Child Disability Payment has replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and young people living in Scotland.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit for children who have care needs or mobility needs. DLA is for children under the age of 16. DLA has 2 parts:
Care component
Care component is for children who need extra personal care, supervision or watching over because of their disability.
This is paid at 3 different rates. The rate the child gets depends on the level of looking after they need.
| Rate |
Level of help needed |
| Lowest rate |
Help for some of the day |
| Middle rate |
Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, supervision at night or someone to help while they're on dialysis |
| Highest rate |
Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or they're terminally ill |
Mobility component
Mobility component is for children with walking difficulties.
This is paid at 2 different rates. The rate the child gets depends on the level of help they need getting about.
| Rate |
Level of help needed |
| Lowest rate |
They can walk but need help and or supervision when outdoors |
| Highest rate |
They cannot walk, can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort, could become very ill if they try to walk, or they're blind or severely sight impaired |
Is your child eligible for DLA?
To qualify for DLA your child must, unless terminally ill:
- Pass at least one of the disability tests (discuss with the Welfare Benefits Team)
- Be within the age limits
- Care component – cannot normally be paid until the child is 3 months old
- Mobility component - for the low rate mobility component the child must be aged over 5, and for the high rate mobility component they child must be aged over 3.
- Meet the qualifying periods conditions. The need:
- must have existed for 3 months
- is expected to continue for 6 months
- Not be subject to immigration control, and
- Pass the residence and presence tests
How much DLA will my child get?
Your child may qualify for one of the 3 rates of the care component and one of the 2 rates of mobility component.
| Care Component |
Amount per week
(2024/25) |
| Lowest rate |
£28.70 |
| Middle rate |
£72.65 |
| Highest rate |
£108.55 |
| Mobility Component |
Amount per week
(2024/25) |
| Lowest rate |
£28.70 |
| Highest rate |
£75.75 |
How do I claim?
The quickest way to apply for Disability Living Allowance is by phone.
Terminal illness
There are special rules if a child is not expected to live more than 6 months, so they can get DLA more quickly. You must:
- complete a DLA for children claim form
- ask a doctor or other healthcare professional for form SR1 - they'll either fill it in and give the form to you or send it directly to DWP
DLA can only be claimed for children under 16 - anyone over 16 must apply for Adult Disability Payment.