Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Benefits

Page Updated: 9th September 2020

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax free, social security benefit for children and young people up to 16 with an illness or disability. It is not dependent on your household income but only on your child’s needs.

To get DLA, your child must need significantly more help or looking after than another child of the same age who doesn’t have any special needs.

• Anyone over 16 must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of DLA.

• DLA is paid at different rates depending on the level of help the person needs. It is made up of two parts – the care component and the mobility component. Your child might qualify for one or both of these.

• You must tell the Department for Work and Pensions if your circumstances change, eg your condition improves or you need more help.

• Please check GOV.UK website for more information as this is subject to change.

• Reaching Families are an independent charity based in West Sussex and they have a Benefits Advice Service that you can contact. They have factsheets, tips for claiming, and deliver training on how to apply. They also signpost to other places that can support in this area.

• Contact for families of disabled children also have detailed information on DLA on their website as well as Tips on completing the Disability Living Allowance form

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