Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children
Get expert help with your child’s DLA application. If you’re caring for a child under 16 with additional needs due to a health condition or disability, they may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) — a non-means-tested benefit that can make a real difference to your family’s finances.
Applying can be daunting, especially when you’re already managing complex care needs. Let Grey Matters Consultancy take the pressure off by completing the DLA form on your behalf — accurately, thoroughly, and with compassion.
What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit that helps with the extra costs of caring for a child who:
- Has difficulty with personal care or supervision
- Has mobility challenges
- Is under 16 years old
DLA has two parts, and your child can get one or both depending on their needs.
Care Component
For help with daily activities:
- Lower rate: £30.30 per week
- Middle rate: £76.70 per week
- Higher rate: £114.60 per week
Mobility Component
The mobility component is based on how much help your child needs getting around, not just their age.
There are two rates:
- Lower rate: £30.30 per week
For children 5 years or over who can walk but need guidance or supervision outdoors. - Higher rate: £80.00 per week
For children 3 years or over who:- Cannot walk
- Can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort
- Could become very ill if they try to walk
- Are blind or severely sight impaired
The rate depends on how your child’s condition affects their mobility and daily life, not on a diagnosis.
DLA is not affected by your income, savings, or whether you work.
Is My Child Eligible?
You can apply for DLA if:
- Your child is under 16
- They have a physical or mental health condition that means they need more care, supervision, or help getting around than a child of the same age without a condition
- Their difficulties have lasted for at least 3 months and are expected to continue for at least another 6
Age requirements for each part:
- Care Component – available from birth
- Mobility Component:
- Higher rate from age 3
- Lower rate from age 5
Your child doesn’t need a formal diagnosis. What matters is how their condition affects them day to day.
DLA is:
- Non-means-tested
- Tax-free
- Paid regardless of your income, savings, or work
How Our DLA Form-Filling Service Works
The DLA1A Child form can be long and overwhelming, with detailed questions about your child’s needs. Many parents find it emotionally draining to complete on their own.
We make it easier by guiding you through every step:
- Free 30-minute consultation to discuss your child’s needs
- Honest advice — we only go ahead if we believe there’s a valid claim
- Full form completion done for you
- Clear, jargon-free explanations throughout
- Support with Mandatory Reconsideration or Appeal if needed, at no extra cost
Whether you’re applying for the first time or reapplying after a refusal, we’ll help you put together a strong, clear application.
Why Choose Grey Matters Consultancy?
We’ve helped hundreds of families across the UK secure the support they’re entitled to — and we can help you too.
Our professional service gives you the best chance of success by making sure your child’s needs are fully explained and backed up with the right detail.
We can also help with:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – for those aged 16+ with long-term health conditions
- Attendance Allowance – for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care
- Pension Credit – for older adults on a low income
- Blue Badge applications – help with accessible parking
- Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) – plan ahead with confidence
Get Expert Help with Your Child’s DLA Claim
Take the stress out of applying for Disability Living Allowance. Complete the form below to arrange your free 30-minute assessment, or call 01628 947066 to speak with our team today.
Still Receiving DLA as an Adult?
If you’re an adult and still receiving Disability Living Allowance, and your needs have increased, you may be missing out on a higher rate.
We can help you apply for a reassessment, or if you’re now over State Pension age, we can assess whether Attendance Allowance would give you better support.
Our specialist team will guide you towards the benefit that provides the maximum entitlement for your current circumstances.
What Our Clients Say – Grey Matters Consultancy Reviews
We support individuals and families with expert help across a wide range of applications — including pension-age benefits, disability benefits, Blue Badge applications, and Lasting Power of Attorney. Our trusted, professional service makes complex processes easier to manage. Here’s what our clients say about their experience with Grey Matters Consultancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
DLA is only available for children under 16 who need extra care or help getting around due to a disability or health condition. New claims for adults are no longer accepted — they would usually apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
Can I get DLA for my child without a formal diagnosis?
Yes. A diagnosis isn’t required — the application is based on the help your child needs compared to other children of the same age.
What age can I apply for DLA?
You can apply from birth. The care component is available from birth, while the mobility component is available from age 3 (higher rate) or age 5 (lower rate).
Is DLA means-tested?
No. DLA is not means-tested and is not affected by your income, savings, or whether you’re working. It is also tax-free.
What’s the difference between the care and mobility components?
The care component covers extra help with personal care, supervision, or attention. The mobility component is for children who have difficulty walking or need guidance outdoors. A child may qualify for one or both components.
Can a child get DLA while attending school or nursery?
Yes. Children can receive DLA even if they attend school or nursery — the award is based on the support they need, not where they spend their time.
How long does a DLA decision take?
It can take several weeks to several months. Providing detailed, accurate information from the start helps avoid delays. We can help complete the form to strengthen your child’s application.
My child is turning 16 — what happens next?
When a child turns 16, their DLA ends. They’ll usually need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. The process is different, and we can support you through the transition.
I still receive DLA as an adult — can I change to another benefit?
If you’re under State Pension age, you may be reassessed for PIP. If you’re now over State Pension age and need more support, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance instead. We can advise which benefit is likely to offer the highest entitlement based on your current situation.
The Government do not charge for applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) our fee covers the form-filling service, support and advice.