Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is paid to
people under 65 years of age who have a long-term health problem,
either mental or physical, that affects everyday life.
You can claim the DLA on behalf of your child
if they have had a long-term health problem that affects their
everyday activities for at least three months and that is expected
to continue for at least another six months. The illness or
disability must mean that you require a great deal more help to
look after them than would be the case with another child of the
same age without such illness or disability. Once your child turns
16, they will be able to claim the DLA for themselves.
Eligibility
Your eligibility for the DLA is not affected
by any other benefits or income you may be receiving and can be
claimed for a child who is:
- over three months old and requires extra care
- over three years of age and has severe difficulty walking
- over three years of age and requires extra help to get around
outdoors.
The amount that you can claim at the moment is
paid at two different rates:
- Care component (paid because you need looking
after)
Highest rate £70.35; Middle rate £47.10; Lowest rate £18.65
- Mobility component (paid to help you get
around)
Higher rate £49.10; Lower rate £18.65
Please note: From 2013 to
2014, the Government will introduce objective medical assessments
for all DLA claimants, to ensure support is targeted on those with
the highest medical need.
Further information
To apply for DLA, please contact your local
Social Security Office or Jobcentre Plus (see useful contacts for
details).
Benefit Enquiry Line: 0800 88
22 00
Textphone: 0800 24 33 55
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