Major DLA Payment Update – Know If You Qualify for £28.70 or £184.30 Weekly

In April 2025, the UK government will increase Disability Living Allowance (DLA) rates, offering higher financial support for children with disabilities. These changes aim to help families cover the extra costs associated with long-term health conditions.

With the highest weekly payment reaching £184.30, knowing the updated rates, eligibility criteria, and application process is crucial. This guide will help you navigate the new DLA payments and maximize your benefits.

Rates

The updated DLA rates for 2025 include slight increases across all components. Here’s how the new rates compare to 2024:

Component	2025 Rate (per week)	2024 Rate (per week)	Increase
Care Component
Highest Rate	£110.40	£108.55	£1.85
Middle Rate	£73.90	£72.65	£1.25
Lowest Rate	£29.20	£28.70	£0.50
Mobility Component
Higher Rate	£77.05	£75.75	£1.30
Lower Rate	£29.20	£28.70	£0.50

These changes ensure that children with disabilities receive increased support to cover essential care and mobility needs.

Eligibility

To qualify for DLA, certain criteria must be met:

• Age: Available for children under 16 in England and Wales. In Scotland, the Child Disability Payment replaces DLA.
• Residency: The child must be a UK resident.
• Duration of Condition: The disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months.
• Care or Mobility Needs: The child must have significant care or mobility needs that align with DLA requirements.

Common Conditions

Children with various physical and mental health conditions may qualify for DLA, including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down’s Syndrome
• Learning Disabilities
• Mobility Impairments
• Chronic Illnesses

Components

DLA consists of two components:

Care Component

This component supports children who need help with personal care due to a disability. It has three levels:

• Highest Rate (£110.40/week) – For those requiring care both day and night.
• Middle Rate (£73.90/week) – For those needing frequent care during the day or supervision at night.
• Lowest Rate (£29.20/week) – For children needing some care during the day or who struggle to prepare meals.

Mobility Component

This component helps families with children who have mobility challenges. It has two rates:

• Higher Rate (£77.05/week) – For children unable to walk or with severe mobility difficulties.
• Lower Rate (£29.20/week) – For children needing guidance or supervision when walking outdoors.

Application

Applying for DLA involves several steps:

1. Get the Form – Request the application form from the DLA helpline or download it from GOV.UK.
2. Complete the Form – Provide detailed information about your child’s disability and care needs.
3. Submit the Application – Send the completed form to the address provided.
4. Include Supporting Documents – Attach medical reports or professional assessments to strengthen the claim.
5. Await a Decision – The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will review the application and inform you of the outcome.

Additional Benefits

Receiving DLA can increase entitlement to other benefits, including:

• Universal Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit

Additionally, if a parent or guardian provides at least 35 hours of weekly care for a child receiving DLA, they may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.

Benefits

To ensure you receive the full financial support available:

• Review Eligibility Regularly – If your child’s needs increase, they may qualify for a higher rate.
• Keep Medical Records Updated – Maintain up-to-date documentation to support claims.
• Seek Expert Advice – Consult Citizens Advice or disability charities for guidance on applications and appeals.

The 2025 DLA payment update provides essential financial relief to families caring for children with disabilities. Staying informed about eligibility and maximizing benefits can make a significant difference in managing care-related expenses.

FAQs