This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'DLA Information'.

 
 
DWP Central Freedom of Information Team
 
e-mail: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.  
gov.uk
Annex A 
Our Re
 
f: VTR 3604
 
DATE: 26 Augu
 
st 2014
 
 

 
 
Dear Debbie Price, 
 
Thank you for your Freedom of Information (FoI) request received on 14 August 2014. You 
asked:  
 
Ian Duncan Smith states in the Telegraph. 
'DLA, which of itself is a payment to support housing costs' 
 
Please clarify that this is the DWP policy? 
 
DLA is awarded for care and mobility costs. 
NOT for housing costs?? 
 
Nowhere on a DLA award, does it state that a percentage of DLA is for housing costs?? 
 
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) provides a contribution towards the extra costs faced by 
severely disabled people as a result of their disabilities. Broadly, entitlement to DLA is based 
on walking difficulties and/or the need for personal care which results from severe disability. 
The individual’s medical condition is not necessarily the key factor. Rather it is the disablement 
that results from it and the effects of that disablement.  DLA is not intended to meet the specific 
costs associated with disability; it is for the individual to decide how to spend the money in a 
way that best fits their circumstances.  They could, for instance, save the money and use it for 
adaptations to their home. 
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number 
above.   
Yours sincerely,  
 
 
DWP Strategy FoI Team 
 
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Your right to complain under the Freedom of Information Act 
 
If you are not happy with this response you may request an internal review by e-mailing freedom-of-information-
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx or by writing to DWP, Central FoI Team,  

Caxton House, Tothill Street, SW1H 9NA. Any review request should be submitted within two months of the date 
of this letter.  
 
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you may apply directly to the Information 
Commissioner’s Office for a decision. Generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have 
exhausted our own complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information 
Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF 
www.ico.org.uk/Global/contact_us  or telephone 0303 123 1113 or 01625 545745