Families caring for children with disabilities often face additional financial challenges due to increased medical expenses, caregiving costs, and mobility needs. The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is a UK government benefit designed to provide financial support for families who need extra help caring for a child under 16 with a disability or health condition. This article explores the eligibility criteria, payment rates, and how to apply for DLA for children.

What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children?

The DLA for children is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning that household income and savings do not affect eligibility. It is specifically designed for children who require more care or supervision than others of the same age due to a disability or long-term health condition. The financial support is divided into two components:

1. Care Component – For children who need extra supervision or help with daily living activities.
2. Mobility Component – For children who have difficulty walking or require supervision when moving around.

This benefit helps families manage the additional costs associated with raising a child with a disability, such as specialized equipment, therapy, or caregiving support.

Eligibility Criteria for DLA

Who Can Claim?

To qualify for DLA, the child must meet the following conditions:

• Age Requirement: The child must be under 16 years old.
• Care Needs: They should require substantially more care, supervision, or support than a child of the same age without a disability.
• Mobility Difficulties: If claiming the mobility component, the child must have difficulty walking or require guidance when outdoors.
• Condition Duration: The condition must have lasted at least three months and be expected to continue for at least six more months (except for terminal illnesses, where different rules apply).
• Residency Requirement: The child must be living in Great Britain and have been a resident for at least two of the last three years (if over three years old). They must not be subject to immigration control.

DLA Payment Rates

DLA payments are made weekly and consist of two components: Care Component and Mobility Component. The rate awarded depends on the severity of the child’s condition and the level of support required.

1. Care Component

This is for children who need additional help with daily activities such as eating, dressing, bathing, or requiring constant supervision to stay safe.

Rate	Weekly Payment (2024/25)	Who Qualifies?
Lowest	£24.45	Needs extra help for some parts of the day
Middle	£61.85	Requires frequent care during the day OR night
Highest	£92.40	Needs constant supervision both day and night OR is terminally ill

2. Mobility Component

This applies to children who have walking difficulties or need supervision while moving around.

Rate	Weekly Payment (2024/25)	Who Qualifies?
Lower	£24.45	Needs guidance when walking outdoors
Higher	£64.50	Unable to walk, experiences severe discomfort, or has a severe visual impairment

How to Apply for DLA

Applying for DLA for children involves completing an application form detailing the child’s condition, care needs, and mobility issues.

Steps to Apply:

1. Get the Application Form:
   • Download the form from the UK Government website: gov.uk/dla-child/how-to-claim.
   • Request a paper form by calling the DLA helpline: 0800 121 4600.
2. Fill Out the Form Carefully:
   • Provide detailed information about how the child’s condition affects their daily life.
   • Include supporting documents like medical reports, therapist notes, and care assessments.
3. Submit the Form:
   • Send the completed application to the Disability Benefit Centre at the address provided on the form.
4. Wait for a Decision:
   • The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will assess the claim. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks.
5. Receiving Payments:
   • If approved, payments will be made every four weeks directly into the claimant’s bank account.

If the claim is rejected, parents have the right to request a Mandatory Reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal the decision.

DLA in Scotland: Child Disability Payment

If the child lives in Scotland, DLA for children has been replaced by the Child Disability Payment (CDP). Families already receiving DLA in Scotland are being transferred to CDP automatically.

Impact of DLA on Other Benefits

Receiving DLA can increase entitlement to other financial support, such as:

• Universal Credit (UC) – Additional disability elements may be added.
• Carer’s Allowance – Parents or guardians who spend at least 35 hours per week caring for the child may qualify (gov.uk/carers-allowance).
• Tax Credits & Housing Benefit – Families receiving DLA may be eligible for additional financial support.

Conclusion

The Disability Living Allowance for children is a crucial financial aid for families caring for a child with a disability. Understanding the eligibility criteria, payment rates, and application process ensures that families receive the support they need. If you think your child may qualify, applying as soon as possible can help ease financial stress and provide much-needed assistance.