DLA guaranteed until 2014?!

A question about : DLA guaranteed until 2014?!

Hi there
Now I will admit I know nothing about DLA, but something cropped up in a conversation with my sister in law that just made me think surely that can't be right?! so I wanted to ask the advice of you lovely people to make sure nothing suspicious is going on and to be honest also because if this is the case it makes me want something done!

Her boyfriend is bipolar. He is on medication and is leading a normal life - He's just been to T in the park, goes out drinking plenty, is able to drive, DJs for a nightclub in his spare time - so nothing unusual there. He has a full time job with a good wage and drives their van. He lives with his sister who also works full time so I would not class her as caring for him. Now over the last 3 years he has had 2 episodes. I don't know whether I class these as suicide attempts or not (I've had experience in my family of suicide and they certainly didn't want to warn people). The first time he phoned the police and told them he was going to jump off a bridge. The police found him sitting on the bridge and he went quietly to hospital with them. The second time he phoned my sister in law and his sister and told them he was going to jump off a bridge and they got to him. He went to the lower part of the bridge and jumped in the water then climbed out again. Both episodes he was put in the local psychiatric hospital. He was also drunk during both times so you would think he would stop drinking, but that is just my personal opinion and neither here nor there.

I've told you all this because I'm not sure what qualifies someone for DLA. Anyway as my SIL was talking the other day she said how her boyfriend gets around 500 pounds a month even though he's working full time. She said he has phoned them up to tell them he working full time and they said don't worry it is guaranteed until 2014! Is this correct!? I just don't understand how he is getting this money as he isn't being cared for, he's working full time, he leads a normal life. Please don't think I have anything against mental illness as my father is bipolar and has a personality disorder. Please also don't think I have anything against benefits because I do believe those who need them should get them. I just don't understand what he is receiving this money for? Anyway I am hoping someone can explain this to me
Thanks for reading and for any advice

Edited to add: Could it be another type of benefit he is claiming ? Is there something similar to DLA?

Best answers:

• I can understand where you are coming from - i know someone who gets high rate for care and mobility - yet runs a very successful business (cash in hand) involving heavy lifting, climbing and physical work - i also know the full details of what they are claiming for - and it doesnt stack up - but i suppose there are always going to be people who manage to work the system (not implying your relative is - but the person i know is) - but i hope that the new reforms wont harm the people who really do need the help because of their disability.
  Ј500 approx a month would equate to the payment for HRM and HRC of DLA - so your SIL could well be right with her figures.
• You can wok and claim DLA at the same time.
• Hi,
  Obviously without knowing a lot more, it is very difficult to give an answer.
  DLA is given, not for what the illness is, but for the care he needs and the lack of mobility is causes.
  What I can say is that on current rates and if he is receiving the Higher Rate of both elements, the payment would be Ј121.25 per week - Ј525.42 per month.
  Yes it is quite possible that this award is fixed for a period and it is of no consequence if he works as well.
  What I would say however, is that if his needs become reduced in this period he has a responsibility to notify the DWP and ask for the assessment to be reviewed downwards (to reduce the amount he receives). In reality, not many do this for obvious reasons, but they do run the risk of being caught out and prosecuted for benefit fraud.
• Ok guys thanks for your replies.
  I also believe if I want to form an opinion on things I need to know the facts. I also hope that people who genuinely need this money aren't affected by the new government.
• Very true - sometimes things seem a little unfair - because people with massive needs struggle to get help - but some with less needs dont have to fight so hard. I guess this is where the new reforms may help - but none of us know what will happen or how it will be implemented. But i am a firm believer that 'what goes around comes around' and hopefully all the needy people will get what they rightfully deserve and those who dont will have it taken away. But then again we dont live in a perfect world !
• Agree andyandflo - well said.
• I know someone like this - fits though instead, maybe two a year (that I know of) brought on by drinking. Gets highest rate ESA & I would say DLA also but is completely able to work, has worked in removals and has been offered a job with an international removals company if he can get references (hard as he hasn't worked since being back in the UK) I don't feel he is eligible for the amount he is getting.
• Although i understand that it is perfectly ok to work and claim DLA - surely a role/job like this removal company one doesnt equate to the criteria needed for DLA - this seems to be where the problem is.
  It would be unfair to say that if you claim DLA you cannot possibly work - because this is clearly untrue - many jobs can be done whilst the person still has care/mobility needs - but some job roles clearly dont match the claim made that would warrant HRM or HRC. Its all a bit odd - and i must say that i wouldnt want to be the one trying to sort it all out !
• Yes Jowo you are correct - you can have a full time job and still get DLA - it is not a means tested benefit. have a look on the direct.gov website it explains further about DLA.
• no one will now be "gauranteed"dla past 2013 as this is when the new govt are bringing in medicals for all existing claimants
• lets hope the ones who fiddle saying they have depression are the first ones caught out in these tougher medicals