Disability living allowance

There are two parts to DLA – the care part and the mobility part.

You may be awarded one or both parts, depending on your child’s needs. You’ll only have to fill in one application.

You can get DLA for your child if they: 

• need more care than a child of the same age without a disability or health condition
• have difficulty walking or getting around outdoors in unfamiliar places

It’s not just for children with a physical disability. Your child may also be eligible if they have:

• a behavioural condition
• a mental health condition
• a learning disability
• developmental delay

To qualify, your child must have had the disability or condition for at least three months and be expected to have it for at least another six.

If your child is terminally ill and not expected to live more than 12 months, you can apply immediately. It doesn’t matter how long your child has been ill. There is a fast-track process for terminally ill children.

DLA isn’t means-tested. This means you can get it regardless of your income or how much you have in savings.

Find out more about DLA eligibility criteria.

If your application is successful, you’ll get between £28.70 and £184.30 a week.

The care part

There are three rates for the care part:

Higher rate: £108.55 per week

Middle rate: £72.65 per week

Lower rate: £28.70 per week

The mobility part

There are two rates for the mobility part:

Higher rate: £75.75 per week

Lower rate: £28.70 per week

Find out which rate you’re likely to get.

You can either phone for an application form or download one.

Read more about applying for DLA for your child.

What’s happening to DLA for adults?

DLA for adults is being phased out.

For adults under state pension age, it’s being replaced by personal independence payment.

For adults over state pension age, it’s being replaced by attendance allowance.

What happens when my child turns 16?

You’ll get a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before your child’s sixteenth birthday explaining that they’ll need to switch from DLA to personal independent payment. 

Can I appeal if my DLA claim is refused?

If you’re unhappy with the outcome your child’s DLA claim, you can challenge it.

First, you’ll need to ask for mandatory reconsideration.

This means asking DWP to take another look at your claim.

If they stand by their original decision, you can appeal to an independent panel known as a tribunal. This panel isn’t part of DWP.