Step-by-Step Guide- How to Contact and Apply for Disability Living Allowance in the UK
How to Contact Disability Living Allowance
Navigating the process of contacting the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can be daunting for many individuals. Whether you are applying for DLA for the first time or need to discuss your claim, it is crucial to have the right information at hand. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to contact Disability Living Allowance effectively.
Understanding Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance is a government benefit designed to help individuals with disabilities meet the extra costs they may face due to their condition. The allowance is available to people of all ages and can be claimed regardless of whether they are working or not. To contact Disability Living Allowance, you must first understand the types of DLA available:
1. DLA for children: This is for children under the age of 16 or under 20 if they are still in full-time education.
2. DLA for adults: This is for adults aged 16 to 64 who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to carry out daily activities.
How to Contact Disability Living Allowance
To contact Disability Living Allowance, you have several options:
1. Phone: The most common way to contact DLA is by phone. You can call the DLA helpline on 0800 917 2222. This number is free to call from a landline and is open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Ensure you have your National Insurance number and any relevant documents ready before calling.
2. Email: You can also contact DLA by email at [email protected]. Please note that email is not suitable for urgent queries or for submitting new claims. It is recommended to use email for non-urgent queries or for seeking clarification on a claim that is already in progress.
3. Post: If you prefer to communicate by post, you can write to the following address:
Disability Living Allowance
PO Box 669
Walsall
WS1 2TF
When writing to DLA, include your full name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. Clearly state the nature of your query or the issue you are seeking assistance with.
Online Services
DLA also offers online services through the GOV.UK website. You can use the online contact form to send your query, although it may take longer to receive a response compared to phone or email. To access the online contact form, visit the following link: [GOV.UK – Contact DLA](https://www.gov.uk/contact-dla).
Preparing for Your Contact
Before contacting Disability Living Allowance, it is essential to gather all the necessary information to make the process as smooth as possible. This includes:
1. Your National Insurance number: This is required for all forms of communication.
2. Your claim reference number: If you are already in the process of applying for DLA, have your claim reference number ready.
3. Proof of identity: This could be your passport, driving license, or other official documents.
4. Documentation of your disability or health condition: Keep any medical reports or letters from healthcare professionals that support your claim.
By following these steps and being prepared, you can ensure a more efficient and effective communication with Disability Living Allowance.
