The full picture
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is the main disability benefit for under-16s in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (Scotland uses Child Disability Payment instead.) It's paid to the parent or guardian and is intended to cover the extra costs of caring for a disabled child.
DLA has two components, paid separately:
**Care component** — based on the help your child needs with personal care or supervision: - Lowest rate (~£29/wk): help for some of the day, or with cooking a main meal - Middle rate (~£73/wk): frequent help during the day OR night - Highest rate (~£108/wk): help during both day and night, or terminal illness via Special Rules
**Mobility component** — based on walking difficulty (3+ years old for lower rate, 5+ for higher rate): - Lower rate (~£29/wk): can walk but needs guidance or supervision outdoors - Higher rate (~£75/wk): can't walk, can only walk a very short distance, or has severe behavioural difficulties
To qualify, the child must: - Be under 16 - Have needed help for at least 3 months (waived under Special Rules for End of Life) - Be likely to need help for at least 6 more months - Be habitually resident in the UK
The form is long (around 40 pages) and asks for detailed examples of care needs across a typical day. Many parents find it easier to complete with a benefits adviser. Citizens Advice and local carers' centres often help.
When the child turns 16, DLA is replaced by PIP — the DWP will write 6 months before to invite a PIP claim. There is no automatic transfer.