Do we need an autism diagnosis?

No. Extra care or mobility needs compared with peers decide the award. A diagnosis helps as evidence but is not required.

Are the rates the same as DLA?

Yes for 2026/27 cash amounts. The agency and the claim form are different.

Can this unlock Carer's Allowance?

Middle or highest care can unlock Carer Support Payment in Scotland. Check earnings and overlapping-benefit rules before you claim.

Eligibility · Child Disability Payment

Am I eligible for Child Disability Payment?

Where a link is marked * or labelled Ad, it is a partner advertisement: we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * or Ad label earn us nothing. How we make money.

In short. A child living in Scotland under 16 may get Child Disability Payment if they need much more care or help getting about than other children the same age. A diagnosis is not required. Cash rates match DLA in 2026/27. Children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland claim DLA instead.

Child Disability Payment is paid by Social Security Scotland. It replaced DLA for children living in Scotland. Needs compared with peers decide the award. Confirm live rules on mygov.scot.

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

·Amount: Care £30.30 / £76.70 / £114.60 a week; mobility £30.30 or £80 a week (2026/27 — same cash amounts as DLA)

You likely qualify if…

The child normally lives in Scotland
They are under 16
They need substantially more care, supervision or help getting about than children of the same age without a disability
Residence and presence tests on mygov.scot are met

You likely don't if…

The child lives in England, Wales or Northern Ireland — claim Disability Living Allowance instead
They are 16 or over — look at Adult Disability Payment
Needs are no greater than typical for their age

How to check and claim

01Start at mygov.scot/child-disability-payment
02Describe a typical hard week compared with other children the same age
03If you later move to England or Wales you must claim DLA — the Scottish award does not follow automatically

FAQ

Do we need an autism diagnosis?: No. Extra care or mobility needs compared with peers decide the award. A diagnosis helps as evidence but is not required.
Are the rates the same as DLA?: Yes for 2026/27 cash amounts. The agency and the claim form are different.
Can this unlock Carer's Allowance?: Middle or highest care can unlock Carer Support Payment in Scotland. Check earnings and overlapping-benefit rules before you claim.

Go deeper

← All eligibility guides