The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), a benefit for people with certain disabilities that limit their mobility or necessitate special care. In the UK, DLA is still available to children under sixteen, and approximately one million people now get it, even though it is being phased out for adults and replaced with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other benefits.
DLA rates have gone up by 6.7% to reflect the growing cost of living and ensure that the assistance given is in line with the state of the economy. Without experiencing excessive financial burden, this change guarantees that families can continue to provide the care and support their children require. The DWP has also published a thorough list of 57 medical problems that potentially qualify a child for DLA to clarify eligibility requirements and make the application process easier for families.
DWP Disability Living Allowance Summary
DLA is available to children under 16 who have mobility issues or disabilities that require more care or supervision than other children their age. The DWP has recognized 57 medical illnesses that potentially qualify a person for DLA. These problems include severe mental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, arthritis, and epilepsy.
Components And Rates
DLA is made up of two parts, each of which is intended to meet distinct needs:
Care Component
People who require help with personal care are the target audience for this component. The following are the rates for 2024, which represent a 6.7% increase to match the cost of living:
- Lowest Rate: The lowest rate for people in need of part-time assistance is £28.70 per week.
- Middle Rate: £72.66 per week for people who need constant daytime or nighttime monitoring or frequent help.
- Highest Rate: The highest rate is £108.57 per week for people who require care day and night.
Mobility Component
This component helps persons who have difficulty walking or who need guidance when moving about. The rates in 2024 are:
- Lower Rate: £28.70 per week for people who can walk but require assistance or supervision outside.
- Higher Rate: £72.66 per week for persons who are unable to walk or require extensive help outside owing to severe sensory impairments.
DWP DLA Application Process
The applicant must be the child’s parent or someone in a parental position to apply for DLA for the child. There are two ways to start the application:
- Online: The DLA claim form can be found on the official UK government website. It is critical to offer precise information regarding the child’s health and how it affects their daily lives.
- Phone: If you prefer a paper form or require assistance, the DLA helpline is available. This service assists by conventional phone, textphone for individuals with hearing impairments, and a British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service for BSL users during business hours.
Medical Conditions Qualifying For DLA
There are 57 medical disorders listed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that potentially qualify a child for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The condition’s impact on the child’s everyday life, specifically, their mobility and care requirements, determines eligibility. The full list of requirements is as follows:
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back pain – other/precise diagnosis not specified
- Disease of the muscles, bones, or joints
- Trauma to limbs
- Visual disorders and diseases
- Hearing disorders
- Heart disease
- Respiratory disorders and diseases (e.g., asthma, cystic fibrosis)
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Epilepsy
- Neurological diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
- Motor neurone disease
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Diabetes mellitus
- Metabolic disease
- Traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia
- Major trauma other than traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia
- Learning difficulties
- Psychosis
- Psychoneurosis
- Personality Disorder
- Dementia
- Behavioural disorder
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Hyperkinetic syndrome
- Renal disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bowel and stomach disease
- Blood disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
- Multi-system disorders
- Multiple allergy syndrome
- Skin disease
- Malignant disease
- Severely mentally impaired
- Double amputee
- Deaf/blind
- Haemodialysis
- Frailty
- Total parenteral nutrition
- AIDS
- Infectious diseases: viral disease – COVID-19
- Infectious diseases: viral disease – other/precise diagnosis not specified
- Infectious diseases: bacterial disease – tuberculosis
- Infectious diseases: bacterial disease – other/precise diagnosis not specified
- Infectious diseases: protozoal disease – malaria
- Infectious diseases: protozoal disease – other/precise diagnosis not specified
- Infectious diseases – other/precise diagnosis not specified
- Cognitive disorder – other/precise diagnosis not specified
- Terminally Ill
- Unknown
- Amputation
- Autoimmune disorders
- Severe intellectual disabilities
- Chronic respiratory disorders
- Severe developmental disorders
Payment Schedule And Method
DLA is typically paid on a Wednesday every four weeks. Payment is typically made earlier if the regular payment date falls on a bank holiday.
DLA is one of the benefits that are deposited into an account under the recipient’s name. This could be a basic bank account or a current account. Once placed, money is immediately accessible through the direct deposit method, which also guarantees their safety.
Transition From DLA To Other Benefits
Depending on their region and the type of impairment, children receiving DLA will switch to appropriate adult benefits when they turn 16; this will be facilitated by direct communication from the benefits authorities.
While DLA is no longer accepting new applications for adults, it still offers eligible children vital support that reflects the various needs of young people with disabilities and adjusts to the cost of living.
Contact Details For Assistance
The DLA helpline is open if you have any queries or need help with the application process:
- Telephone: 0800 121 4600
- Textphone: 0800 121 4523 (for those with hearing impairments)
- Relay UK: Dial 18001 followed by 0800 121 4600 for those who cannot hear or speak on the phone using a standard telephone.
- British Sign Language (BSL) Video Relay Service: To help with communication, this service is offered to BSL users Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FAQs
Q1: What is the DWP £108 weekly payment?
Ans: The DWP £108 weekly payment is part of the Attendance Allowance program, supporting individuals aged 65 or older with long-term disabilities or health conditions that require care.
Q2: How do I apply for the £108 weekly payment?
Ans: To apply, you must complete a form and submit it to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), along with any necessary medical documentation. You can apply online or by post.