It is not based on your income or savings, and you can claim whether you are in or out of work. It also opens the door to other help, such as Carer's Allowance and free childcare.
Quick facts
- Rate
- £30.30 to £194.60 a week
- Age
- Under 16
- Means-tested?
- No
- Tax
- Tax-free
- Paid
- Every 4 weeks
- Backdated?
- No, so claim early
How much you get
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is a tax-free benefit made up of 2 components (parts). The child might qualify for one or both components.
| Component | Rate | Weekly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Care | Lowest | £30.30 |
| Care | Middle | £76.70 |
| Care | Highest | £114.60 |
| Mobility | Lower | £30.30 |
| Mobility | Higher | £80 |
DLA is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Tuesday.
Who can get it — the full rules
You’ll usually be able to get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children if all of the following apply. The child must:
- be under 16 - anyone over 16 must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- need extra looking after or have walking difficulties
- be living in England or Wales when you claim (unless you’re eligible to claim from abroad)
You can claim DLA for children if you’re in or out of work.
If your child is nearing the end of life (for example, due to a life-limiting illness) you might be able to get DLA for children more quickly and at a higher rate.
Claim as early as you can
DLA can be paid from the start of your claim. It cannot be backdated. Your claim will start on the date the form is received or the date you call the enquiry line (if you return the claim pack within 6 weeks).
So ring for the form first, then fill it in.
What else it unlocks
You might qualify for Carer’s Allowance if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a child who gets the middle or highest care rate of DLA. See Carer's Allowance.
A child on DLA can also get 15 free childcare hours at age 2 (see free childcare in England), and Tax-Free Childcare is paid at the higher disabled rate.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
If your child lives in Scotland, apply for Child Disability Payment instead. If your child lives in Northern Ireland, see DLA for children in Northern Ireland.
Common questions
How much is DLA for children in 2026/27?
Between £30.30 and £194.60 a week, depending on the help your child needs.
Is DLA for children means-tested?
No. You can claim it whatever your income, in or out of work.
Can DLA be backdated?
No. It cannot be backdated. Your claim can start from the day you call the enquiry line if you return the claim pack within 6 weeks.
What happens at 16?
Anyone over 16 must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).