What is DLA for children?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 who have a physical or mental health condition or disability that means they need extra care or have difficulty getting around compared to a child of the same age without a disability. DLA has been replaced by PIP for adults, but it remains the main disability benefit for children. DLA has two components. The care component is for children who need more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability — it is paid at three rates: lower (up to £28.70/week), middle (up to £72.65/week), and higher (up to £108.55/week). The mobility component is for children aged 3 or over who have difficulty walking or need guidance and supervision outdoors — it is paid at two rates: lower (up to £28.70/week) and higher (up to £75.75/week). DLA is not means-tested, so your family's income, savings, and employment have no effect on eligibility. The child's condition must have affected them for at least 3 months and be expected to continue for at least 6 more months (unless the child is terminally ill, in which case there is no waiting period). The benefit can be claimed for a wide range of conditions, including physical disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies, and mental health conditions.
How to claim: the DLA1 child form
To claim DLA for a child, the first step is to complete the DLA1 child claim form. You can request this by calling the DLA helpline on 0800 121 4600 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or download it from GOV.UK. Your claim date is usually set as the date you request the form, so call as soon as you decide to claim. The form is lengthy — approximately 40 pages — and asks detailed questions about how your child's condition affects their daily life compared to other children of the same age. For each question, describe what your child cannot do, what they need help with, and how this differs from a child without their condition. Be specific about frequency ("approximately 3 to 4 times per day"), duration ("takes around 20 minutes"), and consequences ("without supervision, they would be at risk of injury"). The key comparison is always with a child of the same age without a disability. For example, most 3-year-olds need help getting dressed — so simply saying your 3-year-old needs help with dressing is not enough. Explain what extra help they need and why. Perhaps they need constant reassurance, resist the process violently due to sensory sensitivities, or cannot cooperate at all due to their condition. The more specific you can be, the stronger your claim.
Gathering evidence to support your claim
While you are not required to provide medical evidence with your DLA claim form, doing so can significantly strengthen your application. The DWP will usually contact your child's GP or other health professionals for information, but providing your own evidence ensures the decision-maker has a complete picture. Valuable evidence includes: a letter from your child's GP, paediatrician, or consultant describing their condition and its impact on daily life; educational psychologist reports; school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) reports or EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) documentation; occupational therapy or physiotherapy assessments; speech and language therapy reports; CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) reports; and any social care assessments. A diary of your child's typical day — or better yet, a week — can provide powerful evidence. Record what help your child needed, how long activities took, what behavioural challenges occurred, what supervision was required, and how their needs differ from those of other children the same age. Letters from teachers, teaching assistants, childminders, or other adults who regularly see your child can also provide valuable independent evidence about their needs.
After you claim: decision and review
After you submit the DLA1 form, the DWP will review your application and may request additional medical evidence from your child's health professionals. Most DLA claims for children are decided on paper evidence without a face-to-face assessment — this is different from the PIP process for adults. A decision is typically made within 8 to 12 weeks. You will receive a letter explaining whether DLA has been awarded, at which rates, and for how long. Awards are usually made for a fixed period (often 2 to 5 years, depending on the child's condition and expected prognosis), though some awards are made until the child turns 16. If your child is awarded DLA, this can unlock additional support for your family. The middle or higher rate care component may enable you (or another carer) to claim Carer's Allowance. The higher rate mobility component can provide access to a Blue Badge and the Motability Scheme. DLA can also increase your family's entitlement to Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction through disabled child premiums. When your child approaches 16, they will be invited to claim PIP as a replacement for DLA.
Related Benefit Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim DLA if my child has a mental health condition or learning disability?
What happens to DLA when my child turns 16?
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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.