Sarah Morgan sits at her kitchen table, sorting through a stack of papers while her seven-year-old son, Jacob, plays nearby. The soft humming sounds he makes are part of the familiar rhythms of their household. Jacob was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder shortly after his third birthday, and since then, life has been a carefully balanced routine.
“The day we received Jacob’s diagnosis was overwhelming,” Sarah recalls, straightening printouts about Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children. “But equally overwhelming was figuring out what support was available and how to access it. The DLA has been a lifeline for us, helping with everything from specialized sensory toys to additional heating costs because Jacob struggles to regulate his temperature.”
Across the United Kingdom, thousands of families rely on DLA for children, a benefit designed to help with the additional costs of raising a child with a disability or health condition. As we move into 2025, understanding the updated rates, eligibility criteria, and application process is crucial for families navigating the complex landscape of disability support.
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Understanding Disability Living Allowance for Children
Before diving into the 2025 rates and application process, it’s important to understand what DLA for children is and who qualifies for it.
What is DLA for Children?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is a tax-free benefit provided by the UK government to help with the extra costs of caring for a child who has difficulties walking or requires additional care and supervision compared to children of the same age without disabilities.
Unlike many other benefits, DLA is:
- Not means-tested (your income and savings don’t affect eligibility)
- Not affected by other benefits you might receive
- Paid regardless of employment status
- Designed to help with additional costs, rather than replace other income
Mark Donovan, a welfare rights advisor with fifteen years of experience, explains: “DLA recognizes that raising a child with a disability brings additional costs. These might be obvious expenses like specialized equipment or therapy, or less visible costs like increased heating bills, dietary needs, or extra laundry.”
Who Can Claim DLA for Children?
DLA for children is available for those who:
- Are under 16 years old
- Have difficulty walking or need significantly more care and supervision than other children their age
- Have had these difficulties for at least three months and expect them to continue for at least six more months (except in terminal illness cases)
- Meet residence and presence requirements (typically meaning they live in Great Britain)
It’s important to note that from age 16, young people must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of DLA, which has different assessment criteria.
“One common misconception is that a formal diagnosis is required to claim DLA,” says Emma Williams, whose daughter has a rare genetic condition. “We applied while still in the diagnostic process. The focus is on the child’s needs, not the medical label attached to their condition.”
DLA Rates for Children in 2025
DLA consists of two components:
- Care Component – For children who need extra supervision or help with personal care
- Mobility Component – For children who have difficulty walking or getting around
A child may receive one or both components depending on their needs.
Updated 2025 DLA Rates
The 2025/2026 financial year includes the following weekly DLA rate increases:
| Component | 2024/25 Rate | 2025/26 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Care Component | ||
| Lower rate | £28.70 | £29.80 |
| Middle rate | £72.65 | £75.20 |
| Higher rate | £108.55 | £112.35 |
| Mobility Component | ||
| Lower rate | £28.70 | £29.80 |
| Higher rate | £75.75 | £78.80 |
This represents a 3.5% increase from the previous year to help families keep up with rising costs.
“The rate increases might seem small, but they’re significant for families on tight budgets,” says Patricia Johnson, a single mother to 12-year-old twins, one of whom has cerebral palsy. “Every pound matters when you’re constantly replacing equipment or paying for taxis because public transport isn’t accessible.”
How to Apply for DLA in 2025
Applying for DLA requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Necessary Information
Before applying, collect:
- Your child’s NHS number
- Information about their condition and care needs
- Contact details for healthcare professionals involved in their care
- Your bank or building society details
Step 2: Get the Application Form
For 2025, you can obtain the DLA form (DLA1A Child) in three ways:
- Call the Disability Living Allowance helpline: 0800 121 4600 (textphone: 0800 121 4523)
- Download from GOV.UK
- Request a postal form online
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
The DLA form is lengthy, but these tips can improve your chances of success:
- Describe your child’s worst days to ensure assessors understand the full extent of their needs
- Use specific examples of daily challenges rather than general statements
- Compare their needs to other children of the same age
- Seek help from welfare rights advisors or disability charities if needed
Raj Patel, whose daughter has severe learning disabilities, emphasizes: “I initially filled out the form too quickly and was denied. On appeal, I included much more detail—like how she needs constant supervision because she has no sense of danger. This second application was successful.”
Step 4: Submit Supporting Evidence
While not mandatory, strong supporting evidence strengthens your claim:
- Letters from doctors, therapists, or teachers
- School reports or special educational needs statements
- Care plans and medication lists
Michael Torres, whose son has ADHD, shares: “I included a letter from my son’s occupational therapist and another from his teacher explaining his need for one-to-one support at school. These professional perspectives validated what I wrote in the application.”
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Send your completed application to the address provided on the form. Keep copies of everything you submit and consider using recorded delivery for tracking.
Managing DLA Payments
DLA can help with:
- Specialized equipment or therapy
- Transportation costs
- Extra heating and laundry expenses
- Special dietary needs
- Educational resources
Rebecca Thompson, whose son has dyspraxia, explains: “We use DLA for private occupational therapy sessions the NHS doesn’t cover and save some for future needs like driving lessons, which we expect will take longer for him due to coordination difficulties.”
Transitioning from DLA to PIP
From age 16, children receiving DLA must transition to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The process includes:
- Notification letters sent six months before their 16th birthday
- A 28-day window to start the PIP application
- Continuation of DLA payments until the PIP assessment is completed
“The transition was tougher than expected,” admits David Wilson, whose son has cerebral palsy. “Even though his needs hadn’t changed, the different assessment criteria meant we had to rethink how we explained them.”
Looking Forward
Disability Living Allowance remains a crucial support for families raising children with disabilities. The updated rates for 2025 reflect increasing living costs, while procedural improvements aim to simplify applications and renewals.
Understanding the process, gathering thorough documentation, and seeking support when needed can help ensure that families access the assistance they deserve.
FAQ:
What is the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children?
DLA for children is a tax-free benefit in the UK that helps families with the extra costs of raising a child with a disability or health condition. It provides financial support based on the child’s care and mobility needs.
Can my child receive both the care and mobility components?
Yes, a child can receive one or both components depending on their level of need.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to apply for DLA?
No, eligibility is based on the child’s care and mobility needs, not a specific diagnosis.
