If you are caring for a child with a disability or are helping someone who already receives Disability Living Allowance, understanding the application process can make claiming much easier. This guide explains who can claim Disability Living Allowance, how to apply, what evidence you need and what happens after submitting your application.
Whether you are applying for the first time or supporting a family member, this guide is designed to provide clear, accurate and trustworthy information based on current UK Government guidance.
You can apply for Disability Living Allowance for a child under the age of 16 by requesting a Disability Living Allowance claim form from the Department for Work and Pensions or by downloading one if available. Complete the form with detailed information about the child’s care and mobility needs, provide supporting medical evidence where possible, and return the completed application. Adults cannot usually make a new claim for Disability Living Allowance because it has largely been replaced by Personal Independence Payment.
Disability Living Allowance, often called DLA, is a tax free benefit that helps with the extra costs of looking after a child who has a disability or long term health condition.
For adults, new claims for Disability Living Allowance have generally been replaced by Personal Independence Payment. However, many adults still receive Disability Living Allowance if they claimed before the change or fall within specific exceptions.
The benefit is not based on income. Instead, it looks at how much extra help someone needs because of a disability or health condition.
Disability Living Allowance is made up of two parts.
Some people receive one component while others receive both depending on their circumstances.
Most new Disability Living Allowance claims are for children under the age of 16 who have additional care or mobility needs because of a disability or long term illness.
A child may qualify if they need significantly more care, supervision or help than another child of the same age without a disability.
Adults can usually only continue receiving Disability Living Allowance if they already have an existing award or meet limited special circumstances.
Receiving a diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify someone. The Department for Work and Pensions assesses how the condition affects everyday life.
To qualify, the child normally must:
The level of help required must be substantially greater than that needed by other children of the same age.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 16 |
| Residence | Usually living in the UK |
| Disability | Physical or mental condition causing additional care or mobility needs |
| Care period | Normally at least three months |
| Future need | Expected for at least six months unless terminally ill |
No.
Disability Living Allowance is not means tested.
Your household income, earnings, pensions and employment status do not affect eligibility.
This means you may qualify whether you are working full time, working part time or not working at all.
No.
Savings and investments are ignored when assessing Disability Living Allowance.
There is no upper savings limit for this benefit.
The amount depends on which component is awarded and the rate awarded.
| Level | Who may qualify |
| Lowest Rate | Help needed for part of the day |
| Middle Rate | Frequent help during the day or night |
| Highest Rate | Help needed both day and night or terminal illness rules apply |
| Level | Who may qualify |
| Lower Rate | Guidance or supervision outdoors |
| Higher Rate | Unable or virtually unable to walk or severe mobility difficulties |
Payment rates usually increase each April following Government reviews.
Payments are normally made every four weeks directly into a bank, building society or credit union account.
Applying involves several important steps.
Request a Disability Living Allowance claim pack from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Read the guidance carefully before completing the form.
Describe how the child’s disability affects everyday activities.
Include examples covering:
Explain what happens on both good days and difficult days.
Attach supporting evidence where available.
This may include reports from:
Check every answer before posting the form.
Many delays occur because forms are incomplete.
Wait for the Department for Work and Pensions to assess the application.
Additional evidence may sometimes be requested.
Providing strong supporting evidence can help decision makers understand your circumstances.
Useful documents include:
Keep copies of everything you send.
Many applications are delayed because important details are missed.
Avoid these common mistakes.
The strongest applications explain exactly what help is needed, how often it is needed and why.
| Situation | Outcome |
| Eight year old with autism requiring constant supervision outside the home | Awarded Care Component and Mobility Component after evidence from school and specialists |
| Situation | Outcome |
| Five year old with severe epilepsy needing regular monitoring day and night | Awarded higher level care support due to continuous supervision needs |
| Situation | Outcome |
| Child with significant mobility difficulties requiring assistance walking | Awarded Mobility Component following medical evidence |
These examples are illustrative only. Every application is assessed individually.
Generally no. Most adults must apply for Personal Independence Payment instead.
Yes. Disability Living Allowance is not affected by employment.
No. Income does not affect Disability Living Allowance.
No.
Yes. These benefits can often be received together if all eligibility conditions are met.
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and whether additional evidence is required.
Yes. You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration before appealing to an independent tribunal.
No. Payments are tax free.
Some awards are made for a fixed period while others may continue for longer before review.
Yes. Receiving Disability Living Allowance can increase entitlement to other benefits and support schemes.
Receiving Disability Living Allowance may increase eligibility for additional financial support.
You may also wish to explore:
| Benefit | Purpose |
| Personal Independence Payment | Disability support for most adults |
| Carer’s Allowance | Support for unpaid carers |
| Universal Credit | Help with living costs |
| Attendance Allowance | Support for older people with care needs |
| Child Benefit | Financial support for raising children |
| Disabled Facilities Grant | Help adapting a home |
| Blue Badge Scheme | Parking concessions for disabled people |
| Motability Scheme | Vehicle support through qualifying mobility awards |
The following official services provide up to date information.
Always rely on official Government information when completing a benefit application.
This article has been reviewed against current UK Government guidance relating to Disability Living Allowance, eligibility requirements, application procedures and benefit administration.
Benefit rules and payment rates may change each tax year. Individual circumstances can also affect entitlement. Always confirm the latest information using official Government guidance before making decisions about your claim.
Applying for Disability Living Allowance can feel overwhelming at first, but taking time to complete the application carefully can make a significant difference. Focus on explaining the extra care, supervision and mobility support needed every day rather than simply listing medical conditions.
Supporting evidence from healthcare professionals, schools and therapists can strengthen an application and help decision makers understand the full impact of a child’s disability.
Remember that Disability Living Allowance is designed to help families meet the additional costs associated with disability. It is not based on income or savings, meaning many families who are working are still eligible.
Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.
Information on this site is based on official UK guidance.
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