condition that significantly affects intellectual and social functioning. To qualify, the individual must have a doctor’s certificate confirming the impairment and be eligible for certain benefits such as DLA, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment.

What is Classed as Severe Mental Impairment?

Severe mental impairment is a condition that severely impacts a person’s intellectual and social functioning on a permanent basis. This can include conditions like autism, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other severe learning disabilities. A doctor’s certification is required to confirm the condition for benefit eligibility.

What is Severe Mental Impairment Discount for Council Tax?

If an individual is considered severely mentally impaired and lives with one other person who is not mentally impaired, a 25% discount on Council Tax can be applied. If everyone in the household is severely mentally impaired, a discount of 50% or more may be applicable, depending on the local council’s policies.