AQW 2668/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 01/07/2022
Answered On Date: 20/07/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to outline the evidence required to demonstrate eligibility for the highest mobility rate of Disability Living Allowance, under the severe mental impairment criteria, for a child with Down Syndrome.

Answer:

Legislation does not define what evidence is required to support applications for Disability Living Allowance. However, people are encouraged to provide any evidence they have on their health condition or disability and how it impacts their daily life, in terms of care needs and mobility restrictions.

Legislation stipulates that an award of the higher rate of the mobility component under the severe mental impairment criteria can only be made if the child is severely mentally impaired, displays severe behavioural problems and is entitled to the highest rate of the care component.