Who can claim DLA for a child
DLA for children can be claimed by a parent, guardian, or another person responsible for a disabled child. This page explains who can make the claim and the child’s eligibility requirements.
We explain the system. We do not advise on individual cases.
Who DLA for children is for
DLA for children is for children under 16 in England who need extra care, supervision or help getting around because of a disability or health condition. The claim is made by a parent or someone who looks after the child.
Residence and presence
There are rules about the child living in the UK and being present here. Most children who normally live in England with their family will meet these, but there are exceptions for some circumstances.
What happens at 16
DLA for children stops at 16, when young people are usually invited to claim PIP instead. See when a child on DLA turns 16.
Next steps
- Find out how to claim DLA for a child.
- Understand why children get DLA not PIP.
- 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.