Starting from April 7, 2025, recipients of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in the UK will see their payments increase due to a 1.7% rise in line with inflation. This adjustment will impact thousands of families who rely on these benefits to support children with disabilities.
The changes will result in higher weekly payments, with the top rates reaching up to £187.45 per week, offering some financial relief in the face of the rising cost of living.
How Much Will DLA Payments Increase?
DLA consists of two components: the Care Component, which supports those needing additional daily assistance, and the Mobility Component, which helps with travel-related costs for those with mobility difficulties.
From April 2025, the new weekly rates will be:
Care Component
- Highest Rate: £110.40 (up from £108.55)
- Middle Rate: £73.90 (up from £72.65)
- Lowest Rate: £29.20 (up from £28.70)
Mobility Component
- Higher Rate: £77.05 (up from £75.75)
- Lower Rate: £29.20 (up from £28.70)
For those who qualify for both the highest care and mobility rates, the total weekly amount will rise from £184.30 to £187.45.
This increase, though modest, is crucial for families who rely on DLA to cover essential costs, including medical needs, transport, and daily care expenses.
Who is Eligible for DLA?
DLA is a tax-free benefit specifically for children under 16 with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It helps families manage the additional costs of care and mobility support.
Children may qualify if they:
- Need more care, attention, or supervision than children of the same age without disabilities.
- Have difficulty walking or need assistance to move around safely.
- Require help with personal care, such as dressing, washing, or eating.
Once a child turns 16, they must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead, as DLA is no longer available for new adult claimants. Those already receiving DLA may be invited to transition to PIP.
How to Apply for DLA
Parents or guardians of children under 16 can apply for DLA by:
- Downloading the DLA1A Child form from the official government website.
- Filling out the form with details about the child’s condition and how it affects their daily life.
- Submitting the form by post to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
A medical assessment may be required in some cases before approval. If granted, payments are typically made every four weeks directly into a designated bank account.
How Will This Increase Help Families?
While the DLA increase is relatively small, it aligns with inflation to ensure families do not lose financial ground. For parents managing the costs of specialized care, mobility aids, or therapy sessions, even minor increases can make a difference.
Emma Richards, a mother of a child with cerebral palsy, welcomed the news but emphasized the need for more substantial financial support.
Every little helps, but with rising costs of healthcare and living expenses, many families like mine are struggling,” she said.
Charities such as Scope and Contact continue to push for further increases in disability benefits, highlighting the financial strain that caring for a disabled child places on families.
How Does DLA Compare to PIP?
For those aged 16 and over, DLA is no longer available, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the primary alternative. PIP follows similar principles but has different assessment criteria and payment rates.
The 2025 increases for PIP are also set to take effect in April, with the highest weekly rate for PIP reaching £184.30. You can check your eligibility and apply through the UK Government’s PIP page.
Other Benefits That May Increase
Alongside DLA and PIP, several other government benefits will rise in April 2025, including:
- Universal Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Carer’s Allowance
Conclusion
The upcoming increase in DLA payments offers a slight but necessary boost for families supporting disabled children. While some argue that the rise does not go far enough, it provides some relief at a time when the cost of living continues to climb.
If you are a parent or guardian of a child with a disability, check if you are eligible for DLA and apply as soon as possible. Every additional support can make a difference in providing the best care for your child.
Pankaj Kumar is a journalist at Chandigarh X, covering admit cards, recruitment, and government schemes. His articles provide readers with detailed insights into application processes, eligibility, and exam updates.
Outside of work, Pankaj enjoys traveling, fitness, and cricket, often participating in local matches on weekends.