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Caring for a sick child

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a government benefit paid for children (and adults) who have care needs or problems walking out of doors because of special needs, illness or disability. Although all children need some level of care and attention, DLA can be paid for children who need more help or care than other children of their age.

Who can get it?

Many parents think they can’t get DLA because their child isn’t ‘disabled', but children may be able to qualify if, for example, they have:

  • developmental delay
  • learning difficulties
  • problems with their sight or hearing
  • poor co-ordination or problems with movement
  • behavioural or emotional problems
  • asthma
  • diabetes
  • fits or blackouts
  • hyperactivity
  • any diagnosed condition that means they need more care or
    supervision

How old does my child have to be?

If your child needs extra help with care tasks, they can qualify when they are as young as three months or from birth if they are very ill. If they need help with walking, they can qualify when they are either three or five years old.

If I qualify, how much money can I get?

DLA comes in two parts – a mobility component and a care component – and each component has different rates. The highest award is over £100 a week.

Is there anything else I need to know?

DLA is paid on top of other benefits, tax credits and income. It is not taxable and it doesn’t matter if you have savings. If you are claiming other benefits or get tax credits, DLA can increase the amount of money you get.

How do I apply for DLA for my child?

You can get a DLA claim form by phoning the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 88 22 00.

I am already getting DLA - do I need to do anything?

Even if you are getting Disability Living Allowance for your child it is still worth checking with an advice agency to make sure you are getting the correct rates and all your other benefits.

Where can I get advice or help with the DLA form?

You can get advice and help with the DLA form from an advice agency. The agencies listed below are only open at certain times each week – you will need to contact them for details.

There are Citizen Advice Bureau offices in Holborn, Kentish Town and Kilburn as well as a Housebound Service, HIV Project and some outreach services in other parts of the borough.

Camden Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) Service
Phone: 08450 505152
Website: www.adviceguide.org.uk

DISC (Disability in Camden)
58 Phoenix Road NW1 1EU
Phone: 020 7387 1466
Email: advice@discnwl.org.uk
Website: www.discnwl.org.uk

Kids London
Kids Family Information Worker
Greenland Road Children’s Centre
4 Greenland Road NW1 0AS
Phone: 020 7530 4833/ 020 7520 0405

For more details on advice agencies in Camden pick up the leaflet 'Where to go in Camden for advice on welfare rights' from your local library or go to: www.camden.gov.uk/welfarebenefits for information on DLA, other benefits and tax credits.

National organisations providing information or advice on DLA for children:

Contact a Family
Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555
Email: info@cafamily.org.uk
Website: www.cafamily.org.uk

Disability Alliance
Helpline: 020 7247 8763
Email: office.da@dial.pipex.com
Website: www.disabilityalliance.org