From June 7, 2025, families with disabled children in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can receive up to £187.45 per week through Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This yearly update helps households cope with the added costs of care and mobility needs for children under 16. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or adviser, this guide will walk you through the new DLA rates, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Overview
The new 2025 rates bring a small but welcome increase in both the care and mobility components of DLA. These payments aim to support families dealing with medical, developmental, or behavioural conditions that require extra care or supervision.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | June 7, 2025 |
| Max Weekly Payment | £187.45 (if awarded highest care + higher mobility) |
| Who Can Apply | Children under 16 in England, Wales, NI |
| Application Method | DLA1A Child Form (by post) |
| Support Services | Citizens Advice, Scope, Turn2us, Contact |
Rate Changes
Here’s a side-by-side look at how the 2025 rates compare to 2024.
Care Component
| Rate | 2024 Weekly | 2025 Weekly | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest | £108.55 | £110.40 | +£1.85 |
| Middle | £72.65 | £73.90 | +£1.25 |
| Lowest | £28.70 | £29.20 | +£0.50 |
Mobility Component
| Rate | 2024 Weekly | 2025 Weekly | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher | £75.75 | £77.05 | +£1.30 |
| Lower | £28.70 | £29.20 | +£0.50 |
These increases, while modest, are still a valuable boost to help cover everyday costs like transport, extra childcare, and therapy aids.
Eligibility
DLA in 2025 is only for children under 16. Adults must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). In Scotland, families should apply for the Child Disability Payment instead.
To qualify for DLA:
- The child must be under 16
- They must need more care or supervision than other children their age
- Their condition must have lasted at least 3 months and be expected to last 6 more
- They must live in Great Britain and meet residency requirements
Component Breakdown
This covers help with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, dressing, or constant supervision.
| Rate | Weekly Payment | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | £110.40 | 24/7 care needs or serious behavioural challenges |
| Middle | £73.90 | Frequent care during day or night |
| Lowest | £29.20 | At least 1 hour daily support |
Mobility Component
This helps families with children who have difficulty walking or need guidance when outdoors.
| Rate | Weekly Payment | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Higher | £77.05 | Unable to walk or needs constant supervision outdoors |
| Lower | £29.20 | Needs help or encouragement to move around outside safely |
How to Apply
- Get the DLA1A Child Form
Order it from the gov.uk website or call 0800 121 4600. - Collect Evidence
Include medical reports, school EHCPs, or therapy assessments that show how the condition affects daily life. - Complete the Form
Be as detailed as possible. Use real-life examples to describe what your child needs help with. - Post the Application
Send it to:
Disability Living Allowance Unit
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2AA - Wait for a Decision
This usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Be ready to provide more evidence if asked.
Real-Life Example
Sarah’s 9-year-old son, Leo, has autism and sensory processing challenges. He needs constant supervision and cannot safely walk outdoors on his own. Sarah applied with therapist reports and school notes. Leo was awarded the middle care and lower mobility rates, giving the family £103.10 weekly to help cover extra care costs.
Tips for Better Applications
- Use specific examples: “Needs 20 minutes to dress due to sensory issues”
- Get professional input: Ask teachers or doctors to write short support letters
- Avoid vague language: Say “needs constant supervision” rather than “sometimes needs help”
- Include weekend and night-time routines: Don’t focus only on school hours
Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the form without good examples
- Leaving out important routines
- Assuming DWP understands the diagnosis
- Forgetting to update your contact details
Guidance for Professionals
If you’re a teacher, SENCO, social worker, or healthcare worker:
- Offer to help fill out the form
- Write supporting letters highlighting care needs
- Reference EHCPs or developmental assessments
- Explain how the child’s needs differ from peers
FAQs
What’s the max weekly DLA payment in 2025?
£187.45 per week if eligible for top care and mobility rates.
Who can claim DLA in 2025?
Children under 16 in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
What form is used to apply for DLA?
You need to complete and post the DLA1A Child Form.
How long do DLA decisions take?
Most take 6 to 8 weeks after submission.
Can professionals help with DLA forms?
Yes, teachers and health workers can provide support and letters.
