Disability Living Allowance is for people under 65 who have difficulty looking after themselves or walking (or both). For example, if you need help to cook a meal, walk outdoors or dress yourself, you could be eligible for Disability Living Allowance. You may also be eligible if you need someone to keep an eye on you, for example, because you have a mental disability.

To qualify, you need to have had difficulty walking or looking after yourself for at least three months. These difficulties should be expected to last for at least the next six months.

Disability Living Allowance can be awarded for a set period of time or indefinitely.

Disability Living Allowance is made up of:

• a care component (for difficulties with looking after yourself)

• a mobility component (for difficulties with walking or getting around).

The amount of Disability Living Allowance you receive depends on how much help or supervision you need to walk or take care of yourself (or both). You do not have to be getting help to qualify.

You should also know:

• when you claim Disability Living Allowance, your income and savings are not taken into account

• if you are receiving other benefits, they will not be reduced if you are awarded Disability Living Allowance, and may increase

• you may also become eligible for an extra benefit, such as Income Support and income related Employment and Support Allowance or Housing Benefit, if you are awarded Disability Living Allowance

• people who are working can claim Disability Living Allowance.

  Mobility component

  This component is paid at one of two rates, depending on how much help or supervision you need when walking;

  the lower rate of £19.55 a week

  the higer rate of £51.40 a week

  Care component

  You dont need to have a carer to qualify for the carer component.  It's the care you need that makes you eligible for Disability living Allowance, not any care you may currently be receiving.  For example, you could be eligible for the care component because you find it difficult to get out of bed, have a bath or cook yourself a meal.  The care component is paid at three rates, depending on the amount of help and care you need:

  The lowest rate of £19.55 a week

  the middle rate of 49.30 a week

  the highest rate of £73.60 a week.

  If you qualify for the middle or highest rate care component and you have a carer, your carer may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.

  If you are receiving Disabilty living Allowance and your care or mobility needs increase, you may become entitled to an increase in your disability Living Allowance.

  You need to make a claim for Disability living Allowance before you turn 65, but if you are awarded the benefit, it will still be paid to you after you have turned 65.

Terminal illness

If you are terminally ill, you can apply for Disability Living Allowance under the Special Rules. Under these rules, you do not need to meet the three and six month qualifying conditions.

How can I claim: It's a good idea to get helpfrom an experienced benefits advisor when filling in the claim form.  For an application form, contact Disability and Carers service on 028 9090 6182 or your local Social Security or Job and Benefits office.  You can also apply online at www.nidirect.gov.uk/do-it-online