Disability Living Allowance
Sometimes referred to as DLA – is a tax-free benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled.
You may get Disability Living Allowance if:
- You have a physical or mental disability, or both
- Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or you have walking difficulties, or both
- You are under 65 when you claim
- If you are aged 65 or over, you may be able to get Attendance Allowance. Click here for more information
- You can get Disability Living Allowance whether or not you work.
- It isn’t usually affected by any savings or income you may have.
Special rules – if you are terminally ill
If you have a progressive disease and you are not expected to live for more than another six months there are special rules for claiming to make sure you get your benefit more quickly and easily.
Medical examinations
You will not usually need a medical examination when you claim for Disability Living Allowance. If you are asked to have one you can find out more from the link below.
Disability Living Allowance has two parts called ‘components’:
a care component – if you need help looking after yourself or supervision to keep you safe
a mobility component – if you can’t walk or need help getting around
Some people will be entitled to receive just one component; others may get both.
The care component and mobility component are paid at different rates depending on how your disability affects you.
For more information visit Direct.gov.uk