Disability Living Allowance for children (DLA)

A benefit for children under 16 who need extra looking after or have walking difficulties because of a disability or health condition. Scotland uses Child Disability Payment.

How much you could get

The amount depends on your circumstances. We do not publish a figure unless it is tied to a tax year and an official source.

Check the current amount on the official page.

Who can claim

The child usually needs to be under 16, have had difficulties for at least 3 months, and be expected to have them for at least 6 months.

Eligibility conditions

These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.

• You live in the UK.
• You live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
• You are responsible for a child.
• You have a child under 16.
• A child has a disability or long-term health condition.

Check if Disability Living Allowance for children may apply to you

It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.

When it may not apply

From age 16, most young people move to PIP (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland) rather than DLA.

Where you live

Disability Living Allowance for children applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you live in Scotland, see Child Disability Payment.

Browse benefits in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the A–Z list.

How to claim

1. Use the DLA for children claim pack from GOV.UK. This is for children under 16 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland uses Child Disability Payment. Official page
2. Describe extra care or mobility needs compared with a child of the same age. The decision looks at help needed beyond what is usual for that age, not only the diagnosis.
3. Return the form to the address on the pack. The official pack includes the postal address and any supporting-evidence list. Keep a copy of what you send.
4. Plan for the move off DLA at 16. Most young people move to PIP (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland). GOV.UK explains when that invitation arrives.

Official sources

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children — GOV.UK (primary source)

Related benefits

• Adult Disability Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Blue Badge
• Child Disability Payment
• New Style Employment and Support Allowance

See all disability and health benefits.

Source: Department for Work and Pensions. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.

Check if this may apply to you

It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.