Disability Living Allowance for Children – Eligibility, Payment Amounts, and How to Apply!

Published On: February 18, 2025

Navigating the world of benefits for children with disabilities can be challenging, but Disability Living Allowance (DLA) offers essential financial support to help families manage the additional costs of care and mobility needs. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about DLA for children, including eligibility, components, and how to apply, with practical advice to simplify the process.

Overview

Disability Living Allowance for children is a UK government benefit designed to support families with the extra costs of raising a child with a disability. Unlike some benefits, DLA is not based on family income or savings but on the child’s care and mobility needs.

Key Point	Details
Eligibility	Children under 16 with extra care needs
Components	Care and Mobility
Care Rates	£23.70 to £89.60 per week
Mobility Rates	£23.70 to £62.55 per week
Max Amount	Up to £152.15 per week
Application Time	Up to 8 weeks for a decision

DLA helps cover costs such as personal care, transportation, and other essential support, ensuring children with disabilities receive the care they need.

Components

DLA consists of two components, each designed to address different needs:

Care Component: For children needing help with daily activities like eating, dressing, and bathing. Rates range from £23.70 to £89.60 per week based on the level of care required.
Mobility Component: For children with mobility challenges, offering £23.70 to £62.55 per week to assist with transportation and movement needs.

A child can receive one or both components, depending on their needs, with a maximum weekly payment of £152.15.

Eligibility

To qualify for DLA, children must:

Be under 16 years old.
Have a physical or mental disability that affects daily living or mobility.
Require more care or supervision than a child of the same age without a disability.
Have had these needs for at least 3 months and expect them to continue for at least 6 more months.

Conditions like autism, learning disabilities, and chronic illnesses are often covered, provided they result in additional care or mobility needs.

Application

Applying for DLA involves several steps, but careful preparation can make the process smoother:

Request an Application Form: Available online at GOV.UK or by calling the DLA helpline at 0800 121 4600.
Complete the Form: Provide detailed descriptions of your child’s daily needs and challenges, including help with feeding, dressing, and mobility.
Attach Evidence: Include medical reports or letters from doctors, therapists, or schools that explain your child’s condition and required care.
Submit the Form: Send the completed form and evidence to the address provided in the application package.
Await Decision: Processing can take up to 8 weeks, and you may be asked for additional information or an assessment.

Payments

Once approved, payments are made weekly and can cover a range of care-related expenses. For children turning 16, families must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to continue receiving support.

Component	Lowest Rate	Highest Rate
Care	£23.70	£89.60
Mobility	£23.70	£62.55
Total Max	–	£152.15

DLA does not affect other benefits like Universal Credit or Child Benefit, but it can provide access to additional support services.

Tips

Start the application process early, especially when transitioning to PIP at age 16.
Provide detailed examples of your child’s daily challenges and required assistance.
Seek support from local charities or advocacy groups if needed.

Disability Living Allowance for children is a crucial benefit that eases the financial burden on families caring for children with disabilities. By knowing the eligibility criteria, components, and application process, you can secure the support your child needs for a better quality of life.