I'm new here and have a question!

[lea]

Hi I'm Lea, mum to a girl with DCD and awaiting referral to Autism team. I wondered if anyone has any idea about this. Recently went to tribunal and was awarded DLA for my daughter backdated to Sep 09. Contacted DWP for Carers Allowance form and was advised I could put the date the DLA was backdated to on the Carers form and it would be possible to have Carers Allowance backdated to that date.

I had been told by the rep from CAB on the day of the tribunal to claim Carers Allowance and it could only be backdated for 3 months. After checking with the Adviceline and Citizens Advice again I was told it could only be backdated 3 months. I'm not sure whether to backdate it for 3 months only or whether to put the date as Sep 09.

Any advice/experience with this? It seems unfair that had DWP made the award for DLA in Sep 09 at the time of the claim then I would've been able to claim Carers Allowance from that date. But from the advice I've been given it seems they will only backdate it for 3 months...

[lea]

Thanks Audrey

I did call but was advised it wouldn't be backdated more than 3 months. However, since posting this I have found information on the net on NHS Choices that states if you claim within 3 months of the DLA award date Carers Allowance can be backdated to the date of the DLA claim. I think I'll put Sep 09 on the form and see what happens!

Thanks again

Lea

[krys]

Hello there and welcome to the forum

[lea]

Thanks krys

[no1mum]

Hi and welcome. Not sure on the legalities but I'd be pushing to get it backdated to 09.

[lea]

Thanks No1mum!

[Caring_Mind]

Hello Lea.....and welcome to the Forum- wishing you good luck with your claim