The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) remains a cornerstone benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), designed to support children under 16 with disabilities.
Despite its gradual replacement by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults, DLA continues to serve over one million people in the UK.
For 2024, the DWP has increased DLA rates by 6.7%, ensuring families can better cope with the rising cost of living. Alongside the rate adjustment, the DWP has published a comprehensive list of 57 medical conditions that determine eligibility, making it easier for families to understand the criteria.
Components
DLA is divided into two main components tailored to specific needs: care and mobility.
Care Component
This portion is for children needing additional help with personal care. The updated 2024 rates are:
- Lowest Rate: £28.70 per week (for part-time care needs).
- Middle Rate: £72.66 per week (for frequent help or supervision).
- Highest Rate: £108.57 per week (for constant day-and-night care).
Mobility Component
This component supports children who face difficulties with movement or need guidance when outdoors. The 2024 rates are:
- Lower Rate: £28.70 per week (for guidance or supervision).
- Higher Rate: £72.66 per week (for severe mobility restrictions).
These increases reflect the DWP’s commitment to supporting families with disabled children and ensuring their financial assistance aligns with inflation.
Eligibility Conditions
The DWP’s list of 57 medical conditions encompasses a wide range of physical, mental, and sensory disabilities. Eligibility is based on how these conditions affect the child’s mobility and care needs. Here’s the list of qualifying conditions:
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back pain (unspecified diagnosis)
- Diseases of the muscles, bones, or joints
- Visual and hearing disorders
- Heart disease
- Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, cystic fibrosis)
- Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease)
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Severe mental impairments
- Learning difficulties
- Severe developmental disorders
- Cognitive disorders
- Terminal illnesses
- Diabetes
- Motor neurone disease
- Malignant diseases
- Behavioural disorders
- Double amputees
- Deaf/blind individuals
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- And more (including rare or unspecified infectious diseases).
This diverse list ensures that the program covers a broad spectrum of disabilities, catering to unique individual needs.
Application Process
Parents or guardians can apply for DLA in one of two ways:
- Online: Visit the UK government’s official website to fill out the claim form. Provide detailed information about the child’s condition, focusing on how it impacts daily life.
- By Phone: Request a printed form or seek assistance by contacting the DLA helpline.
Helpline Contact Details
- Telephone: 0800 121 4600
- Textphone: 0800 121 4523 (for hearing-impaired individuals).
- Relay UK: Dial 18001 followed by 0800 121 4600.
- British Sign Language (BSL) Video Relay Service: Available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Payment Details
DLA payments are typically made every four weeks on a Wednesday. If the scheduled payment falls on a bank holiday, the funds are usually deposited earlier. Payments are made directly into the recipient’s bank account for convenience and security.
Transition at Age 16
When a child reaches 16, their benefits are reassessed, transitioning to adult benefits like PIP or other programs. Families are guided through this process by the DWP to ensure uninterrupted support.
Why This Matters
The updated DLA rates and clearer eligibility criteria are vital steps in ensuring families with disabled children receive the support they need. The increase addresses the rising cost of living, allowing parents to focus on caregiving without excessive financial stress.
Families should stay informed about these updates and ensure their claims are up to date to maximize the benefits available.
