What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a UK benefit designed to support children and adults under the age of 65 who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to get around or manage daily care. Its main purpose is to help with the extra costs that can come with living with a disability, such as personal care needs or mobility support.
DLA is made up of two parts, known as components: the care component, which helps with the costs of personal care, and the mobility component, which helps with getting around. The amount you receive depends on how much help you need. For a detailed explanation of how DLA works and the different levels of support, you can read more about Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
DLA has been an important part of the system of disability benefits in the UK, offering financial support to help people live more independently. However, it is important to know that DLA is gradually being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for most adults, following changes set out in government regulations.
On this page, you’ll find an overview of who can claim DLA, the benefits it offers, how to apply, and what to do if your claim is refused. You’ll also find links to more detailed guides about DLA for children, as well as information on related benefits and support schemes to help you explore all your options.
Who can claim Disability Living Allowance?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is mainly available to children and some adults under the age of 65 who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to get around (mobility) or look after themselves (care needs). If you are over 65, you would usually apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of DLA.
To qualify for DLA, you must meet certain rules about age, residency, and the impact your condition has on your daily life. The rules are set out in government guidelines and detailed in the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992. For a full explanation of who can claim, including information about the care and mobility components, you can read more about DLA eligibility.
If you are interested in official government definitions and further details on the criteria, you may also wish to review the Eligibility criteria for DLA, which includes information on how the benefit is assessed for people in care homes.
What support does DLA provide?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) offers financial support to help with the extra costs faced by children under 16 who have a disability or long-term health condition. DLA is made up of two main parts: the care component and the mobility component.
The care component is designed to help with personal care needs, such as washing, dressing, eating, or needing supervision to stay safe. The level of support you receive depends on how much help is needed, and can be paid at a lower, middle, or higher rate as set out in the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992.
The mobility component helps with getting around. This might include support if a child has difficulty walking or needs extra help when outside. The amount you receive depends on the level of mobility difficulties, and is explained in detail in the Disability Living Allowance and Disability Working Allowance Act 1991.
DLA is not means-tested, so it does not depend on your income or savings. The amount awarded varies depending on the level of care and mobility needs, and it can help cover additional expenses related to disability.
In addition to direct financial support, receiving DLA may open up access to other schemes and benefits. For example, the mobility component can be used to lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme, helping families stay mobile. You may also be eligible for help with transport costs for medical appointments or other essential journeys.
If you want to explore more about what DLA can help with or how it connects to other types of support, see our related sections for further guidance.
How to apply for Disability Living Allowance
Applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) involves several important steps. First, you’ll need to get the correct claim form, which is usually available from the Disability and Carers Service or, for children under 16 in England and Wales, from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It’s crucial to fill in the form carefully, providing detailed information about the applicant’s care and mobility needs. Including medical evidence – such as letters from doctors or specialists – can help support your claim.
Once your application is submitted, the DWP may request further information or arrange an assessment to better understand your needs. After reviewing all the evidence, they will make a decision and notify you in writing.
For a step-by-step breakdown of each stage, including tips on completing the form and what to expect after you apply, see our DLA application process guide. This resource covers everything you need to know to get started with your claim.
What to do if your DLA claim is refused: Appeals
If your Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim is refused, or you believe the amount awarded is incorrect, you have the right to challenge the decision. The first step is known as a mandatory reconsideration, where you ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to review their decision. If you’re still unhappy after this review, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
The appeals process can seem daunting, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Gathering supporting evidence, such as medical reports or letters from carers, can strengthen your case. You may also wish to seek advice from organisations like Citizens Advice, which offers a helpful guide on the appeals process.
For a step-by-step guide on how to challenge a DLA decision, including what to expect during each stage and tips for preparing your appeal, visit our dedicated page on DLA appeals.
Understanding DLA compared to other benefits
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are both benefits designed to help people with extra costs caused by long-term health conditions or disabilities. However, there are important differences between them, especially as PIP is gradually replacing DLA for most adults in the UK.
If you’re aged 16 or over, you can no longer make a new claim for DLA. Instead, you’ll need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Children under 16 can still claim DLA, and adults who were already receiving DLA may be invited to switch to PIP. The switch is part of ongoing welfare reform, following rules set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012.
Eligibility and assessment for DLA and PIP differ. DLA awards are based on care and mobility needs, while PIP uses a points-based system that looks at how your condition affects your daily life and mobility. The application process for PIP also involves a face-to-face assessment for most people, whereas DLA assessments are usually based on the information you provide in your claim form.
For a side-by-side look at the differences, see our PIP vs DLA and DLA vs PIP guides. You can also read a detailed comparison between DLA and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help you understand which benefit may suit your circumstances.
In addition to DLA or PIP, you might be eligible for other support, such as Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, or the Motability Scheme. Exploring these options can help you make the most of the support available.
Additional support and related schemes for DLA claimants
If you receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you may be entitled to extra support beyond the regular payments. Here are some of the main schemes and adjustments that could help you manage daily life more easily:
Blue Badge scheme for parking concessions
The Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for people with disabilities, making it easier to park closer to your destination. If you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, you usually qualify automatically for a Blue Badge. For a detailed explanation of how the scheme works across the UK, see the Blue Badge scheme](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn01360/) overview from the House of Commons Library. To get started, visit our guide to the [Blue Badge application process.
Motability Scheme
If you get the higher rate mobility component of DLA, you may be able to use it to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme. This scheme is designed to help people with disabilities stay mobile and independent. For more details about eligibility and how the scheme works, visit the Motability Scheme | Disability Rights UK resource.
Help with transport costs
You might also be able to get help with transport costs if your disability makes it difficult or expensive to travel. This could include support for taxis, community transport, or other travel expenses related to your needs.
Disability adjustments at home
If your home needs changes to make it more accessible – such as ramps, handrails, or adapted bathrooms – you have rights under the Equality Act 2010. Find out more about your options and how to request disability adjustments and accessible housing.
For further details on applying for these schemes or understanding your rights, explore the linked guides throughout this page. These additional forms of support can make a significant difference in daily life for DLA claimants.
