What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and who can claim it?

Disability Living Allowance is a benefit for children under 16. It has been replaced by PIP for new claims for people aged 16 to state pension age (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland) but some adults still remain on DLA.

Children under 16

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit which provides help towards the extra costs of bringing up a child with a disability or long term health condition. You can claim DLA for your child if they are under the age of 16 and have additional care, supervision and/or mobility needs. It is not means-tested and an award can bring or increase entitlement to Universal Credit by way of the disabled child element.

Further information on claiming DLA for your child (including changes for those living in Scotland) can be found on RNIB's Benefits for children webpage.

Adults (limited circumstances only)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for all new claims, except in the case where you're reclaiming for the same condition within a year of your previous claim ending and you were aged 65 years of age or over on 8 April 2013 (this date is replaced with 20 June 2016 for people living in Northern Ireland).

Anyone aged 65 years or over on 8 April 2013 (20 June 2016 if living in Northern Ireland) will continue to receive DLA and will not be assessed for PIP. You'll stay on DLA if your entitlement is re-assessed after state pension age, provided the threshold for benefit continues to be met.

Anyone aged less than 65 years on 8 April 2013 (20 June 2016 if living in Northern Ireland) will be reassessed for PIP, even if you're over state pension age.

For further information on PIP, see What is the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and who can claim it?

Updated 07.09.26