DLA rates

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

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

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

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

There are two rates for the mobility part:

Higher rate: £75.75 per week

Lower rate: £28.70 per week

The rate you’ll get depends on how much care your child needs as a result of their condition.

Who gets the higher care rate?

You’ll get the higher rate if your child:

• needs a lot of care during the day and night; or
• has been diagnosed as terminally ill and isn’t expected to live more than 12 months

Who gets the middle care rate?

You’ll get the middle rate if your child: 

• needs care during the day or night; or
• gets renal dialysis at least twice a week

Who gets the lower care rate?

You’ll get the lower rate if your child needs extra care for at least half an hour during the day but not at night.

The rate you’ll get depends on your child’s walking ability and how they cope getting around outside in unfamiliar places.

Who gets the higher mobility rate?

You’ll get the higher rate if your child is three or over and either: 

• can’t walk; or
• experiences severe discomfort walking outside; or
• would be in danger or at risk of making their condition worse by walking; or
• has no feet; or
• is blind or severely sight impaired

You’ll also get the higher rate if your child is three or over and all of these apply:

• They have a severe learning difficulty or other mental condition that affects how they interact with others.
• Their condition causes disruptive and dangerous behaviour.
• They are eligible for the higher care rate.

Who gets the lower mobility rate?

You’ll get the lower rate if your child is five or over and both of these apply:

• They need someone to accompany them on unfamiliar routes.
• They need more help getting around than their peers who don’t have disabilities or health conditions.