Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a crucial form of financial support provided to children with disabilities in many countries, including the United Kingdom. DLA is designed to help families with the extra costs that come with caring for a child who has a disability. If your child requires additional care or has mobility issues, DLA can help alleviate some of the financial pressures. This article will explore the eligibility criteria, current DLA rates, and how to apply for the benefit.
What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a non-means-tested benefit designed to help children under the age of 16 who have a disability or long-term illness. The benefit helps cover the extra costs associated with the care and mobility needs that a child may have due to their condition. DLA is different from other forms of financial aid in that it is not means-tested, meaning the family’s income or savings do not affect the child’s eligibility for the allowance.
DLA is paid in two parts:
- Care Component: This part of the allowance is for children who require extra care or supervision.
- Mobility Component: This part of the allowance is for children who have difficulty moving around, whether due to a physical or mental condition.
The amount of DLA a child receives depends on the level of care and mobility needs, which are assessed through a detailed application process.
Eligibility Criteria for DLA

To qualify for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for a child, several criteria need to be met. These criteria include age, disability type, and care/mobility needs. Below is a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:
1. Age Requirement
The child must be under the age of 16 to be eligible for DLA. Once a child turns 16, they may be able to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is the adult equivalent of DLA. However, if the child has been receiving DLA before they turn 16, they can continue to receive it until they transition to PIP.
2. Disability or Health Condition
The child must have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to perform everyday tasks. This can include:
- Physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida.
- Sensory impairments like blindness or deafness.
- Developmental or learning disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, or ADHD.
- Mental health conditions that impact behavior or social interactions.
The condition must be expected to last for at least three months and have a long-term impact on the child’s ability to care for themselves or move around.
3. Care and Supervision Needs

To qualify for the care component of DLA, the child must require extra help with their personal care, supervision, or both. This could include needing help with:
- Dressing, eating, bathing, and toileting.
- Supervision to ensure the child’s safety.
- Helping with medical needs such as administering medication or managing a medical device.
- Physical support due to a disability.
The level of care required will determine which rate of the care component the child will receive.
4. Mobility Needs
To qualify for the mobility component, the child must have difficulty getting around or have a condition that severely limits their ability to travel. This could include:
- Problems with walking or using a wheelchair.
- Difficulty understanding directions or navigating unfamiliar spaces (common in children with autism or cognitive impairments).
- A need for supervision when going out due to a mental or physical condition.
The child’s ability to move around independently and safely will determine the mobility component rate.
5. Residency Requirements
The child must also meet certain residency conditions to qualify for DLA. The child needs to be a resident in the United Kingdom and usually must have lived in the country for at least 26 weeks out of the last 12 months. There are also specific rules for children who have recently moved to the UK from another country.
DLA Rates
The amount of Disability Living Allowance a child can receive is based on their level of care and mobility needs. These are divided into different rates for both the care and mobility components.
Care Component Rates (as of 2025)
- Lower Rate: £23.70 per week
This rate is for children who need help during the day or at night, but not all the time. They may need help with personal care tasks like dressing or eating for a portion of the day. - Middle Rate: £59.75 per week
This rate is for children who need help with personal care or supervision for a significant part of the day, or who need more intensive care and supervision at night. - Higher Rate: £89.15 per week
This rate is for children who require constant help during the day and night. They may need full-time supervision or care due to a severe disability or health condition.
Mobility Component Rates (as of 2025)
- Lower Rate: £24.45 per week
This rate is for children who have difficulty walking or moving around outdoors, but it does not significantly limit their ability to travel on short trips. It may also apply to children who require supervision or assistance when out and about due to a condition. - Higher Rate: £64.50 per week
This rate is for children who have severe mobility problems and require substantial help to get around. They may have difficulty walking, need a wheelchair, or experience extreme difficulty navigating unfamiliar places.
How to Apply for DLA for Children

Applying for Disability Living Allowance for a child can be done through the official government website or by post. The application process involves providing detailed information about the child’s disability or condition, their care and mobility needs, and how these impact their daily life. Here’s how you can apply:
1. Obtain the Application Form
You can request a DLA form online or by calling the Disability Living Allowance helpline. The form asks for personal details about the child, the condition they have, and the care and mobility needs.
2. Complete the Form
When filling out the application form, be thorough in describing the child’s condition and how it affects their ability to perform everyday tasks. It’s important to provide clear and accurate information about the care and mobility support required. You may also need to include medical evidence or support letters from healthcare professionals.
3. Submit the Form
Once the form is completed, submit it to the relevant government department. If you applied online, this can be done electronically. For postal applications, ensure the form is sent to the correct address.
4. Await the Decision
After submitting the form, the government will assess the application, which may take several weeks. They may contact you for more information or request additional evidence to support your case.
5. Receive the Outcome
If the application is successful, the child will begin receiving the appropriate DLA payments based on the care and mobility needs. If the application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
How to Appeal a DLA Decision
If your child’s application for Disability Living Allowance is denied or the awarded amount seems too low, you can appeal the decision. The process involves writing to the relevant authority to request a review. Be prepared to provide additional information or evidence to support your case.
FAQs
Q.What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children?
A.DLA is a financial benefit for children with disabilities or health conditions, helping cover the extra costs of care and mobility needs.
Q.Who is eligible for DLA?
A.Children under 16 with a disability or health condition that impacts their daily care and mobility needs are eligible for DLA.
Q.How do I apply for DLA for my child?
A.You can apply online or by post, providing information about the child’s condition and their care and mobility requirements. Medical evidence may also be needed.