How to claim Disability Living Allowance for children

Who can get Disability Living Allowance for a child

If you care for a youngster who needs extra support or has trouble moving about, you might look into Disability Living Allowance children. This applies to England. To qualify, the child must require much more looking after than peers of the same age. You can apply whether you are in work or out of work.

You must be the parent or someone who looks after the child as a parent, such as a guardian, foster parent, or grandparent. You can read more about other help for families on our page about family support.

What the care and mobility components cover

The payment is split into two parts. The first part is for care needs. This helps when a youngster needs frequent help, supervision during the day or night, or medical care like dialysis.

The second part is for getting about. This covers extra help or supervision when outdoors, or if the child struggles to walk safely. You can find more details about support for young people with extra needs on our page about disability help.

How to fill out the DLA claim form

To start your claim, you need to get a paper form. You can print one yourself or call the DWP helpline to ask for a copy in the post.

1. Print the claim form from GOV.UK or ask the DWP to post you a copy
2. Fill in every section with clear examples of the extra help your child needs
3. Return the completed paperwork in the post using the special address provided

What happens after you submit your claim

Once you send off your paperwork, the process moves to a decision stage managed by the DWP.

• You will get a confirmation letter from the DWP within a few weeks of applying
• A decision maker reviews the details you shared about your youngster
• You receive another letter explaining the final outcome and payment schedule

How to report a change of circumstances

Your household situation or your child's health needs might alter over time. If this happens, you must tell the DWP right away. Call the helpline to report any shifts in personal details, your address, your doctor, or the amount of care your youngster requires.

Keeping your details up to date ensures your payments continue correctly without unexpected interruptions or delays.

What to do if your DLA claim is refused

Sometimes an application might not be successful. If you disagree with the decision, you can ask the DWP to look at it again. This process is known as asking for a mandatory reconsideration.

You can contact them to explain why you think the choice was wrong and provide any new evidence that supports your child's care and mobility needs.