Navigating the complexities of raising a child with additional needs can be overwhelming, especially when you discover that financial support might be available but you’re not aware of it. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit designed to help cover the extra costs that come with caring for a child with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware that they can claim DLA, often missing out on valuable support.

This article is co-written by Dean Morgan from Grey Matters Consultancy Cardiff, Dean’s daughter has Type 1 Diabetes and his expertise comes from careers as a frontline home care worker, Head of Qualifications within Health and Social Care qualifications in Wales and social care. He uses his extensive experience to support families through services like helping them claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

In this Article

• What is DLA?
• DLA rates
• How is DLA Paid?
• Common Misconceptions About DLA
• Is My Child Eligible for DLA?
• Understanding the Components
• How to Claim DLA
• Tips for Filling in DLA Forms
• Where to Get Help
• Extra Help
• What Happens When My Child Reaches 16?
• Real-Life Impact
• Conclusion
• About the Author
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is DLA?

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit available to children under the age of 16 who have care or mobility needs due to a disability or health condition. It’s intended to help with the extra costs of looking after a child who requires more care, supervision, or assistance with mobility than a child of the same age without a disability.

In Scotland, Child Disability Payment replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and young people.

DLA (and in Scotland CDP) is divided into two components:

• Care Component: For children who need extra help with personal care or supervision
• Mobility Component: For children who have difficulty walking or need guidance when outdoors

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DLA Rates

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and in Scotland Child Disability Payment (CDP) is made up of 2 components (parts). The child might qualify for one or both components. These rates are correct as of January 2024, we will update this article if there are changes.

Care Component

Care Component	Weekly Rate
Lowest	£28.70
Middle	£72.65
Highest	108.55

Mobility Component

Mobility Component	Weekly Rate
Lower	£28.70
Higher	£75.75

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How is DLA Paid?

DLA is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Tuesday.

If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid before the bank holiday. After that you’ll continue to get paid as normal. All benefits are paid into your bank or building society account.

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Common Misconceptions About DLA

One of the biggest barriers to claiming DLA is the lack of awareness and the misconceptions surrounding it. Many parents believe that their child must have a visible or severe disability to qualify. However, DLA is based on the impact a condition has on a child’s daily life, not solely the condition itself. This means children with a wide range of conditions, including less visible disabilities or long-term illnesses, might be eligible.

Another misconception is that the application process is too complicated or that it’s unlikely to be successful. While the process can seem daunting, many resources are available to help parents through it, and it’s well worth pursuing if you believe your child may qualify.

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Is My Child Eligible for DLA?

Eligibility for DLA focuses on the extra care and supervision your child needs. You should consider applying if your child:

• Needs significantly more care, attention, or supervision than other children of the same age.
• Has difficulty walking or needs help moving around.

The care component is divided into three rates (lowest, middle, and highest), depending on the level of care needed. The mobility component has two rates (lower and higher), based on the child’s mobility challenges.

Many conditions can qualify a child for DLA, including autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and chronic illnesses like asthma or diabetes. It’s not the condition itself but the extra care needs that determine eligibility.

Usually, to qualify for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children the child must:

• be under 16
• need extra looking after or have walking difficulties
• have lived in Great Britain for at least 13 weeks, if under 6 months old
• have lived in Great Britain for at least 26 of the last 156 weeks, if aged between 6 months and 3 years old
• have lived in Great Britain for at least 6 of the last 12 months, if over 3 years old
• live in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands
• not be subject to immigration control

Understanding the Components

Care Component

The rate the child gets depends on the level of looking after they need, for example:

• lowest rate – help for some of the day
• middle rate – frequent help or constant supervision during the day, supervision at night or someone to help while they’re on dialysis
• highest rate – help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said they might have 12 months or less to live

Mobility Component

The rate the child gets depends on the level of help they need getting about, for example:

• lowest rate – they can walk but need help and or supervision when outdoors
• highest rate – they cannot walk, can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort, could become very ill if they try to walk or they’re blind or severely sight impaired

There are also age limits to receiving the mobility component:

• lowest rate – the child must be 5 years or over
• highest rate – the child must be 3 years or over

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How to Claim DLA

To apply for DLA, you need to complete the DLA form. The form will ask detailed questions about your child’s condition and the impact it has on their daily life. While filling out the form can be time-consuming, it’s important to provide as much detail as possible.

