Introduction
Are you a parent wondering if your child qualifies for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)? This comprehensive guide will clarify the eligibility criteria and help you understand the application process. Many parents are unaware that DLA is available for various conditions beyond visible physical disabilities, including learning and developmental issues. If your child requires more care or support than their peers, you may be eligible to claim DLA.
Navigating the complexities of DLA applications can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. You can find valuable resources and support at Contact, which offers guidance for parents of children with disabilities.
As a parent, it’s natural to wonder if your child qualifies for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many parents mistakenly believe that DLA is only for children with visible physical disabilities, but that’s not the case. DLA can be awarded for a variety of conditions, including learning disabilities, developmental delays, and even mental health issues. If your child requires more care or support than their peers, you might be eligible to claim DLA.
Who Can Get DLA?
You can apply for DLA if your child meets at least one of the following criteria:
- They need significantly more care, attention, or supervision than other children their age who are not disabled.
- They have trouble walking or getting around in unfamiliar places compared to their peers.
To qualify, your child must have had their condition for at least three months and you should expect it to last for another six months. You don’t necessarily need a formal diagnosis to apply, but having one can strengthen your case.
If your child is terminally ill and not expected to live more than 12 months, you can apply for DLA immediately, no matter how long they have been experiencing difficulties.
Special Considerations for Younger Children
If your child is under three years old, you might find it challenging to secure DLA, as all young children require a lot of care. However, if your child needs more attention than other children their age, it’s still worth applying. For instance, if your baby requires multiple nighttime treatments, this indicates a higher need for care.
Please note that children under three are not eligible for the mobility component of DLA.
Financial Considerations
One of the great things about DLA is that it is not means-tested. This means your income or savings don’t affect your eligibility. Additionally, receiving DLA could open up opportunities for other benefits or increase the amount of benefits you already receive.
Residency Requirements
To claim DLA, your child must be in England or Wales at the time of your application. If they live in Scotland, you’ll need to apply for Child Disability Payment instead.
Your child also needs to have lived in Great Britain for a certain amount of time, which varies based on their age:
- 3 years and older: Must have lived in Great Britain for at least 6 months in the past year.
- 6 months to 3 years: Must have lived in Great Britain for at least 6 months in the past 3 years.
- 6 months or younger: Must have lived in Great Britain for at least 13 weeks.
If your child is terminally ill, they do not need to meet the residency requirements.
Moving to Scotland
If your child moves to Scotland, you need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You will continue to receive DLA for the first 13 weeks after the move, after which you will transition to the Child Disability Payment.
Immigration Status
If your child is not a British citizen, they can only claim DLA if their immigration status allows them to access public funds. This includes children with British or Irish citizenship, pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme, indefinite leave to remain, refugee status, or humanitarian protection.
Getting Help
Navigating the application process for DLA can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. You can try Contact for valuable support and guidance. They offer a wealth of information for parents and can help you understand your rights and options.
Next Steps
If you think you might be eligible for DLA, consider looking into how much financial support you could receive and how to formally apply. You’re not alone in this journey, and resources like Contact are here to help you every step of the way.
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