New research shows how DLA plays vital role

Disability living allowance (DLA) allows disabled people to maintain control and independence in their lives, and helps them avoid having to move into residential care, according to new government-funded research. The findings powerfully support maintaining and expanding DLA and reinforce the case against the cuts announced in the June Budget.

The Impact of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance report, published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), says that DLA recipients interviewed were ‘unanimous in expressing views that DLA made a big difference to them’. It notes that ‘typical comments were that DLA “enables me to live”...’.

The report found that ‘while DLA or AA often does not go directly towards paying for personal care, the benefits have a key role in reducing potential demand for formal services’, and helping people avoid residential care and maintaining good health.

The findings strongly support the case in favour of DLA and against the attack announced in the Budget. The government aims to cut the number of DLA claimants by 20 per cent by restricting eligibility and introducing a medical assessment based on the model used for Employment Support Allowance.

A PDF version of the report can be found at:
 http://research.dwp.gov.uk

Created 13/07/10