Disability Living Allowance › How to Apply
How to Apply for DLA
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by: Silverwings Benefits Team · Source: DWP
The application process, evidence to gather, and what happens next.
DLA Evidence: What to Send and Why
Video coming soon
Applying for DLA means requesting a claim pack, completing a detailed form about your child’s care and mobility needs, and gathering supporting evidence before sending it back to DWP. The process rewards detail and honesty over brevity — a well-completed form with specific, everyday examples tends to result in a fairer, faster decision than a short one that leaves DWP guessing. Here is what the process actually involves, step by step.
Step 1: Order the claim pack
Request a DLA1A Child claim pack from the Disability Living Allowance helpline, or download it, if available. Ordering it starts your claim date — if approved, DLA is usually paid from the date you first contacted DWP to request the form, provided you return the completed form within the time allowed (usually 6 weeks).
Step 2: Complete the form in detail
The form asks about:
- personal care needs — washing, dressing, eating, toileting
- supervision needs, day and night
- communication and behaviour
- mobility — walking, getting around outdoors, sense of danger
- medical treatment, medication and appointments
- how needs vary from day to day, on good days and bad days
Describe real, specific examples rather than general statements — what happened yesterday, or last week, is far more useful to an assessor than "he struggles sometimes".
Step 3: Gather supporting evidence
- letters from paediatricians, GPs or specialists
- school reports, EHC plans or IEPs
- therapy reports (speech and language, occupational therapy, physiotherapy)
- a short diary of a typical day and night, if you have kept one
- statements from anyone else who helps care for your child
Step 4: Send it back and wait for a decision
DWP may contact you or your child’s school or health professionals for more information before deciding. If your claim is refused or you disagree with the award level, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration, and appeal to a tribunal if needed.
A complete, evidenced application the first time is almost always faster than appealing a refusal.
Applying for DLA: FAQs
How long is the DLA claim form?
The paper claim pack (DLA1A Child) runs to several dozen pages, covering care needs, mobility needs, medical details and daily routines. It looks daunting but you do not need to fill in every section if it does not apply to your child.
Can I claim online?
You can order a claim pack online or by phone, but the form itself is currently completed on paper and posted back. There isn't a fully online DLA application yet.
What if I disagree with the decision?
You can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision, and appeal to an independent tribunal if you still disagree after that. Many successful appeals turn on evidence that was missing from the original application.
How long does a decision take?
Timescales vary, but it typically takes several weeks after DWP receives your completed form and any supporting evidence. Sending a complete, well-evidenced form the first time tends to avoid delays caused by DWP requesting more information.
Register Your Interest
We’re building a dedicated DLA application support service. Check if you could be eligible below, and we’ll notify you the moment we launch.
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.