Disability Living Allowance › Eligibility
Who Can Claim DLA?
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by: Silverwings Benefits Team · Source: DWP
Age rules, disability conditions and residency requirements, explained plainly.
DLA for Children: Who Qualifies?
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DLA eligibility comes down to three things: your child’s age, how long their extra care needs have lasted (or are expected to last), and how their condition affects their day-to-day life compared with other children of the same age. There is no set list of qualifying diagnoses — DWP looks at the practical impact, not the label. Below we break down the age rules, the duration test, residency requirements, and how disability conditions are actually assessed.
Age rules
- New DLA claims can only be made for children under 16.
- There is no lower age limit for the care component in most circumstances, but babies under 3 months usually cannot get the highest rate care component (except in special circumstances, e.g. terminal illness).
- The mobility component cannot usually be paid before age 3 (or 5 for the lower rate).
- At 16, your child’s DLA claim ends and they will normally need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
The duration test
Your child’s extra care or mobility needs must have already lasted at least 3 months, and be expected to last at least a further 3 months (6 months in total). Children who are terminally ill are exempt from this waiting period and can be fast-tracked under the special rules.
Residency and immigration rules
Generally, your child needs to be present and normally live in the UK, and you (or your child) need to have been in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years. There are exceptions — for example for members of HM Armed Forces posted overseas, or certain refugees. If your situation is unusual, it is worth checking your specific position before applying.
How disability conditions are assessed
DWP compares the level of attention, supervision or physical help your child needs with what a child of the same age without a disability would typically need. This applies whatever the underlying diagnosis — physical, sensory, learning, developmental or mental health related — and covers both daytime and night-time needs, as well as difficulties getting around outdoors.
It is the level of care needed that decides eligibility, not which condition causes it.
DLA Eligibility: FAQs
Is there a list of conditions that automatically qualify for DLA?
No. DWP does not work from a fixed list of qualifying diagnoses. Instead, they look at how much extra care, supervision or watching-over your child needs compared with a child of the same age without a disability, whatever the underlying condition.
What if my child's needs have only lasted 2 months so far?
DLA generally requires needs to have already lasted at least 3 months and be expected to last at least a further 3 months (6 months in total) — except for children who are terminally ill, where special rules apply and this waiting period does not apply.
Can I claim if we moved to the UK recently?
Usually you and your child need to have been in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years and normally live in the UK, though some exceptions apply (for example for members of the Armed Forces). Check the detailed residency rules or speak to us if your circumstances are unusual.
Does my child need a diagnosis before we apply?
No — many families apply while still waiting for a formal diagnosis or assessment. What matters most is describing the day-to-day care and supervision your child needs.
Register Your Interest
Not sure if your child qualifies? Check if you could be eligible below and we’ll notify you the moment our dedicated DLA service launches.
Check if you could be eligible
A few quick questions about your child — a rough idea is all we need.
Is the child you’re asking about under 16?
DLA is now only available for new claims for children under 16 — adults are covered by PIP instead.