From April 7, 2025, the UK’s Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will increase by 1.7%, ensuring that recipients continue to receive financial support for their care and mobility needs. This adjustment reflects inflation and aims to help individuals manage rising living costs.
This guide explains the updated DLA rates, who qualifies, how to apply, and what happens when a child on DLA turns 16. If you or your child receives DLA, make sure you know these changes to avoid payment delays.
Increase
The government reviews benefits annually based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) to ensure payments keep up with inflation. In September 2024, the CPI inflation rate was 1.7%, leading to this DLA increase in April 2025.
Payment Rates
| Component | 2025 Weekly Rate | 2024 Weekly Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care Component | |||
| Highest | £110.40 | £108.55 | +£1.85 |
| Middle | £73.90 | £72.65 | +£1.25 |
| Lowest | £29.20 | £28.70 | +£0.50 |
| Mobility Component | |||
| Higher | £77.05 | £75.75 | +£1.30 |
| Lower | £29.20 | £28.70 | +£0.50 |
The maximum weekly amount for those receiving both the highest care and mobility components is now £187.45, totaling £9,747.40 per year.
Eligibility
DLA is available only to:
- Children under 16 with a long-term disability or health condition requiring extra care.
- Adults born before April 8, 1948 who already receive DLA.
If you are 16 or older, you must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
Who Qualifies?
A child may qualify if:
- They have needed extra care or mobility support for at least 3 months and are expected to need help for at least 6 more months.
- They have a physical or mental disability that affects daily life.
- If they have a terminal illness, they can apply immediately without a waiting period.
How to Apply
If you are applying for a child under 16, follow these steps:
Get the DLA Claim Form
- Download the form (DLA1A) from Gov.uk.
- Call 0800 121 4600 to request a paper form by post.
Fill Out the Form
- Provide detailed information about how the child’s condition affects their daily life.
- Include specific examples of difficulties, such as:
- Struggling with dressing or bathing.
- Needing constant supervision.
- Difficulty walking or moving around.
Submit the Form
Send the completed application to:
Disability Living Allowance Unit
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1AA
It is recommended to keep a copy of the application for future reference.
Applying
- The DWP reviews your claim, which can take 8 to 12 weeks.
- They may request additional medical evidence if necessary.
- A decision letter will be sent with the outcome and payment details.
Transition
When a child receiving DLA turns 16, they must apply for PIP instead.
Comparison
| Feature | DLA (Children) | PIP (Adults 16+) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Apply? | Children under 16 | Adults aged 16–State Pension age |
| Assessment Method | Based on care & mobility needs | Face-to-face or phone assessment |
| Maximum Weekly Rate (2025) | £187.45 | £184.30 |
| Reassessments | No, unless requested | Regular reassessments required |
If your child is approaching 16, they will receive a transition letter from DWP with instructions on applying for PIP.
The 1.7% DLA increase in 2025 helps maintain financial stability for eligible children and older adults. If you or someone you care for receives DLA, check the new payment rates and apply as needed.
To avoid disruptions, ensure all applications or transitions to PIP are completed on time. For official updates, visit Gov.uk.
FAQs
What is the new highest DLA rate for 2025?
The highest care rate is £110.40 per week from April 2025.
Who can apply for DLA?
Children under 16 and adults born before April 8, 1948, can claim DLA.
How do I claim DLA?
Apply online via Gov.uk or request a form by calling 0800 121 4600.
What happens to DLA when a child turns 16?
They must apply for PIP as DLA stops at age 16.
How long does it take to process a DLA claim?
DLA claims usually take 8 to 12 weeks to be processed.
