Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

Caring for a child with a disability, long-term illness, or sensory impairment often involves significant extra daily costs, from specialised equipment and extra heating to tailored care. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is a tax-free benefit designed to help parents and guardians cover these additional living expenses. It is paid to support children under 16 who have care or mobility needs that are substantially higher than those of other children their age.

Key Eligibility Rules

To receive DLA for a child in 2026/27, your child must:

• Be under 16 years old.
• Require much more care, attention, or supervision than a child of the same age without a disability.
• Have had these needs for at least three months, and be expected to need them for at least another six months.
• Live in England or Wales (in Scotland, families apply for Child Disability Payment instead).

DLA is not means-tested. Your family's earnings, savings, and existing benefits do not affect entitlement.

DLA Components and Rates for 2026/27

DLA is made up of two parts: the Care Component and the Mobility Component. A child can qualify for one or both components depending on their needs.

Care Component

The care component is paid if your child needs help with personal care, dressing, washing, eating, or constant supervision to stay safe.

| Care Component Tier | Weekly Rate (2026/27) | Level of Care Required | | --- | --- | --- | | Lowest Rate | £30.30 per week | Needs extra care or help for part of the day. | | Middle Rate | £76.70 per week | Needs frequent help or supervision throughout the day OR during the night. | | Highest Rate | £114.60 per week | Needs care or supervision throughout both day AND night, or is terminally ill. |

Mobility Component

The mobility component is paid if your child has difficulty walking or getting around outdoors safely.

| Mobility Component Tier | Weekly Rate (2026/27) | Age & Mobility Qualification | | --- | --- | --- | | Lower Rate | £30.30 per week | From age 5: Needs guidance or supervision outdoors in unfamiliar places. | | Higher Rate | £80.00 per week | From age 3: Severely physically unable or virtually unable to walk. |

Extra Financial Support Unlocked by DLA

An award of DLA for your child opens doors to additional financial assistance for your family:

• Universal Credit Disabled Child Element: Worth £161.42 per month (lower rate) or £423.82 per month (higher rate).
• Carer's Allowance: You may qualify for £86.45 per week if your child receives the middle or highest care component rate.
• Exemption from the Benefit Cap and access to local council discounts.

How to Claim

To apply, complete claim form DLA1A Child. You can order a paper pack by calling the DWP helpline or download the form directly from the GOV.UK DLA for children page. Provide clear medical reports, EHCP records, and daily care examples when submitting your form.