The UK government provides financial help to families raising children with disabilities through the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In 2025, many parents are asking whether they can get the £114 weekly UK Child Disability Allowance and what the eligibility rules are. This benefit is designed to support children under 16 who need extra care or have difficulty moving around because of a disability or health condition. Understanding the rules, payment structure, and application process is essential for families who rely on this support.
Below, we explain everything you need to know about the allowance, who qualifies, how much you can claim, and what changes to expect in 2025.
What is the UK Child Disability Allowance?
The Child Disability Allowance is part of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children. It is not means-tested, meaning your household income and savings do not affect the payment. The allowance is given to help parents cover the extra costs of looking after a child with a disability. These costs may include mobility support, extra medical needs, special equipment, or additional supervision at home.
In 2025, the highest rate of the care component can reach £114 per week, depending on the severity of the child’s needs. This increase is part of the government’s annual uprating of benefits to reflect inflation and rising living costs.
How much is the Child Disability Allowance in 2025?
The allowance has two main parts: Care Component and Mobility Component. A child may qualify for one or both, depending on their disability.
- Care Component (for children who need extra help with daily activities)
- Lowest rate: around £28.70 per week
- Middle rate: around £72.65 per week
- Highest rate: up to £114.00 per week
- Mobility Component (for children who have difficulty walking or getting around)
- Lower rate: around £28.70 per week
- Higher rate: around £75.75 per week
The exact amount your child receives depends on their medical condition, level of care needed, and mobility difficulties. Families can claim both components if their child qualifies.
Who qualifies for the £114 weekly rate?
Not every child will get the maximum £114. To receive this amount, your child must have the highest level of care needs. This usually applies if your child:
- Needs supervision or help both during the day and night
- Has a severe disability or illness requiring constant attention
- Needs help with medical treatment, feeding, or personal care at all times
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assesses each case individually. Medical evidence, reports from doctors, and detailed information from parents are all taken into account before deciding the rate.
Age requirements for Child Disability Allowance
The DLA for children applies only to those under the age of 16. If your child is 16 or older, they may need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
- Children under 3 can qualify only for the care component, not the mobility part.
- Children aged 3 and over may qualify for both care and mobility components.
- The rules ensure that support is age-appropriate and considers developmental stages.
Health conditions that may qualify
DWP does not provide a fixed list of conditions that automatically qualify. Instead, the focus is on how the disability or illness affects your child’s daily life and mobility. Some common conditions that often qualify include:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Learning disabilities
- Cerebral palsy
- Down’s syndrome
- Severe asthma or epilepsy
- Long-term mental health conditions
- Physical disabilities affecting walking and movement
Even if your child’s condition is not listed, you may still qualify if they need substantial extra care or mobility support compared to other children of the same age.
How to apply for the Child Disability Allowance
Applying for the allowance can be a long process, but it is important to provide detailed and accurate information. Here is the step-by-step guide:
- Get the claim form (DLA1A Child form) – This can be ordered from the DWP or downloaded online.
- Fill out the form carefully – Give as much detail as possible about your child’s condition, daily struggles, and the extra care required.
- Provide medical evidence – Attach reports from doctors, therapists, or schools to strengthen your application.
- Submit the form – Send it to the DWP by post. Keep a copy for your records.
- Wait for assessment – In some cases, the DWP may ask for additional evidence or arrange a medical examination.
- Receive decision – You will get a letter explaining whether your child qualifies and at what rate.
Backdated payments
One useful point is that claims are usually backdated to the date the application form was requested. This means families do not lose out if the process takes time.
When payments are made
Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account. However, in some cases (for example, if you are on a low income or benefits), payments may be made weekly to help manage expenses better.
What changes in 2025?
The most significant update for 2025 is the increase in the maximum care component to £114 per week. This adjustment is designed to help families cope with the rising cost of living. Additionally, the DWP has announced that they are working on making applications more straightforward through digital forms, reducing delays caused by paperwork.
Can you appeal if rejected?
Yes, if your application is rejected or awarded at a lower rate than expected, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month. If you are still unhappy with the outcome, you have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal. Many families are successful after providing additional medical evidence during the appeal.
Impact on other benefits
Receiving DLA for your child can also increase your entitlement to other benefits and allowances, such as:
- Carer’s Allowance – if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for your child.
- Universal Credit – higher payments if your child is disabled.
- Child Tax Credit (if still claiming under the old system).
- Motability Scheme – if your child gets the higher mobility component, you may lease a car, scooter, or wheelchair.
This shows that the allowance not only provides direct financial support but also unlocks additional help for families.
Common mistakes parents make
Many parents lose out on support because of errors in their application. Common mistakes include:
- Not giving enough detail about daily care needs.
- Underestimating the impact of the disability.
- Missing medical evidence from professionals.
- Assuming a condition does not qualify without checking.
To improve your chances, always explain how your child’s condition affects them compared to other children of the same age.
Why this allowance is important for families
Raising a child with a disability often brings additional financial pressure, from higher household bills to the cost of special equipment or therapies. The DLA provides vital support, ensuring families can meet these extra needs without falling into financial hardship.
For many, the allowance is not just about money—it is recognition from the government that caring for a disabled child requires extra effort and resources.
Final thoughts
The £114 weekly UK Child Disability Allowance in 2025 is a lifeline for thousands of families. To qualify, children must have significant care needs or mobility issues, and parents must provide detailed evidence when applying. With the updated rates, the allowance is more valuable than ever, especially in the current cost-of-living climate.
If you think your child may qualify, do not delay in applying. Understanding the rules and preparing a strong application can make all the difference in securing the support your family needs.