1st February 2007

Disability Living Allowance and Your Diabetic Child

If you've never considered applying for Disability Living Allowance - sometimes referred to as DLA - for your diabetic child, you may be missing out on some vital government support.

DLA is a tax-free benefit which is available for children and adults who need help with personal care because they are physically disabled.

Whilst you may not consider that diabetes qualifies your child as disabled, the governments definition is that your child needs help looking after themselves or some supervision to keep them safe.

Many of the routine tasks that you carry out as a parent or carer of a child and consider as normal qualify for this.

• reminding about checking blood sugar levels
• preparing and buying fresher, healthier foods
• waking at night to check levels or deal with hypos
• helping your child give injections
• helping prepare infusions sets and insulin for their insulin pump
• ensuring that they have snacks and glucose to take to school, clubs or friends

As a parent, the need to be available in an emergency may mean that you're unable to work full-time.  The DLA offers some financial help for the role that you are playing in helping your child with their diabetes and in looking after their health.

When you receive the application form, it may be worth chatting with your diabetic nurse who can remind you of the role that you are carrying out on behalf of your child - so much is taken for granted, yet is essential for their health and well-being.