New 2025 DLA Rates Announced: The UK government has officially released the 2025/2026 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) rates, and they bring a welcome increase for families supporting children with long-term health conditions or disabilities. From April 7, 2025, claimants may receive up to £187.45 per week, helping to ease the financial burden of additional care needs. This article explains the new rates in simple language, while also offering expert-level detail for professionals. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, teacher, or advisor, this guide will help you navigate DLA in 2025.
New 2025 DLA Rates Announced
With the 2025 DLA rate increase, families can access up to £187.45 per week in support. This benefit is vital for managing the additional expenses that come with raising a disabled child. By understanding the eligibility rules, preparing a detailed application, you can maximise your child’s chances of receiving the help they deserve.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective From | April 7, 2025 |
| Care Component Rates | Highest: £110.40 • Middle: £73.90 • Lowest: £29.20 |
| Mobility Component Rates | Higher: £77.05 • Lower: £29.20 |
| Max Weekly DLA Payment | £187.45 (if eligible for highest care + higher mobility) |
| Who Can Claim | Children under 16 in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland |
| Application Method | Complete and post DLA1A Child Form (Apply Here) |
| Support Providers | Citizens Advice, Turn2us, Contact, Scope |
What’s Changed? A Look at 2024 vs 2025 DLA Rates
| Component | 2024 Rate | 2025 Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care – Highest | £108.55 | £110.40 | +£1.85 |
| Care – Middle | £72.65 | £73.90 | +£1.25 |
| Care – Lowest | £28.70 | £29.20 | +£0.50 |
| Mobility – Higher | £75.75 | £77.05 | +£1.30 |
| Mobility – Lower | £28.70 | £29.20 | +£0.50 |
Who Can Get DLA in 2025?
DLA is now only open to children under 16 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Adults must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. In Scotland, a separate benefit – the Child Disability Payment – is used instead.
To qualify for DLA in 2025:
- The child must be under 16.
- They must need more care, attention, or supervision than other children of the same age.
- The condition must have lasted at least 3 months, and be expected to last at least 6 more.
- The child must live in Great Britain and meet residence and immigration status rules.
Breakdown of New 2025 DLA Rates Announced
Care Component
This helps with personal care needs like feeding, washing, dressing, or supervision due to medical or behavioural conditions.
| Rate | Weekly Payment | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | £110.40 | Constant day/night care due to complex needs |
| Middle | £73.90 | Frequent care either during the day or night |
| Lowest | £29.20 | Some help needed for at least 1 hour daily |
Mobility Component
This supports children who have difficulty walking or require supervision when outdoors.
| Rate | Weekly Payment | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Higher | £77.05 | Unable or virtually unable to walk, or severe mental impairment |
| Lower | £29.20 | Needs guidance or supervision when walking outdoors |
How to Apply for New 2025 DLA Rates: Step-by-Step Guide
- Get the DLA1A Child Form
Visit gov.uk or call the DLA helpline at 0800 121 4600 to request the form by post. - Gather Information
Collect details of the child’s medical condition(s), daily care needs, and any supporting evidence (e.g., diagnosis letters, education plans, or therapist reports). - Complete the Form
Be specific and detailed. Explain what your child cannot do that another child their age typically can. - Submit the Form
Send it to:
Disability Living Allowance Unit
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2AA - Wait for a Decision
Most applications take 6 to 8 weeks. You may be asked for additional medical or educational evidence.
Real-Life Example: Meet Sarah
Sarah’s 9-year-old son, Leo, has autism and significant sensory processing difficulties. He requires constant supervision, struggles with transitions, and cannot walk safely outdoors without help. Sarah applied for DLA with reports from Leo’s occupational therapist and school. He was awarded the middle care and lower mobility rates – a total of £103.10 per week – helping Sarah fund extra childcare and sensory equipment.
Expert Tips: Boost Your Chance of Approval
- Use real-life examples: Instead of saying “needs help dressing,” say “needs 20 minutes every morning to put on clothes due to sensory discomfort.”
- Get support from professionals: Teachers, doctors, and therapists can write supporting letters.
- Avoid vague terms: Don’t say “sometimes” or “a bit.” Be specific: “Every night” or “requires supervision for 2 hours a day.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing through the form without proper examples
- Leaving out weekend routines or night-time behaviours
- Assuming decision-makers understand the diagnosis – focus on the impact
- Failing to update address/contact info on the form
For Professionals: What SENCOs, Social Workers & Health Workers Should Know
- You can assist parents in completing the form or write supporting letters.
- Reference the child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) where relevant.
- Highlight behavioural incidents, missed developmental milestones, or school exclusions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when a child turns 16?
At 16, most children move from DLA to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The DWP will contact you to begin the transition process.
Can a child on DLA still attend school full-time?
Yes. Attending school doesn’t affect eligibility. What matters is the child’s care and mobility needs during the day, including school time.
Can DLA be backdated?
DLA is usually paid from the date the application is received, but may be backdated if there was a clear delay beyond your control (e.g., a hospital stay).
Can I receive Carer’s Allowance if my child gets DLA?
Yes – if your child receives the middle or highest rate of the care component, and you care for them for 35+ hours/week, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance.
