Navigating the complexities of financial support for families with disabled children can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), a vital resource for children under 16 who face mobility challenges or require extra care.
With updates in 2024, the benefit rates have increased, and a clarified list of 57 qualifying medical conditions has been introduced, ensuring families receive appropriate aid.
DWP £108 Weekly Payment
The DLA supports children with disabilities by addressing their care and mobility needs. While adults now rely on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), DLA remains a lifeline for approximately one million children across the UK.
The updated benefit rates, adjusted by 6.7%, reflect the rising cost of living, offering families a financial buffer to meet their child’s needs.
Rates
Care Component
This part of the DLA targets children requiring extra care, with payments adjusted to reflect the level of assistance needed. The updated rates for 2024 are:
| Care Component | Weekly Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Rate | £28.70 | Part-time care or supervision required. |
| Middle Rate | £72.66 | Frequent assistance or continuous supervision needed during day/night. |
| Highest Rate | £108.57 | Care needed both day and night. |
Mobility Component
For children struggling with mobility, this component provides the following benefits:
| Mobility Component | Weekly Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £28.70 | Guidance or supervision needed outdoors. |
| Higher Rate | £72.66 | Severe walking difficulties or sensory impairments necessitating assistance. |
Eligibility and Medical Conditions
Eligibility depends not only on the diagnosis but also on how the condition affects the child’s daily life. The DWP’s list of 57 conditions includes physical, neurological, and developmental disorders. Here’s a glimpse of the range of conditions that may qualify:
- Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis.
- Mental Health Conditions: Severe developmental disorders, psychosis, behavioural disorders.
- Physical Disabilities: Amputation, double amputee, severe respiratory conditions.
- Chronic Illnesses: Diabetes, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease.
- Sensory Impairments: Deaf/blind conditions, severe visual or hearing impairments.
- Other: Learning difficulties, terminal illnesses, and autoimmune disorders.
For a comprehensive understanding, parents are encouraged to consult the complete list.
Application Process
Parents or guardians play a key role in applying for DLA. They can initiate the process online or via phone:
- Online: Complete the claim form on the UK government’s website, providing detailed information about the child’s condition and its impact.
- By Phone: Request a paper form or assistance via the DLA helpline:
- Telephone: 0800 121 4600
- Textphone: 0800 121 4523
- Relay UK: Dial 18001 followed by 0800 121 4600
- BSL Video Relay: Available for British Sign Language users during business hours.
Clear documentation and evidence of the child’s condition can streamline the process.
Payment Details
DLA payments are made every four weeks, typically on a Wednesday. If this date coincides with a bank holiday, payments are issued earlier. Funds are directly deposited into the recipient’s designated bank account, ensuring accessibility and security.
Transition to Adult Benefits
When children receiving DLA turn 16, they transition to adult benefits, such as PIP. The DWP facilitates this transition, ensuring that eligible young adults continue to receive the necessary support.
This updated payment structure and clarified eligibility criteria empower families, making the process of securing financial assistance less daunting. DLA remains a cornerstone for families navigating the challenges of raising children with disabilities.
