Reply To: Dreaded letter has arrived

#254507
Ele
Participant

    Hope all goes well and Im sure it will

    Just so you and others reading this post are clear

    In the past, the use of the term “Life Award” proved to be confusing amongst people who
    received Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA). It was taken by
    many to mean that once awarded, benefit could not be taken away. That is, and was never,
    the case: in order to receive benefit the conditions of entitlement must be met and continue to
    be met.

     

    As the term “life award” proved to be confusing, the Department replaced it with awards being
    made for an “indefinite period” with effect from 12 January 2000. As with its predecessor,
    indefinite awards are dependant on the individual meeting and continuing to meet the
    entitlement conditions. The Department, therefore, does not use the terms “life” and “indefinite”
    awards interchangeably. The DWP spokesperson was probably referring to the fact that most
    DLA and AA cases are not systematically reviewed to check whether there has been a change
    in condition that could result in the award being disallowed, reduced or increased.