Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

DLA is a benefit for adults and children who find it difficult to care for themselves because they have a physical or mental disability .

You may get DLA if you:

Need help with personal care
Need someone to keep an eye on you to make sure that you are safe
Have problems walking or need someone with you when walking outdoors
Have a terminal illness

There are two parts to the benefit:

A care component – which has three levels check rates
A mobility component – which has two levels check rates

Some people will be entitled to receive just one component; others may get both.

The care component and mobility component are paid at different rates depending on how your disability affects you.

DLA is not a means tested benefit and can be claimed up until the 65th birthday. You can get DLA whether you work or not. Over 65s may be able to claim Attendance Allowance. If the person you care for is terminally ill there are special rules to get the benefit quickly and easily.

If the person you care for is awarded the middle or highest rate of the care component this means that you may qualify for Carers Allowance.

Getting the higher rate of the mobility component can mean that the person you look after can get a blue badge for their car and exemption from road tax. Contact the Disability Living Allowance Unit and ask for exemption certificate DLA 404. Telephone 0845 712 3456.

Rules for application

You must claim the benefit before your 65th birthday. If you are 65 or over, then you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance.
You must have had the problems you describe for at least three months and be likely to have them for the next six months (unless you have a terminal illness, when benefit can be paid immediately)
You must claim before your 65th birthday, but can continue to be paid after you reach 65
You can get the benefit regardless of other income, savings or benefits
If you get DLA, you may qualify for more Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.

How to claim

There are two packs - one if you're claiming for someone aged 16 or over and another if you're claiming for someone aged under 16.

You can claim online or get a claim pack by:

Ringing the Benefit Enquiry Line for a claim form on 0800 88 22 00 (8.30am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am -1pm Saturday
Contacting your local Jobcentre Plus office or local social security office
Apply online

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