Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a social security benefit to help with the costs of disability. It has two parts, dealing with care and mobility needs.

Care

To be eligible for DLA Care, a person must require attention in connection with their bodily functions, or supervision to avoid a substantial danger. These can be in the day, at night, or both.

• There is no lower age limit to claim this part of DLA.

Mobility

To be eligible for DLA Mobility, a person must be unable or virtually unable to walk, or require guidance or supervision when walking outdoors.

• There is a lower age limit for this part of DLA; no claim can be made for a child under the age of 3.

In order for children to qualify for DLA it is necessary to show that their needs are substantially in excess of what is normally required by a person of that age, or that substantially more guidance is needed when walking.

• Claims for young people under the age of 16 are made on their behalf by a parent or carer on form DLA1Child.
  
  

• You can order a claim form by telephoning the Benefit Enquiry Line: 0800 882200.
  
  
• If a successful claim is made for either part of DLA, you may be able to claim extra Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Working Families Tax Credit or Disabled Person’s Tax Credit.
  
  
• If your child is awarded DLA Care, you may be able to claim Invalid Care Allowance if you are looking after them.
  
  
• If your child is awarded DLA Mobility, you may be able to claim exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty, and may qualify for a Blue Badge for concessionary parking.

Social security and other claim forms are lengthy and you may require help and advice to complete them. It is advisable to ask for advice from a Neighbourhood Office or Citizens Advice Bureau if you are considering making a claim or have questions about any of the benefits referred to above.