8. If your child goes into a care home
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8. If your child goes into a care home
Normally, your child cannot get the care component if they live in a care home but you should apply for it anyway. Once you establish that your child passes the disability tests, they can get the care component for any day they stay in your home, including the day they leave and the day they return. For example, if they spend a weekend at home with you, coming home on Friday and returning on Sunday, they will get the care component for those three days.
What counts as a ‘care home’ is explained in Chapter 4(8) (the same categories apply to DLA) and usually includes a residential school.
DLA Regs, reg 9(1)-(2)
The mobility component is not affected by a stay in a care home.
The care component in care homes – Your child can get the care component if:
    ■they are not expected to live more than 12 months and the DWP has been informed of this, and they are in a hospice;
    DLA Regs, reg 10(6)
    ■a local authority has placed them with someone in a private dwelli
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