Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of Disability Living Allowance assessments.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a non-contributory, non-means-tested, additional cost benefit and can be worth over £9,500 a year, tax free. Individuals can choose how to use the benefit, in the light of their individual needs and preferences. The benefits have been consistently uprated in line with inflation since they were introduced and were, like other benefits, increased by 6.7% from 8 April 2024.

Decisions on claims to DLA for children are made by DWP Case Managers. They receive comprehensive training and are supported by a range of regularly updated guides, such as the Decision Makers Guide and comprehensive medical guidance. They also receive disability-specific training and have the support of medical services and quality assurance managers.

Anyone who believes that the decision on their claim is incorrect, including the length of the award, can ask for Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) within one month of the date stated on the decision letter.