Disability Living Allowance: Under 16s with certain health issues could be eligible for up to £108

With the rise of the cost of living in the UK, many Brits have had to watch what they are spending over recent months. The government has several initiatives in place for those living in lower income households, and some of those are dependent on certain conditions. The last of three cost of living payments, for instance, is set to arrive in bank accounts this month - you can check your eligibility for that here.

Another benefit that often goes unclaimed is the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This sees claimants who have certain conditions and disabilities receive up to £108 a week, but the criteria are specific. Here’s who is eligible and how to apply.

Eligibility

The DWP issues these payments to those who suffer from a list of 57 main medical conditions. Some of the most common include asthma, cystic fibrosis, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. You can find the full list here, but it is not exhaustive - if the person’s life is significantly impacted by their condition then they can apply. However, this benefit has largely been replaced by others such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Attendance Allowance. It was still claimed by around 1 million last year, but the only new claimants accepted are those under the age of 16.

Parents or legal guardians must therefore apply on behalf of children under the age of 16 who suffer with one of these conditions or disabilities. The benefit will be increasing in April 2024 as part of the UK government's 6.7% increase, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in November. This means that the care component of the DLA will be boosted from £101.75 to £108.57 in its highest band.

How to apply

If you live in England or Wales, you can apply for this benefit. There is a DLA claim form on the DWP website that you must print off and fill out, or you can call the Disability Living Allowance helpline on 0800 121 4600 and ask them for help if you don’t have access to a printer. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, there are separate but similar schemes that you can find on the Gov.uk website.

Once your eligibility is certified, you will start receiving your payments. The government website states:

After you’ve applied, you’ll get a letter within 3 weeks that explains how long it’ll take to get a decision. Once the decision has been made, you’ll get another letter that’ll tell you when you’ll get your first payment.

However, it is important to know that this benefit will not be backdated. If you are in a situation where a medical professional has said that the child has less than 12 months to live, there are different regulations. Phone the helpline and you will get help faster.

Read more:

⋙ This is how much money you should have in your savings account

⋙ Change in DWP payment date for thousands on benefits, here's what to expect

⋙ New DWP Cold Weather Payments launched across the UK, check whether you’re eligible
Sources used:

Gov.uk

Mirror: DWP pays out £108 a week if you have one of these 57 medical conditions or disabilities