In England and Wales, you can get DLA forms here on the government website.

In Northern Ireland, you can download a DLA claim form from this webpage, or contact the Disability and Carers Service or your local Jobs and Benefits office.

In Scotland, Child Disability Payment replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and young people, and you can apply online here.

The process can seem complex, and many parents find it helpful to talk to someone who can guide them through the application. This could be a professional service, like Grey Matters Consultancy, or free resources such as Citizens Advice.

Claiming DLA can provide significant financial relief, easing the burden of additional costs such as specialist equipment, therapies, or even travel expenses for medical appointments. This financial support can make a meaningful difference in a family’s quality of life.

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Tips for Filling in DLA Forms

Here are some helpful tips for completing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) forms for children. These tips aim to make the process less daunting and ensure that you provide accurate, detailed information to support your application.

1. Gather All Necessary Information Before Starting

• Medical Records: Obtain copies of reports from doctors, therapists, or specialists involved in your child’s care.
• School Reports: Include any relevant educational assessments, Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or Individual Education Plans (IEPs) if applicable.
• Diary: Keep a diary of your child’s daily care needs for a week or two to highlight the extra care they require.

2. Be Specific About Your Child’s Needs

• Detail the Extra Support: Clearly explain how your child’s needs differ from a child of the same age without their condition.
• Use Examples: Provide real-life examples of how their condition affects their daily activities, such as dressing, eating, mobility, or communication.
• Time Estimates: Break down how much time you spend providing care or supervision.

3. Use Clear and Simple Language

• Avoid medical jargon unless necessary. Use plain language to explain your child’s condition and needs.
• Example: Instead of saying “requires OT intervention for gross motor skills,” you could say, “needs help with activities like using stairs or balancing.”

4. Complete All Sections Thoroughly

• Don’t leave sections blank, even if you feel they’re not relevant. Write “Not applicable” or explain why the section doesn’t apply.
• For open-ended questions, write as much detail as possible.

5. Focus on Care and Mobility Needs

Care Component:

• Highlight how much help your child needs with daily tasks like eating, bathing, or dressing.
• Include information on emotional or behavioral support, such as calming them during anxiety attacks.

Mobility Component:

• Describe any difficulties with walking, such as pain, fatigue, or balance issues.
• If they have a hidden disability (e.g., autism or ADHD), explain how it affects their ability to travel safely.

6. Include Supporting Evidence

• Attach letters or reports from healthcare professionals, teachers, or caregivers that support your statements.
• If possible, request letters that specifically detail the challenges your child faces in relation to their condition.

7. Avoid Downplaying Your Child’s Needs

• Be honest about the challenges you face as a caregiver and the level of support your child requires.
• It’s common for parents to minimise issues because they’ve adapted to them, but remember the form is about your child’s needs compared to a typical child.

8. Double-Check the Form

• Review the form to ensure you haven’t missed any details.
• Check that you’ve included all supporting documents and evidence.
• Consider asking a trusted friend, relative, or professional to review your answers.

9. Keep Copies of Everything

• Photocopy the completed form and all attachments before sending it. This can be helpful if you need to appeal or reapply in the future.

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Where to Get Help

Navigating the DLA application can feel overwhelming, but several resources can provide support:

• Charities/Support Groups: Organizations like Citizens Advice, Scope, or Contact can provide assistance in completing the form.
• Parent Forums: Online communities may offer advice or tips from parents who’ve been through the process.
• Local Charities and Support Groups: Many organisations offer assistance to parents of children with disabilities.
• Professional Services: While there are free resources available, some parents prefer the help of specialised services to ensure their application is as strong as possible.

