DLA form tips

What's in the DLA form

The DLA claim form asks for information about your illnesses and disabilities and the help you need getting around, as well as your care needs during the day and night. There is also a section where you can give extra information to support your claim.

Our factsheet has a comprehensive checklist of what to bear in mind as you go through the form filling in your answers.

Completing the DLA claim form - general tips

1. Take your time. Set aside around two hours to complete the claim pack but remember you don't have to complete the whole pack in one sitting.
2. Give full and detailed answers throughout the claim pack. It's likely that the DWP will decide on your claim solely based on what you put on your form. If you are registered blind or partially sighted, do not assume that this fact speaks for itself. Explain precisely why you need help with seeing when doing each activity and what sort of help you need.
3. Don't underestimate your needs. Most people find that a positive attitude makes it easier to live with sight loss. However, just on this occasion, try really hard to think of all the things that:
   • you cannot do
   • you need assistance with - if only for a few moments
   • take you much longer to do than a sighted person
   • are difficult for you to do safely
   • you would have to cope with in an unfamiliar place.
4. It's the amount of help that you need that matters, not the amount of help that you actually get. If you are struggling to do things unaided despite difficulties or pain, explain this on the form. If you have to lead a restricted lifestyle because you don't get all the help you need, this should be taken into account.
5. Housework and shopping. If you need someone else to carry out domestic tasks for you - such as shopping or cleaning - this cannot usually be considered because this can be done when you are not there. There are, however, some exceptions to this. More details are in our factsheet.
6. If you use or have tried special equipment, explain its limitations. Special equipment can be useful but often it doesn't fully solve the problem - you may still need help from someone else. For example, you may be able to read most things using a magnifying glass, but still need help from another person to read long texts, small print, handwriting and writing that you can't get up close to.
7. Mention any special circumstances that could increase your need for help or supervision
   • Do you have any other health problems and how do these affect you?
   • Has your sight or your health got worse recently?
   • Was your sight loss sudden or have you found it hard to adapt?
   • Have you had a bereavement or moved to a new home?
   • Do you have pets, or children who leave toys on the floor?
   • If you work or study, be sure to include the help that you need in connection with seeing when at your place of work or study.

Further information

If you experience difficulties claiming DLA, disagree with a decision or want further information, please contact our Helpline for advice. Call 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

Please note that we can only give advice about benefits for people with sight loss and their carers or dependants.

You can also download our factsheet on Disability Living Allowance:

• DLA factsheet (Word, 326Kb)

This information gives general guidance only and is not an authoritative statement of the law.