Disability Living Allowance (DLA) remains an important benefit for many families across the UK. Understanding who can claim, how much can be paid and how the application process works can help ensure you receive the support you are entitled to.
This guide explains everything you need to know about how to claim Disability Living Allowance in 2026, including eligibility requirements, payment rates, application steps, supporting evidence and common pitfalls to avoid.
Disability Living Allowance is generally available for children under 16 who have care or mobility needs because of a disability or health condition. Most adults can no longer make new claims for DLA and instead claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). To claim DLA for a child, you must complete a Disability Living Allowance claim form, provide supporting medical evidence and submit the application to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Disability Living Allowance is a non means tested benefit that helps with the extra costs associated with a disability or long term health condition.
It is designed to support people who need:
DLA consists of two separate components:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Care Component | Helps with personal care and supervision needs |
| Mobility Component | Helps with mobility difficulties and getting around |
A claimant may receive one component or both, depending on their circumstances.
Most new Disability Living Allowance claims are now limited to children under the age of 16.
You may be able to claim DLA if:
Some adults continue to receive DLA if they were awarded it before the introduction of Personal Independence Payment.
To qualify for DLA, a child must need substantially more care, supervision or mobility assistance than a child of the same age without a disability.
The DWP assesses:
Examples include:
| Condition | May Qualify |
|---|---|
| Autism | Yes |
| ADHD | Yes |
| Cerebral Palsy | Yes |
| Epilepsy | Yes |
| Severe Asthma | Yes |
| Visual Impairment | Yes |
| Hearing Impairment | Yes |
| Diabetes requiring supervision | Potentially |
Having a diagnosis alone does not automatically result in an award.
The DWP focuses on how the condition affects daily life.
No.
Disability Living Allowance is not means tested.
This means:
Whether parents earn a low income or a high income does not normally impact a child’s DLA entitlement.
| Income Level | DLA Affected? |
|---|---|
| No income | No |
| Part time employment | No |
| Full time employment | No |
| High income household | No |
No.
There is no savings limit for Disability Living Allowance.
Unlike some benefits, DLA does not take account of:
| Savings Amount | DLA Affected? |
|---|---|
| £500 | No |
| £5,000 | No |
| £20,000 | No |
| £100,000+ | No |
DLA rates are reviewed annually by the Government.
The amount awarded depends on:
| Rate | Circumstances |
|---|---|
| Lowest | Some help with personal care |
| Middle | Frequent help or supervision |
| Highest | Help needed throughout day and night |
| Rate | Circumstances |
|---|---|
| Lower | Guidance or supervision outdoors |
| Higher | Severe mobility difficulties |
Because benefit rates can change each tax year, always check the latest DWP rates before calculating entitlement.
Receiving DLA may also increase entitlement to:
Applying correctly can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful claim.
Request a DLA child claim form from the DWP or download the relevant application materials.
Provide detailed information about:
Always explain the child’s worst days rather than their best days.
Evidence may include:
Check:
Keep copies of everything submitted.
The DWP may:
Strong evidence can greatly strengthen an application.
Useful documents include:
| Evidence Type | Helpful For |
|---|---|
| GP letters | Medical history |
| Consultant reports | Specialist evidence |
| Hospital records | Treatment history |
| School reports | Educational impact |
| Care plans | Daily support needs |
| Occupational therapy reports | Functional difficulties |
| Educational Health Care Plans | Additional support requirements |
Do not assume the DWP will automatically obtain all relevant evidence.
Providing supporting documentation from the start can help avoid delays.
Many applications are unsuccessful because important information is missing.
Common mistakes include:
Parents often focus on what a child can do rather than the support they require.
Use real life examples that demonstrate daily challenges.
Medical and educational evidence can be extremely important.
Take time to complete the form thoroughly.
Night time supervision can be highly relevant when assessing care needs.
If a child requires monitoring to prevent harm, explain this clearly.
Situation
An 8 year old child with autism requires constant supervision outside the home and additional support with daily routines.
Outcome
The child may qualify for both care and mobility components.
Situation
A child experiences frequent seizures and requires supervision throughout the day and during the night.
Outcome
The child may qualify for a higher level of care support.
Situation
A child struggles to walk independently due to a long term condition.
Outcome
The child may qualify for the mobility component.
Generally no. Most adults must claim Personal Independence Payment instead.
Yes. DLA can often be received alongside Universal Credit.
No. Child Benefit is not affected by DLA entitlement.
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the claim and supporting evidence.
No. Disability Living Allowance is tax free.
In some circumstances payments may be made from the start of the claim period.
Yes. You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration and then appeal if necessary.
Yes. Some children with ADHD qualify if they require significantly more supervision than other children of the same age.
Not always. The impact of the condition is often more important than the diagnosis itself.
Yes. DLA may increase entitlement to other forms of financial support.
The DWP will usually invite them to claim Personal Independence Payment.
Many families qualify for additional support.
These may include:
| Benefit Or Support | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Personal Independence Payment | Disability support for working age adults |
| Universal Credit | Income related support |
| Carer’s Allowance | Support for unpaid carers |
| Attendance Allowance | Support for older people with care needs |
| Housing Benefit | Help with rent |
| Council Tax Reduction | Help with council tax |
| Disabled Facilities Grants | Home adaptations |
| Motability Scheme | Accessible transport support |
Useful resources include:
Always ensure information comes from official and reputable sources.
This article has been reviewed against current UK Government guidance relating to Disability Living Allowance, eligibility criteria, child disability benefits and associated welfare support available across the United Kingdom.
Benefit rules, payment rates and eligibility conditions can change. Readers should always verify the latest information through official Government sources before submitting an application.
Understanding how to claim Disability Living Allowance in 2026 can help families access valuable financial support for children with disabilities or long term health conditions. Although most adults now claim Personal Independence Payment instead, Disability Living Allowance remains an important benefit for eligible children who require additional care or mobility support.
The key to a successful claim is providing detailed information about how a condition affects daily life, including practical examples and supporting evidence from healthcare professionals, schools and care providers. Taking time to complete the application thoroughly can improve the chances of receiving the correct award.
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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