DLA evidence

The claim form

DLA for children is claimed using the DLA1A Child form. The form asks detailed questions about how your child’s condition affects their daily life, their care needs during the day and night, and their mobility. It is important to describe your child’s needs on their worst and most typical days, not just their best days.

Types of supporting evidence

You are not required to send evidence with the form, but it can be helpful. Useful evidence may include:

• Letters or reports from paediatricians, consultants, or hospital departments
• Reports from the child’s school, SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), or educational psychologist
• Letters from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or community paediatric nurse
• An Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan if the child has one
• A care plan from a social worker
• A diary of your child’s care needs over a week or two, written by a parent or carer

Describing care needs on the form

Be specific and detailed about what you actually do to help your child. Think about all parts of the day and night — getting up, washing, dressing, meals, medication, therapy exercises, school support, managing behaviour, settling at night, and any help needed during the night. Many parents underestimate how much they do because it has become routine.

The comparison test

The DWP compares your child’s care needs to a child of the same age without a disability. It can help to explain not just what help your child needs, but how this compares to what would typically be expected for a child their age.

Official source

To get the DLA claim form: GOV.UK — How to claim DLA for children