Can I claim DLA for my child with vision impairment?

The following information relates to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. DLA for children living in Scotland is changing, please see our Benefits in Scotland section. 

You can apply for DLA if: 

• you are the parent of a child under 16 with a vision impairment 

• and your child has been affected by their vision impairment and/or other conditions for at least three months 

• and your child is expected continue to be affected by their vision impairment and/or other conditions for at least six months. 

DLA consists of two components with different rates awarded dependent on your child’s age and level of need. 

The care component is awarded at the lower, middle or higher rate. The rate awarded depends on the personal care support your child needs such as: 

• Getting dressed 

• Making food 

• Toileting 

The mobility component is awarded at the lower rate or higher rate and is age dependent. The rate awarded depends on the help your child needs to get around such as: 

• Ability to walk and find their way around unaided 

• Navigating obstacles 

• Environmental awareness (e.g. road safety) 

You can receive DLA regardless of your other income:  

• It’s not a means-tested benefit 

•  It’s tax-free 

• it could be used as evidence to support applications for other benefits, concessions and grants. 

The DWP have created a series of short videos that explain DLA for children. 

For further information, contact the Disability Living Allowance Helpline (England and Wales) or Disability and Carers Service (Northern Ireland)If your child is 16 or over you will need to claim PIP instead of DLA see My child has a vision impairment, can I claim PIP for them?