Grey Matters provide a service to help parents navigate the DLA application process, offering personalised support to increase the chances of a successful claim. However, we always encourage parents to explore all available options, including free resources.

Extra Help

You might qualify for Carer’s Allowance if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a child who gets the middle or highest care rate of DLA.

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What Happens When My Child Reaches 16?

Your child will need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) when they turn 16.

Your child will get a letter inviting them to apply for PIP. The letter will be sent:

• shortly after their 16th birthday
• when they leave hospital, if they were in hospital on their 16th birthday
• about 20 weeks before their DLA award ends, if they were awarded DLA under special rules for people who might have 12 months or less to live

Your child’s DLA payments will stop unless they apply for PIP by the date given in the letter. If they apply by the date given in the letter, they’ll continue to receive DLA until their claim is assessed.

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Real-Life Impact

Dean’s own daughter was diagnosed at 5 years of age (now 7 years old) with Type 1 Diabetes, a life-changing condition. Whilst the devices and medication are thankfully funded by the NHS to enable her to live a healthy life, the additional costs of Type 1 Diabetes soon add up. 

There are pieces of clothing and/or accessories that hold devices steady and comfortably throughout the day and night. Large adhesive plasters that hold sensor devices onto skin whilst remaining active. Replacement items, batteries, books, apps. The list goes on. It’s these kinds of costs that people don’t think about, and it’s these kinds of costs that financial support – such as DLA – is there to help with, to enable children to live as full a life as those without disability. Parents shouldn’t have to struggle on and go without; this money is there to help them. DLA can provide not just financial relief but also emotional support, knowing that you have assistance to meet your child’s needs. 

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Conclusion

Disability Living Allowance can be a crucial support for families with children who have additional needs. If you think your child might be eligible, don’t hesitate to explore this option. Many children qualify long before their parents become aware of DLA, so raising awareness is key.

Remember, help is available, whether through Citizens Advice, local charities, or professional services like ours. Don’t let misconceptions or the fear of a complex application process prevent you from seeking the support your child might be entitled to.

For more information, you can visit the official government website or reach out to local support organisations.

About the Authors

Dean began his career as a frontline home care worker before quickly advancing to Deputy Manager at two care homes. He later became Head of Qualifications for a City & Guilds-acclaimed company, where he played a key role in introducing new Health and Social Care qualifications in Wales.

Now back in social care, Dean leads an award-winning team at a local home care provider, recognised for their innovative approach. Alongside his Associate Director role, Dean manages Grey Matters Consultancy Cardiff, where he continues to use his extensive experience to support families through services like helping them claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Whether it’s offering personalised advice or guiding parents through the application process, Dean and the team at Grey Matters Consultancy Cardiff are here to help make navigating DLA easier.

At Grey Matters Consultancy Cardiff, we’re dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of families navigating the complexities of health and social care. Dean, Managing Director of Grey Matters Consultancy Cardiff, brings over 12 years of hands-on experience in this field, making him a valuable ally for parents seeking guidance and support.

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Sam Cleasby is a disabled woman and an award winning disability advocate and activist, she has worked for Scope, the BBC and has been a blogger, writer and public speaker about disability and accessibility for over 12 years. She was on the Shaw trust Power 100 most influential disabled people in the UK in 2018 and shortlisted in 2024. She now works for Purpl creating content, social media and marketing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find what I may be entitled to?

You can use the Turn2Us Benefits Calculator here

My child has Autism, but no mobility issues, can they get DLA?

Many parents believe that their child must have a visible or severe disability to qualify. However, DLA is based on the impact a condition has on a child’s daily life, not solely the condition itself. This means children with a wide range of conditions, including less visible disabilities or long-term illnesses, might be eligible.

Where do I get the DLA forms from?

In England and Wales, you can get DLA forms here on the government website. In Northern Ireland, you can download a DLA claim form from this webpage, or contact the Disability and Carers Service or your local Jobs and Benefits office. And in Scotland, Child Disability Payment replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and young people, and you can apply online here.

What happens when my child reaches 16?

Your child will need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) when they turn 16.

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