What is DLA for children?
Where a link is marked *, it is a partner link — we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * earn us nothing. How we make money.
In short: Disability Living Allowance for children is a non-means-tested benefit for under-16s in England and Wales who need substantially more care or supervision than others their age, or have severe walking difficulties. Scotland uses Child Disability Payment instead.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
DLA has care and mobility components paid at different rates depending on need. It is not taxed and does not depend on household income.
Claims use form DLA1A Child. Evidence should describe daily living needs — personal care, safety, behaviour, night waking — compared with children of the same age.
At 16 most young people move to PIP (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland). See our full DLA guide and eligibility checker.
Primary source: gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
Part of our Benefits & tax
This quick answer sits inside our wider benefits & tax hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full benefits & tax guide →