Parents’ Tips - Social Benefits and Welfare Organisation’s Support Services
Key Steps to Claim DLA (Children in England/Wales):
1) Request the Form: Call the DLA helpline at 0800 121 4600 (Textphone: 0800 121 4523) to request a form, or download it from the GOV.UK website.
2) Complete the Form: Detail the specific care, supervision, or mobility difficulties the child faces. Use examples of daily life and, if possible, keep a diary for a week to accurately describe needs.
3) Include Supporting Evidence: Attach medical reports, education/health care plans, or prescriptions, but do not wait for evidence if it delays sending the form.
4) Return the Form: Send the completed form via post. If returned within six weeks of the initial phone call, the claim date is backdated to the call.
5) Adults (16+): DLA has been replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults.
Mobility component
If your child needs help getting around, they may qualify for the mobility component which has two parts.
1) You need to show that your child is unable or virtually unable to walk and/or
2) needs substantially more guidance and supervision than a child of the same age without a disability or health condition.
The lower rate mobility component can be paid to a child from the age of 5 years, for children who can walk but who need extra guidance or supervision on unfamiliar routes outdoors.
The higher rate mobility component can be paid to a child from the age of 3 years, for children who are unable, or virtually unable to walk, or where the exertion required to walk would constitute a danger to their life or would be likely to lead to a serious deterioration in their health.
Children can also qualify if they have a severe visual impairment, are both deaf and blind, or are severely mentally impaired.
Care component
There are three rates:
1) Lower rate: for children who need help with personal care for a significant proportion of the day (which generally means 1 hour & not necessarily have to be all at once)
2) Middle rate: for children who have daytime or night time needs (special rules apply for children undergoing dialysis at least twice a week)
3) Higher rate: for children who have both daytime and night-time needs or are terminally ill. https://www.carersuk.org
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If your child has been awarded DLA, the other benefits you might be able to receive in addition are:
DLA and Child Tax Credits.
DLA and Income Support (if already receiving Income Support you may qualify for a disabled child premium or an enhanced disability premium).
DLA and Universal Credit is assessed more generously when a child receives DLA.
DLA and Housing Benefit.
If your child receives DLA, you will be exempt from the benefit cap.
You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance if you weren’t before if your child receives DLA.
Travel-related benefits such as parking discounts through the Blue Badge scheme, public transport concessions and help through the Motability scheme if you need to drive.
see: advice@carersuk.org