The UK government is set to increase Disability Living Allowance (DLA) payments in February 2025, meaning eligible claimants could receive up to £184.30 per week in financial support. This benefit is designed to assist individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities that impact their daily lives.

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to strain households, this uplift in disability benefits aims to provide crucial assistance to families and individuals who need extra support. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, payment rates, and how to apply for DLA in 2025.

What Is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit that helps with the extra costs of disability for individuals who require assistance with mobility or daily care. While DLA has been largely replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults, it remains available for children under 16 and certain long-term claimants who continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

If your child has a disability or health condition that requires extra care or support, you may be eligible for DLA. Additionally, some adults who were already receiving DLA before PIP was introduced may still receive payments.

For adults aged 16 to State Pension age, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has replaced DLA. Meanwhile, for those over State Pension age, Attendance Allowance is available instead.

DLA Payment Rates for 2025

The new DLA rates from February 2025 are structured into two components:

1. Care Component (for those needing daily assistance)

• Lowest rate: £28.70 per week – For individuals who require some help during the day or night.
• Middle rate: £72.65 per week – For those who require frequent help during the day or at night.
• Highest rate: £108.55 per week – For individuals who need constant care both day and night.

2. Mobility Component (for those with walking difficulties)

• Lower rate: £28.70 per week – For those who need extra supervision when outdoors.
• Higher rate: £75.75 per week – For those with severe mobility issues or an inability to walk.

Eligible claimants may receive both components if they meet the criteria, with the highest total amounting to £184.30 per week.

Who Is Eligible for DLA in 2025?

To qualify for DLA in 2025, you must meet the following conditions:

For Children Under 16:

• The child must have a long-term health condition or disability that affects their daily life.
• They must need extra care or supervision compared to other children of the same age.
• The condition must have lasted at least three months and be expected to continue for at least six more months.

For Adults Who Still Receive DLA:

• You must have been awarded DLA before reaching 65 and continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
• If your circumstances change, you may be reassessed and transferred to PIP instead.

To check your eligibility or apply, visit Apply for Disability Living Allowance.

How to Apply for DLA

Applying for a Child Under 16

If you believe your child qualifies for DLA, follow these steps:

1. Obtain an application form by calling the Disability Benefit Centre or downloading it from the UK Government website.
2. Complete the form with details about your child’s condition, including medical evidence.
3. Submit the form via post to the Disability Benefits Centre.

It typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to process applications.

For Adults Still on DLA

1. Adults who are already on DLA will continue to receive it as long as they remain eligible.
2. If reassessed, they may be moved to PIP instead.

When Will You Get Paid?

DLA is paid every four weeks, typically on a Tuesday. If your payment date falls on a bank holiday, you might receive it earlier.

Payments are deposited directly into your bank account. If you have any issues with missing payments, contact the DWP Disability Benefits Helpline.

What If You’re Over 16? – Switching to PIP

For those aged 16 or over, DLA is no longer available, and you must apply for PIP instead. The PIP benefit assesses daily living difficulties and mobility needs, with payments potentially reaching over £700 per month.

To learn more, visit the PIP application guide.

Other Benefits You May Qualify For

If you’re eligible for DLA, you may also qualify for additional financial support, including:

• Carer’s Allowance – If someone cares for you for at least 35 hours per week, they may be entitled to £81.90 per week. Apply at www.gov.uk/carers-allowance.
• Universal Credit – Some claimants may be eligible for extra support through Universal Credit if they’re on a low income. Details are available at www.gov.uk/universal-credit.
• Motability Scheme – Those receiving the higher mobility rate can lease a car, wheelchair, or scooter. Visit www.motability.co.uk.

Final Thoughts

With the DLA payment increase coming in February 2025, many families will benefit from additional financial support. If you already receive DLA, you don’t need to take action—your payments will automatically rise in line with the new rates.

However, if you haven’t claimed yet and believe you or your child is eligible, you should apply as soon as possible to avoid delays.

For official guidance, visit the UK Government’s DLA page or call the Disability Benefits Helpline for assistance.