DLA care rates

The three care rates

Check GOV.UK for current weekly payment amounts for each rate — rates are reviewed each April.

Lowest rate care

The lowest rate care component is for children who need attention in connection with bodily functions for a significant portion of the day. This does not need to be frequent attention — it could be sustained attention for a significant period.

It can also apply to children who are unable to prepare a cooked main meal (this is a test applied to children over 16, but for children aged under 16, care needs must meet the attention test).

Middle rate care

The middle rate care component is for children who have more substantial needs. It applies if the child:

• Needs frequent attention with bodily functions throughout the day, OR
• Needs continual supervision throughout the day to avoid substantial danger to themselves or others, OR
• Needs prolonged or repeated attention at night, OR
• Needs another person to be awake watching over them at night

Highest rate care

The highest rate care component is for children with the most substantial needs. It applies if the child needs:

• Frequent attention throughout the day AND prolonged or repeated attention at night, OR
• Frequent attention throughout the day AND someone awake watching over them at night, OR
• Continual supervision throughout the day AND prolonged or repeated attention at night, OR
• They have a severe mental impairment with severe behavioural problems

The comparison test

All care rate decisions for children apply a comparison test: the child’s needs are compared to those of a child of the same age without a disability. Only needs that go beyond what is normal for the age group count towards DLA.

Official source

For full rate details: GOV.UK — DLA for children: what you’ll get

DLA care rates for 2026/27

These amounts are for the 2026/27 tax year and usually change each April. Always check the current figures on the official source: GOV.UK benefit and pension rates.