Eligibility · DLA for children
Am I eligible for DLA for a child?
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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.
Last reviewed:
·Amount: Care and mobility components at lower, middle or higher rates (check gov.uk for current weekly amounts)You likely qualify if…
- 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
You likely don't if…
- 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 and claim
- 01Read gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/eligibility
- 02Complete form DLA1A Child with day-to-day examples — school, bedtime, safety, medical routines
- 03Contact Citizens Advice or Contact for help with forms and mandatory reconsideration
FAQ
- 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 children with autism qualify if they need substantially more supervision or care than peers — describe behaviours and safety needs concretely.