Disability Living Allowance (DLA): numbers, rates and who can claim
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by other benefits. Today, new DLA claims are only for children under 16 in England and Wales. Adults who already get DLA either keep it or are invited to move to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), depending on their date of birth. This page explains which applies to you and which free number to call.
| Line | Number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| DLA for children (and adults born after 8 April 1948) | 0800 121 4600 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm |
| DLA – adults born on or before 8 April 1948 | 0800 731 0122 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| PIP enquiry line | 0800 121 4433 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm |
All three are free from mobiles and landlines. Relay UK: dial 18001 then the number.
DLA for children
DLA for children can help with the extra costs of looking after a child under 16 who has difficulty walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age without a disability. It has two parts:
| Weekly rate | Lowest / lower | Middle | Highest / higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care component | £30.30 | £76.70 | £114.60 |
| Mobility component | £30.30 | — | £80 |
Together that is between £30.30 and £194.60 a week. DLA is usually paid every four weeks. To claim, fill in the DLA claim form for children, or ring the DLA helpline on 0800 121 4600 to ask for a printed form. A claim starts from the date your form arrives, or the date you phoned if you return the claim pack within six weeks. It cannot be backdated.
In Scotland, apply for Child Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland instead. If a child moves between Scotland and England or Wales, you must tell both agencies and make a new claim — payments continue for up to 13 weeks after the move.
Adults who already get DLA
- Born on or before 8 April 1948: you keep DLA for as long as you are eligible. Call 0800 731 0122 about your claim.
- Born after 8 April 1948: your DLA will end. You will get a letter inviting you to claim PIP. If you apply, do it within 28 days. DLA carries on until at least 28 days after the PIP decision, and if you get PIP it starts as DLA stops. Call 0800 121 4600 about DLA, or see our PIP enquiry line page once you have claimed PIP.
Over 16 and not already on DLA? You cannot make a new DLA claim. Apply for PIP if you are under State Pension age, or Attendance Allowance if you are over it. In Scotland, existing adult claims have moved to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.
Changes you must report
- your condition or the help you need changes
- you go into hospital or a care home for more than two days
- a medical professional says you may be nearing the end of life
- you plan to go abroad for more than four weeks
- you are imprisoned or held in detention
- you change your name, address, bank details or doctor
You may be asked to claim PIP after you report a change.
DLA and Universal Credit
DLA is paid separately from Universal Credit, and a household can get both. A child on DLA can mean an extra amount in your Universal Credit — £164.79 a month, or £514.71 if the child gets the highest care rate. Caring for someone on the middle or highest care rate for 35 hours a week can qualify you for the carer element. The higher mobility rate qualifies for the Motability Scheme.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DLA helpline number?
0800 121 4600 for children and adults born after 8 April 1948; 0800 731 0122 for adults born on or before 8 April 1948.
Can adults still claim DLA?
No new adult claims. Adults claim PIP, or Attendance Allowance if over State Pension age.
How much is DLA for children?
Between £30.30 and £194.60 a week, depending on the care and mobility rates awarded.
Will my DLA stop?
If you were born after 8 April 1948 it will end, and you will be invited to claim PIP.
Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.