Benefits for Under 16’s – Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

What is DLA?

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a non means tested benefit which provides financial support towards the extra costs of bringing up a child with a disability such as multiple sclerosis (MS). This benefit is available to residents under the age of 16 in the UK excluding Scotland, who can claim Child Disability Payment (CDP) instead.

Eligibility

DLA is only available for children under the age of 16 whose needs are complex due to mental and/or physical disabilities. DLA payments will stop once the claimant reaches the age of 16 and they will be invited to claim Personal Independent Payment (PIP).

Making a new claim

The initial process to claim DLA for children differs slightly depending on if you live in England/Wales or Northern Ireland. In all cases claims need to be made by a child’s parent, guardian or any other person who has recognised parental responsibilities for the child.

• England/Wales – Claims can be made by printing and completing the DLA Claim Form, which is available via a link on the UK government website or by telephoning the DLA helpline. Alternative formats are also available. See ‘More Information’ below for details.
• Northern Ireland – Claim packs can be downloaded from the Nidirect website or you can request a paper format be posted to you by contacting the Disability and Carers Service. Packs can also be retrieved from your local Jobs and Benefits office. Alternative formats are also available. See ‘More Information’ below for details.

In all localities, you will be notified by letter of a decision within approximately 8 weeks from the date of your application form being received by the respective authorities.

More Information

To find out more please visit the following authority websites.

• England/Wales – www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
• Northern Ireland – www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/disability-living-allowance-children