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GrantEnglandWalesNorthern Ireland

Disability Living Allowance for Children

Department for Work and Pensions (Department for Communities in Northern Ireland)

Description

Tax-free benefit for children under 16 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who need more looking after or have more difficulty getting around than a child of the same age without a disability or long-term health condition. Claimed by a parent or guardian on the child's behalf.

Amount

Care component: £30.30/week (lowest), £76.70/week (middle), £114.60/week (highest). Mobility component (from age 3, or younger with certain conditions): £30.30/week (lower) or £80.00/week (higher) — 2026/27 rates, verified against the official DWP benefit and pension rates table

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: England, Wales, Northern Ireland.
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
  • Relevant age groups: under 18.
Notes
Adults cannot make new DLA claims — this route closed to over-16s in 2013/16 as PIP was phased in (see the PIP entry for adult claimants). Scotland replaced child DLA with Child Disability Payment (new claims and migration both complete) — see the separate Child Disability Payment (Scotland) entry. Receipt of the highest/middle care component can also unlock the Disability Access Fund for early years childcare (see separate entry).
Requirement
Child is under 16 and needs substantially more care/supervision, or has substantially more difficulty getting around, than a child of the same age without the condition — no formal diagnosis is required, assessment is based on functional need.

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You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

A parent or guardian requests the paper DLA claim form by phone or downloads it from gov.uk, describing the child's care and mobility needs, usually with supporting evidence from a GP, health visitor, or specialist.

View official source

Last verified: 1 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.