Mrs Rochester Claims DLA

with apologies to Charlotte Bronte

Disability and Carers Service

Mrs Bertha Rochester

Thornfield Hall

Please keep this safe as you may need it in the future

Dear Mrs Rochester

This letter is about your claim for Disability Living Allowance.

Disability Living Allowance is made up of two components, mobility for help with getting around and care for help with your personal care.

Mobility

You are not eligible for the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.  This is because

you have provided evidence that you are able to move around your house unaided, particularly at night. 

There is no need for you to use public transport due to

the fact that there is no public transport provided in your vicinity.

Care

I have awarded you the Lower Rate of £0.07 a week from 14/08/12 to 15/08/12 (both dates included) as

you need supervising right through the day to prevent substantial danger to you or others. 

Our discussions with your husband, Mr Rochester, have led us to the conclusion that this should be sufficient income to pay the wages and employer's national insurance contributions of your full-time carer, Mrs Grace Poole.  Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that this carer is fully CRB checked.

In making this award I have taken into account the fact that
you have additional help in the home as a result of Mr Rochester's relationship with Miss J Eyre.

I have not awarded you at the Higher or Medium Rates because

you have clearly demonstrated that you are physically capable of working and have the capacity to make and carry out complex plans. 

May I suggest that you consider careers that make good use of your physical strength, and possibly incorporate your special interest in lighting fires.  I understand that work may be available to you in the following industries:

sheep-wrangling, heathland management, and temporary work in the entertainment industry around the times of Halloween and Bonfire Night.

I have only awarded you until 15/08/12 as how much help you will need then is uncertain (see below under Payment restrictions).

Payment Restrictions

Although you are entitled, you can't be paid care from and including 14/08/12 because

changes to immigration rules mean that your marriage to Mr Rochester no longer qualifies you as a British citizen. 

May we suggest that you apply for support to the appropriate organisation in your Caribbean country of origin as soon as your deportation plane lands.