DLA for Children Guide UK (Disability Living Allowance, Rates 2026)

What Is Disability Living Allowance for Children

DLA for children is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit designed to help parents meet the extra costs of raising a disabled or seriously ill child. It is not affected by your income, savings, or employment status. The benefit is paid directly to the person caring for the child (usually the parent or guardian). DLA is made up of two parts: the care component (for help with personal care, supervision, or watching over a child who needs attention) and the mobility component (for children who have walking difficulties or need someone with them outdoors). A child can get one or both components depending on their needs. The care needs must be substantially greater than those of a non-disabled child of the same age — this is known as the "excess care needs" test. For babies under 6 months, special rules apply. For children aged 6 months to 3 years, only the care component is available. The mobility component becomes available from age 3. DLA is not just for physical disabilities — children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, behavioural conditions, or mental health conditions can also qualify if their needs meet the threshold.

Care Component Rates 2026

The DLA care component has three rates for 2026/27, reflecting the level of care or supervision the child needs during the day and night:

• Lowest rate: £28.70 per week — if the child needs some help with personal care during the day, or needs someone to watch over them for a significant part of the day (for example, a child with epilepsy or behavioural needs who cannot be left alone).
• Middle rate: £72.65 per week — if the child needs frequent help with personal care throughout the day (at least 3 times) or prolonged attention during the night (at least 1–2 times), or a combination of day and night needs. This is the most common rate awarded.
• Highest rate: £108.55 per week — if the child needs help or supervision during both the day and the night, or if they are terminally ill.

The care component is based on the nature, frequency, and duration of care needed compared to a child of the same age without a disability. Keep a diary of your child's daily needs to support your claim. See our Attendance Allowance guide → for the equivalent benefit for over-65s.

Mobility Component Rates 2026

The DLA mobility component has two rates available from age 3:

• Lower rate: £28.70 per week — if the child can walk but needs guidance or supervision from another person when outdoors in unfamiliar places. This applies to children with learning disabilities, autism, visual impairments, or conditions that make it unsafe for them to go out alone.
• Higher rate: £75.75 per week — if the child is unable to walk, or virtually unable to walk (for example, cannot walk more than a few metres without severe discomfort), or has had both legs amputated, or is severely visually impaired. The higher rate can also be paid if the child is severely mentally impaired and has severe behavioural problems.

If your child receives the higher rate mobility component, you may be eligible for the Motability Scheme, which allows you to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using your DLA mobility payment. You may also qualify for a blue badge and free vehicle tax. The lower rate mobility component does not qualify for Motability but does support the extra costs of accompanying your child outdoors. Use our PIP guide → to understand how mobility needs are assessed for over-16s.

How to Apply for DLA for Your Child

You apply for DLA for your child by completing a paper form — the DLA Child form (available from gov.uk or by calling 0800 121 4600). There is no online option. The form is long and detailed, so allow several hours to complete it thoroughly. Key tips: describe your child's worst days and the care they need on a bad day; include night-time needs (settling, waking, toileting, supervision); compare your child's needs to a non-disabled child of the same age; use a diary to record care for 1–2 weeks before filling in the form; explain any safety risks if care is not provided; and include supporting letters from your GP, paediatrician, health visitor, school nurse, or teacher. If your child is terminally ill, use the Special Rules process for fast-track claims. Send the completed form to: Freepost DWP DLA Child. You can also get help from a welfare rights service, Citizens Advice, or a disability charity such as Contact or Scope. Processing takes 6–12 weeks on average. Awards are often given for fixed periods (1–5 years), and the DWP will invite you to renew before the award ends. If your child's needs change, report this to the DWP immediately.

What Happens When Your Child Turns 16 (PIP Transition)

When your child reaches age 16, their DLA award ends and they must claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. The DWP usually writes to the family about 6 months before the 16th birthday to explain the transition. Your child must make a new PIP claim — the DLA does not automatically convert to PIP. The PIP assessment uses different criteria, including a points-based system for daily living and mobility activities. Some children who received the middle or highest rate care component of DLA may not qualify for PIP, while others may qualify for more. Prepare by: gathering recent medical evidence, understanding the PIP assessment criteria, helping your child prepare for a possible face-to-face or phone assessment, and appealing if refused (see our Benefit Appeals guide →). If the child is in full-time further education or training, their PIP award is not affected by student status in the way Universal Credit would be. Transitioning early (between 16 and 18) is encouraged so there is no gap in support. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), share this as evidence with the PIP assessor.

DLA and Other Benefits for Your Family

Receiving DLA for your child can unlock or increase other benefits. If your child gets the middle or highest rate care component, you may qualify for Carer's Allowance if you care for them at least 35 hours per week. DLA also triggers the disabled child element in Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, adding up to £315.60 per month (2026/27) to your award plus a severely disabled child addition of up to £487.59 per month if the child gets the highest rate care component. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction may also include increased amounts for a disabled child. The higher rate mobility component qualifies you for the Motability Scheme and a blue badge. DLA itself is not counted as income for means-tested benefits, so it will not reduce your Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or other support. If your child's DLA award includes the higher rate care component, you may also be eligible for the Disabled Facilities Grant for home adaptations. Contact Contact (formerly Contact a Family) for specialist advice on disability benefits for children.

FAQs

Can I claim DLA for a child with autism?

Yes. Many children with autism receive DLA, especially for supervision needs and behavioural support. The key is to show that your child needs substantially more care or supervision than a non-autistic child of the same age, both during the day and at night.

Does DLA affect my other benefits?

DLA is not counted as income for means-tested benefits and will not reduce your Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Tax Credits. It can actually increase the amounts you receive through disability premiums and elements.

How long does DLA last for a child?

Awards are usually given for a fixed period — commonly 1 to 5 years — depending on the stability of the child's condition. The DWP will write to you before the award ends to invite a renewal application. Some children with lifelong conditions get indefinite awards.

What if my child's DLA claim is refused?

You can request a mandatory reconsideration within 1 month of the decision. If that fails, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. Around 65% of DLA child appeals succeed. Contact a welfare rights adviser or Citizens Advice for help with the appeal. See our Benefit Appeals guide for the full process.

Can my child get DLA and PIP at the same time?

No — DLA stops at age 16 and is replaced by PIP. The DWP will contact you before your child's 16th birthday. Do not wait for them — you can proactively claim PIP from 6 months before the 16th birthday to avoid a gap in payments.