# Am I eligible for DLA for a child?

> Eligibility · Last reviewed 4 July 2026

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## In short

Your child may qualify for DLA if they are under 16, need substantially more care or supervision than others their age, or have severe walking difficulties — and meet UK residence rules. Scotland uses Child Disability Payment with similar tests.

DLA for children is not means-tested. The decision hinges on care and mobility needs compared with peers — not on diagnoses alone. Detailed real-life examples on the claim form matter more than medical labels.

Typical amount: Care and mobility components at lower, middle or higher rates (check gov.uk for current weekly amounts)

## Who usually qualifies

- Child is under 16 (England and Wales — DLA; Scotland — Child Disability Payment)
- Needs substantially more care, supervision or attention than a child of the same age without a disability
- Or has walking difficulties qualifying for mobility component
- Has met the three-month qualifying period (unless terminally ill)
- Meets UK residence and presence tests

## Who usually does not

- Child is 16 or over — claim PIP (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland) instead
- Needs are only slightly greater than peers — must be substantially more
- Disability does not affect daily living or mobility compared with age norms

## How to check

- Read gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/eligibility
- Complete form DLA1A Child with day-to-day examples — school, bedtime, safety, medical routines
- Contact Citizens Advice or Contact for help with forms and mandatory reconsideration

## Frequently asked questions

### Does a diagnosis guarantee DLA?

No — DWP decides based on care and mobility needs, not the condition name. Strong evidence of daily impact is essential.

### Can I claim if my child has autism?

Many autistic children qualify if they need substantially more supervision or care than peers — describe behaviours and safety needs concretely. A diagnosis is not required. See our UK benefits for a child with autism guide.

## Related

- [DLA for children explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/dla-for-children-explained/)
- [UK benefits for a child with autism](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/benefits-for-autistic-children-uk/)
- [What is DLA for children?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-dla-for-children/)
- [How to claim DLA for a child](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/claim-dla-for-a-child/)
- [Benefits in Scotland](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/scotland-benefits-explained/)

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — DLA for children](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children)
- [Contact — DLA guide](https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/benefits/disability-living-allowance-dla/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.