Child Disability Payment Scotland — rates, how to claim and how it differs from DLA
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Quick answer: Child Disability Payment is Scotland’s extra-costs benefit for under-16s who need much more care or help getting about than other children the same age. Cash rates match DLA in 2026/27: care £30.30 / £76.70 / £114.60 a week and mobility £30.30 or £80. Apply to Social Security Scotland, not DWP. Official: www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment
Child Disability Payment replaced DLA for children living in Scotland. It is tax-free and not means-tested. A diagnosis is not required. [Autism Parent Guide](autismparentguide.org/daily-life/financial-support*) is parent-written information, not the Scottish Government.
Skip this if: Skip this if the child lives in England, Wales or Northern Ireland — claim DLA instead. This is not a Social Security Scotland application form. Autism-specific stack: benefits for autistic children.
Last reviewed:
Read the full benefits & tax guide →Quick answer: What is Child Disability Payment? →Primary source: www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment
How is Child Disability Payment different from DLA?
The needs test is equivalent: extra care, supervision or mobility compared with children the same age. The agency, form and case-transfer rules differ. Scotland also runs Scottish Child Payment and Child Winter Heating Payment, which sit beside CDP rather than replacing it.
Adults in Scotland claim Adult Disability Payment, not PIP. Nation map: benefits in Scotland.
| DLA (England, Wales, NI) | Child Disability Payment (Scotland) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | DWP | Social Security Scotland |
| 2026/27 cash rates | Same care and mobility amounts | Same care and mobility amounts |
| How to claim | DLA1A Child | mygov.scot / phone |
| Carer payment | Carer's Allowance | Usually Carer Support Payment |
How do I claim?
Start on mygov.scot/child-disability-payment. Describe a typical hard week. Attach school or clinic evidence if you have it. How-to for the England/Wales form still helps you structure examples: claim DLA for a child.
At 16, most young people move toward Adult Disability Payment. Do not assume CDP continues unchanged. England, Wales and NI process: PIP at 16.
Common questions
Do we need an autism diagnosis?
No. Needs compared with peers decide the award. Dedicated money guide: benefits for autistic children.
Can we get a Blue Badge with CDP?
Higher-rate mobility usually qualifies automatically. Other children can still be assessed by the council. Blue Badge.