Guides to DLA for children

Plain guides to Disability Living Allowance for a child under 16: the claim form question by question, night care, mobility, school evidence, rates, timings, renewals and challenging a decision. Every fact is checked against GOV.UK, the law and the claim form itself, and each guide lists its sources.

Filling in the form

How to fill in the DLA form for a child (DLA1 Child)

A question by question guide to the DLA1 Child claim form: what each section asks, how to describe day and night care, what evidence to send and where to post it.

Night-time care and DLA for children

What counts as night-time care for a child's DLA claim: when night starts, the middle rate night test, question 70 item by item and how to keep a night log.

The DLA mobility component for children

The two DLA mobility rates for a child, the ages they start, what the higher and lower rates mean and how to answer the walking questions on the claim form.

School and nursery evidence for a DLA claim

How school and nursery evidence can support a child's DLA claim: questions 30 to 38 and 68, who should write a statement, what to ask for and what not to send.

Conditions

DLA for an autistic child: how to describe their needs

How to describe an autistic child's needs on the DLA form: the extra help they need compared with children their age, by day and at night, plus useful evidence.

DLA for a child with ADHD

How to claim DLA for a child with ADHD: describing supervision, impulsivity, development, school, nights and medication compared with children of the same age.

Rates, timings and renewals

DLA rates 2026/27 for children

DLA for children in 2026/27 is £30.30 to £194.60 a week. See each care and mobility rate, what it is for, when it is paid and how it links to Carer's Allowance.

How long does DLA for a child take?

How long a DLA claim for a child takes: the 3-week letter, DWP's 45 working day standard, the latest figures, the 6-week claim date rule and what to do while you wait.

DLA renewal for a child: what happens when the award ends

Why many children's DLA awards are for a fixed period, when a renewal claim can be made, what the law says and how to prepare a renewal like a strong new claim.

What happens to DLA at 16: moving to PIP

What happens to your child's DLA at 16: the PIP letter, the date to apply by, how DLA carries on until PIP is assessed, appointees and how Scotland differs.

Challenging a decision

DLA mandatory reconsideration for a child: how to challenge a decision

How to challenge a decision on your child's DLA: the one month deadline, form CRMR1, writing your reasons, evidence, appeals and the rules in NI and Scotland.

Scotland

DLA or Child Disability Payment? Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Which benefit to claim for a disabled child where you live: DLA in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or Child Disability Payment in Scotland, side by side.

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