
Disability Benefits for Children: Navigating financial support options for a child with a disability can be challenging. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is a tax-free benefit designed to help parents and caregivers with the extra costs of raising a child who has difficulty walking or requires more care than their peers. Many parents are unaware that their child may be eligible for this financial support. This article will break down the eligibility criteria, payment rates, and application process in simple, easy-to-understand steps.
Disability Benefits for Children
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a crucial benefit that helps families cover the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability. By understanding eligibility rules, payment rates, and the application process, parents can ensure they receive the support their child needs. If you think your child qualifies, start your application today to access the financial assistance available.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Eligibility Criteria | – Child must be under 16 – Requires more care or supervision than other children – Has mobility difficulties – Meets UK residency rules |
Care Component Rates | – Lowest Rate: £28.70 per week – Middle Rate: £72.65 per week – Highest Rate: £108.55 per week |
Mobility Component Rates | – Lower Rate: £28.70 per week – Higher Rate: £75.75 per week |
How to Apply | – Download and complete the DLA claim form – Provide supporting evidence – Submit to DWP for review Source: GOV.UK |
Transition to PIP | At age 16, children must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of DLA. |
What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a government benefit for children under 16 who need extra help with personal care or mobility due to a long-term illness or disability. It is designed to help parents and caregivers manage the additional costs associated with caring for a child with disabilities.
Unlike means-tested benefits, DLA is not affected by household income, meaning families can receive this support regardless of earnings or savings.
Who is Eligible for DLA?
Your child may qualify for DLA for children if they:
- Are under 16 years old
- Need significantly more care, supervision, or guidance than a child of the same age without a disability
- Have difficulty walking or getting around
- Live in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland
- Have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last at least 6 more months (unless they have a terminal illness)
If your child has a terminal illness (doctors have stated they may have 12 months or less to live), you can apply under special rules, which allow you to receive the highest rate of DLA immediately without the standard waiting periods.
DLA Payment Rates for 2024-2025
DLA is split into two components: Care and Mobility. The amount your child receives depends on how much help they need.
Care Component Rates
This is for children who need extra help with day-to-day activities such as eating, dressing, bathing, or supervision to stay safe.
Rate | Weekly Payment | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Lowest | £28.70 | Needs help some of the day or night |
Middle | £72.65 | Needs frequent help during the day OR supervision at night |
Highest | £108.55 | Needs constant supervision day AND night |
Mobility Component Rates
This is for children who have difficulty walking or getting around.
Rate | Weekly Payment | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Lower | £28.70 | Needs guidance or supervision when outdoors |
Higher | £75.75 | Unable to walk or has severe walking difficulties |
Age Restrictions for the Mobility Component
- Lower rate: Available from age 5
- Higher rate: Available from age 3
If your child qualifies for both the care and mobility components, they can receive both payments at the same time.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Children?
Applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children requires completing an application form and providing evidence to support your claim. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Get the Application Form
You can download the form online from GOV.UK or request a paper form by calling the DLA helpline at 0800 121 4600.
Step 2: Provide Detailed Information
The form will ask about:
- Your child’s condition and how it affects daily life
- The type of care and supervision they need
- Any medical treatments or therapies
- Walking ability and mobility issues
Tip: Keep a daily diary for a few weeks before applying to provide accurate details about your child’s care needs.
Step 3: Submit the Form
Send the completed application form to the Disability Living Allowance Unit at the address provided on the form. If your claim is successful, payments can be backdated to the date you requested the form.
What Happens After You Apply?
- It can take up to 12 weeks to process your claim.
- You may be asked to attend an assessment.
- If your claim is approved, payments will go directly into your bank account every 4 weeks.
If your claim is denied, you can challenge the decision through a mandatory reconsideration and appeal if necessary.
DLA and Transition to PIP at Age 16
When a child receiving DLA turns 16, they must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send a letter inviting them to apply around their 16th birthday.
Additional Support for Parents
If you are claiming DLA for your child, you may also be eligible for:
- Carer’s Allowance (if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for them)
- Universal Credit (extra payments for disabled children)
- Motability Scheme (for higher rate mobility component recipients)
Find out more about related benefits on GOV.UK.
UK Child Benefit Payments in 2025 – Check Amount, Eligibility & Payment Date
£1768 Childcare Support Available From DWP – Check Eligibility & Payment Date
Universal Credit & Disability Benefits Increasing – Here’s What You’ll Get in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I claim DLA if my child has autism or ADHD?
A: Yes. Children with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, or other mental health conditions can qualify if they need significantly more care or supervision than other children their age.
Q: How long do DLA payments last?
A: DLA is usually awarded for a set period, but some children with lifelong conditions may get indefinite awards.
Q: Does my income affect my child’s DLA claim?
A: No. DLA is not means-tested, so household income does not affect eligibility.
Q: What happens if my application is denied?
A: You can ask for a reconsideration or appeal the decision if you believe your child qualifies.