DLA care component for children
The care component of DLA for children helps with the extra costs of caring for a child who needs more help than other children their age because of a disability or health condition.
We explain the system. We do not advise on individual cases.
What the care component is
The care component of DLA for children is for a child who needs much more help or supervision with personal care than other children of the same age, because of a disability or health condition. This can include help with things like washing, dressing, eating, taking medication, or needing watching over to stay safe.
The three care rates
The care component has three rates — lowest, middle and highest — depending on how much extra help the child needs and whether that help is needed during the day, at night, or both. The exact weekly amounts are on the DLA care rates page.
“Substantially more” than other children
Because all young children need care, DLA looks at whether a particular child needs substantially more care or supervision than a child of the same age without the condition. Describing the difference compared with peers is central. See how to describe your difficulties.
Next steps
- See DLA care rates for the figures.
- Read about the mobility component.
- Find out how to claim DLA for a child.
- Official source: GOV.UK — DLA for children.
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Last reviewed: June 2026. We review this website regularly. Benefit rules and amounts can change — for current forms, deadlines and rates, always check GOV.UK. See how we keep this up to date.