Who can get DLA for a child?

A child under 16 living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland who needs much more day-to-day care or supervision than a child of the same age, or who has difficulty getting around. The child usually needs to have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and be expected to have them for at least 6 more. In Scotland, children claim Child Disability Payment instead.

The care part has three rates and the mobility part has two. The amounts are set each year and change every April, so always check GOV.UK for the current figures. Our "What is DLA" page explains what each rate is for.

DLA for children

A plain-English guide to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16, explained simply and linked to the official sources. It covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, children claim Child Disability Payment instead.

Reviewed by SENlens. Last reviewed June 2026. Checked against GOV.UK, Citizens Advice, Contact and Cerebra.

Check if your child may qualify

What is DLA for children?

The care and mobility parts, the rates, and the difference between DLA and PIP.

How to claim DLA

The claim form, why phoning first can matter, what to write, and how to challenge a decision.

DLA questions and myths

Do you need a diagnosis? Is it means-tested? Common questions answered.

Frequently asked questions

What is DLA for children?: Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit for children under 16 who need much more help with everyday care, or with getting around, than other children their age. It has a care part and a mobility part. It is tax-free and is not means-tested.
Who can get DLA for a child?: A child under 16 living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland who needs much more day-to-day care or supervision than a child of the same age, or who has difficulty getting around. The child usually needs to have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and be expected to have them for at least 6 more. In Scotland, children claim Child Disability Payment instead.
How much is DLA?: The care part has three rates and the mobility part has two. The amounts are set each year and change every April, so always check GOV.UK for the current figures. Our "What is DLA" page explains what each rate is for.

More questions and common myths are answered on the DLA questions page.

Common DLA myths

Do I need a diagnosis to claim DLA?

No. DLA is based on the help your child needs, not on a particular condition. You can claim while you are waiting for, or without, a diagnosis. Supporting evidence can help, but it is not required.

Is DLA means-tested?

No. DLA does not depend on your income or savings, and it is not taxable. Getting it does not reduce your other benefits, and can increase them.

Do I need an EHCP first, or DLA before an EHCP?

No. DLA and EHCPs are separate. One is not needed for the other, although each can be useful supporting evidence.

Does my child have to be on medication?

No. There is no requirement to be on medication or to have any particular condition. What matters is the level of extra care or supervision your child needs.

Living in Scotland?

Children in Scotland do not claim DLA. They claim Child Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland, which works in a similar way with a care part and a mobility part.