Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a non-means-tested benefit that helps families with the extra costs of caring for a disabled child under 16. It has two components:

• Care Component: For children who need extra personal care or supervision (3 rates: lowest, middle, highest)
• Mobility Component: For children with walking difficulties (2 rates: lower from age 5, higher from age 3)

Note: You can claim both components if your child qualifies for each. No diagnosis is required, but evidence of needs is essential.

Eligibility:

• Child is under 16 years old
• Lives in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland (Scotland uses Child Disability Payment)
• Needs substantially more care or supervision than other children their age
• Has had these needs for at least 3 months and expected to last at least 6 months

Terminally ill children qualify immediately under special rules with no time limits.

Rates are approximate and subject to annual review.