What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a UK benefit designed to support people under the age of 65 who have a disability or health condition that affects their everyday life. DLA helps with the extra costs that can arise from needing additional care or having difficulty getting around. The benefit is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect whether you can receive it.
DLA is made up of two separate components: the care component and the mobility component. The care component is for people who need help with personal care, such as washing, dressing, or eating. The mobility component is for those who have difficulty walking or getting around due to their disability or health condition. You may qualify for one or both components, depending on your individual needs.
This page focuses on who can qualify for DLA, outlining the specific eligibility criteria you must meet. To receive DLA, you generally need to show that your disability or health condition has affected you for at least three months and is expected to last for at least another six months. Eligibility is based on how your condition impacts your daily living and mobility, not on your specific diagnosis.
If you are looking for more details about how DLA works, including how to apply, what support is available, and how DLA compares to other benefits, you may find it helpful to read our Disability Living Allowance (DLA) general information page. This provides a broader overview and practical advice for anyone considering a DLA claim.
Who Can Claim DLA?
Who Can Claim DLA?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is designed to support people under the age of 65 who have a disability or health condition that makes everyday life or getting around more difficult. If you’re considering whether you or someone you care for can claim DLA, it’s important to understand the key eligibility rules and how they might apply to your situation.
Age Requirements
DLA is only available for people who are under 65 years old. If you are 65 or over and need help with personal care or mobility, you cannot make a new claim for DLA. Instead, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance – a separate benefit designed for older people with care needs.
Care and Mobility Needs
To qualify for DLA, you must have difficulties with either:
Daily living (care) needs: This includes needing help with things like washing, dressing, eating, or supervision to keep you safe.
Mobility needs: This covers difficulty walking, moving around outdoors, or needing guidance when out and about.
It’s not enough to have a diagnosis or medical condition alone. Eligibility depends on how much your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday activities or move around. For example, two people with the same health condition might have different levels of need, and only one might qualify for DLA based on how much support they require.
Duration of Needs
The rules state that you must have had your care or mobility needs for at least 3 months before you claim. In addition, you must expect these needs to continue for at least another 6 months. This helps ensure that DLA is provided to people with ongoing, rather than short-term, difficulties.
Other Important Points
DLA is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.
You do not need to have a specific diagnosis; what matters is the level of help you need.
If you’re already getting DLA and turn 65, you can usually continue to receive it as long as you still meet the criteria.
What If You’re Over 65?
If you are over 65 and need help with personal care, you should look into Attendance Allowance. This benefit is specifically for older people and works differently from DLA. For more information about how Attendance Allowance compares to DLA and whether you might qualify, see the official guidance on Attendance Allowance.
Understanding these eligibility rules is the first step in deciding whether to apply for DLA or another benefit. If you think you meet the criteria, you can learn more about the [application process], how to [appeal a decision], or how DLA compares to other benefits like PIP elsewhere on our site.
Care Component Eligibility
Care Component Eligibility
To qualify for the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you must have care needs that arise because of a disability or health condition. These care needs can be physical, such as help with washing or dressing, or they may involve supervision or prompting to ensure safety and wellbeing. The care component is designed to support people who need extra help with daily living tasks, whether due to physical, mental, or learning difficulties.
What Counts as a Care Need?
Care needs cover a wide range of support, including:
Personal care: This includes help with eating, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, or taking medication.
Supervision: Some people need someone to keep an eye on them to prevent accidents or to ensure they do not come to harm. For example, a child with epilepsy may need supervision to stay safe during a seizure.
Prompting: If someone needs to be reminded or encouraged to carry out daily tasks, such as eating or taking medication, this can also count as a care need.
Night-time care: DLA recognises that some people need help or supervision during the night, such as assistance going to the toilet or help settling back to sleep.
It’s important that these care needs are required because of a disability or health condition, not just because of age or general childcare needs.
The Three Care Rates
The care component of DLA is paid at three different rates, depending on the level and timing of care required:
Lowest rate: You qualify if you need help with personal care or supervision for a significant part of the day, even if it is only for a short time.
Middle rate: You must either need frequent help or supervision throughout the day, or help or supervision during the night.
Highest rate: This is for people who need help or supervision both during the day and at night.
The rate you receive depends on how much care you need and when you need it. For example, if you need someone to supervise you during the day to prevent danger and also need help at night, you may qualify for the highest rate.
Examples of Qualifying Care Needs
Here are some practical examples of care needs that may qualify for the care component:
A child with autism who needs constant supervision to avoid running into danger.
