Unable to walk - will this mean NO HRM DLA ?

Hi all,

If someone can only walk about 5 to 10 metres via using a walking frame before pain (from arthiritis) and breathlessness (from COPD & Asthma) sets in will this PRECLUDE them from getting the HRM component of DLA?

I am talking about my mum here - she already has the HRM DLA for life (awarded in the 90's) but we are now trying to get the care component.

Thing is, she is convinced that she has heard somewhere the if you CAN'T walk then you are not entitled to the HRM. Basically, she thinks that you have to be able to walk OVER a certain distance to get the component. Her walking has detoriated a LOT since she was first awarded it and, most of the time, she is pushed by me in a wheelchair.

I realise that you can't comment on individual cases but some info on the general rules would be great. Many Thanks.

Check out the guide 'Giving persuasive information about how far you can walk' in the Members DLA section which should go some way in answering your query.

Hi,

just been reading your mums fears. dont worry the award for dla hrm is to enable you to get round you will know some people have a car on the scheme.when they make the award it is given on the fact you cant walk far before you get pain.

If your could not walk at all as far as i no it still would be given on the nature of her illness and if you apply for the higher rate care use the info on the site it will help i will check the info i have and will be in touch again best wishes mike.

s2010uk wrote:

Hi all,

If someone can only walk about 5 to 10 metres via using a walking frame before pain (from arthiritis) and breathlessness (from COPD & Asthma) sets in will this PRECLUDE them from getting the HRM component of DLA?

I am talking about my mum here - she already has the HRM DLA for life (awarded in the 90's) but we are now trying to get the care component.

Thing is, she is convinced that she has heard somewhere the if you CAN'T walk then you are not entitled to the HRM. Basically, she thinks that you have to be able to walk OVER a certain distance to get the component. Her walking has detoriated a LOT since she was first awarded it and, most of the time, she is pushed by me in a wheelchair.

I realise that you can't comment on individual cases but some info on the general rules would be great. Many Thanks.

Your Mum has been misinformed. DLA is paid to those with care and/or mobility needs.

For to qualify for HRM, they must be either unable to walk, or 'virtually unable to walk'.

A person who can only walk 5 to 10 metres with the help of a walking frame would certainly from my experience qualify for HRM.

The legislation can be found here Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 Sections 72 and 73.

Also The Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 1991 parts III and IV.

Tell her to stop worrying

Best wishes.

Jim

Thank you Gareth, Ruffles and Jim

It does go some way to ally our fears! I have downloaded all the guides and I am currently working through them all.

My mum's GP has written a detailed letter in complete support of the application and I will be including that as well.

She needs constant care nowadays (although she finds it deeply embarassing). It just seems that, sometimes, the system put in place by the DWP is there to try and catch people out with convoluted questions and benchmarks by which decisions are made!