Someone with a physical disability who needs help with dressing and preparing meals each morning.
A person with epilepsy who needs supervision at night in case of seizures.
A child with a learning disability who needs prompting to remember daily routines like washing or eating.
Further Guidance
Eligibility for the care component is based on your specific care needs and how they relate to your disability or health condition. For full details on the rules and how to assess your situation, see the official guidance on the care component of DLA provided by GOV.UK.
Understanding which care needs qualify can help you decide whether to apply for DLA and what evidence you may need to support your claim. If you think you meet these criteria, you may wish to learn more about the application process or compare DLA with other benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Mobility Component Eligibility
Mobility Component Eligibility
The mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is designed to help with the extra costs faced by children and young people under 16 who have difficulties getting around. This part of DLA is not just for those with physical disabilities – it can also support individuals with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or sensory impairments, as long as their ability to move around is affected.
There are two rates for the mobility component: the lower rate and the higher rate. The amount you might receive depends on the level of help you need:
Lower Rate Mobility Component:
You may qualify for the lower rate if your child needs guidance or supervision when outdoors. This could be because they have a learning disability, a behavioural condition, or another health issue that means they cannot safely go out alone. For example, a child with autism who has no sense of danger, or a young person with epilepsy who needs someone with them in case they have a seizure, might qualify for the lower rate. According to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, Section 73, this rate is for those who "cannot walk outdoors on unfamiliar routes without guidance or supervision from another person most of the time."
Higher Rate Mobility Component:
The higher rate is awarded to children who have much more severe mobility problems. This includes those who are "virtually unable to walk" – for instance, if walking is so difficult or painful that they can only manage a very short distance, or if it would risk their health. The higher rate can also apply if your child is both severely visually impaired and needs guidance, or if they have a severe mental impairment and receive the highest rate of the care component. The legal test for this, set out in the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, Section 73, focuses on whether the child is "virtually unable to walk" or would be at risk if they tried to walk without help.
What Counts as Qualifying Needs?
Eligibility is based on how a condition affects your child’s day-to-day life, not just the diagnosis itself. For example, two children with the same medical condition might have very different needs – one might need constant supervision outside, while another can manage independently. When assessing eligibility, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) looks at whether your child:
Has difficulty walking, either because of physical problems or because they lack awareness of danger.
Needs help or supervision to move around safely outdoors.
Cannot walk at all, or can only walk a very short distance without severe discomfort or risk.
Needs guidance because of severe visual or mental impairment.
Practical Advice:
When applying, it’s important to give clear examples of your child’s difficulties. For instance, explain how far they can walk without help, what happens if they try to go out alone, or what kind of supervision they need. The DWP will consider all the evidence you provide, including medical reports and statements from people who know your child well.
If you’re unsure about which rate might apply, remember that the decision is based on functional difficulties – how your child’s condition affects their ability to get around – not just on their diagnosis or medical label. This means it’s always worth applying if you think your child needs extra help with mobility, even if their needs are not obvious to others.
How to Apply for DLA
Applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) involves several important steps, and it’s essential to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before beginning your application. DLA is only available to children under 16 in the UK, as it has been replaced by other benefits for adults. Before you start, review the basic requirements around care and mobility needs to avoid unnecessary applications.
The application process typically involves completing a detailed form. This form will ask about the applicant’s daily care needs, any help required with personal tasks, and difficulties with getting around. It’s important to provide as much accurate information as possible, including examples of the support needed throughout the day and night. Gathering supporting documents, such as medical reports or statements from carers, can strengthen your application.
If you find the form overwhelming or are unsure how to explain your circumstances, don’t hesitate to seek help. You can ask a family member, friend, or a support organisation to assist you in completing the application. Providing clear and detailed answers can make a significant difference in how your claim is assessed.
Once your application is submitted, it may take several weeks for a decision to be made. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will review your form and any supporting evidence before contacting you with the outcome. While waiting, make sure to check your post and respond promptly to any requests for further information.
For a step-by-step guide and tips on making your application as strong as possible, visit our DLA application process page. This resource covers everything from gathering documents to what to expect after you apply.
What to Do if Your DLA Claim is Denied
It’s important to know that not every Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim is accepted. Even if you believe you meet the criteria, your application might be turned down for reasons such as missing information, insufficient medical evidence, or the decision-maker concluding that you do not meet the care or mobility requirements.
If your DLA claim is denied, you have the right to challenge the decision. The first step is usually to ask for a ‘mandatory reconsideration’. This means you’re requesting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to review their decision. You must do this within one month of the date on your decision letter. When you ask for a reconsideration, provide any extra evidence or information that supports your claim, such as updated medical reports or letters from healthcare professionals.
If the DWP upholds their original decision after the mandatory reconsideration, you can then appeal to an independent tribunal. This must also be done within one month of receiving the mandatory reconsideration notice. The tribunal is separate from the DWP and will look at all the evidence before making a decision.
The appeals process can feel daunting, but many people are successful when they provide clear evidence about how their condition affects their daily life. It’s important not to give up if you feel the decision is wrong. You can seek help from advice agencies, charities, or support groups who understand the DLA system and can guide you through the process.
For a step-by-step guide and practical tips on challenging a decision, see our DLA appeals process page. This resource covers what to expect, how to prepare your case, and where to get further support.
DLA Compared to Other Benefits
DLA Compared to Other Benefits
Understanding how Disability Living Allowance (DLA) compares to other benefits is important if you’re deciding which support you or someone you care for might be eligible for. Over recent years, there have been significant changes in how disability benefits are awarded in the UK, particularly with the introduction of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
DLA and PIP: What’s the Difference?
DLA was the main benefit for people with care and mobility needs arising from a disability or long-term health condition. However, for most people aged 16 to 64, DLA has now been replaced by PIP. This means that if you are making a new claim and you are in this age group, you will usually need to apply for PIP rather than DLA. There are some exceptions – if you were already receiving DLA before PIP was introduced and you haven’t been asked to switch, you may still get DLA. Children under 16 can also still claim DLA.
The eligibility criteria and assessment process for DLA and PIP differ in several ways. While both benefits are designed to help with the extra costs of living with a disability, PIP uses a points-based system to assess your ability to carry out daily living activities and mobility tasks. DLA, on the other hand, is based on the level of help you need with personal care or getting around, and does not use a points system.
For a detailed comparison of the two benefits, including how eligibility and assessments work, see DLA vs PIP and PIP vs DLA.
Other Related Benefits
If you are over 65 and have care needs, you cannot usually claim DLA or PIP. Instead, you might be eligible for Attendance Allowance, which is designed to help older people with personal care needs due to illness or disability.
If you care for someone who receives DLA (at the middle or highest rate for care), PIP (daily living component), or Attendance Allowance, you might be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. This benefit provides financial support to people who spend a significant amount of time looking after someone with substantial care needs.
Which Benefit Should You Apply For?
Which benefit is right for you depends on your age, your care and mobility needs, and whether you’re making a new claim or continuing an existing one. If you’re under 16, DLA is still available. If you’re between 16 and State Pension age and not already receiving DLA, you will usually need to apply for PIP. If you’re over State Pension age, Attendance Allowance may be more suitable.
If you are caring for someone who receives any of these benefits, it’s worth checking if you can get Carer’s Allowance too.
To make the best choice for your situation, consider your age, the type of help you need, and whether you are a new claimant or already receiving benefits. For more guidance, explore our comparisons on DLA vs PIP and PIP vs DLA, or find out more about Carer’s Allowance if you support someone with care needs.
Additional Support Linked to DLA Eligibility
Qualifying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can do more than just provide financial support – it may also open the door to a range of additional help and adjustments that can make daily life easier.
One significant benefit for many DLA recipients is access to help with transport costs. If you find it difficult to get to medical appointments or carry out everyday activities because of your disability, there are schemes and allowances designed to reduce the cost of travel. These might include discounted or free travel passes, support with taxi fares, or contributions towards the cost of running a car if you have mobility difficulties.
DLA eligibility can also strengthen your rights to disability adjustments in your home or when seeking new accommodation. For example, you may be entitled to have adaptations made to your property – such as ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms – to help you live more independently. Local authorities and housing associations often use DLA as evidence when considering requests for these changes. For a government overview of how DLA relates to disability-related housing adjustments, you can visit the official GOV.UK page.
Beyond transport and housing, receiving DLA may entitle you to other forms of financial and practical support. This could include extra benefits such as Carer’s Allowance (if someone looks after you), help with council tax, or access to certain grants and discounts. Some charities and local services also offer additional help to people who receive DLA.
If you qualify for DLA, it’s worth exploring all the support you might be entitled to. Taking advantage of these options can help you manage daily living more comfortably and improve your overall quality of life. Be proactive in asking about adjustments, financial help, and community resources – many people find there is more available than they first realise.
