Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
If your child is nearing the end of life
If your child is nearing the end of life (for example, due to a life-limiting illness) you might be able to get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children more quickly and at a higher rate.
This is sometimes called ‘special rules for end of life’.
You may be able to get other benefits if your child is nearing the end of life.
If your child lives in Scotland, apply for Child Disability Payment instead. If your child lives in Northern Ireland, apply for Disability Living Allowance for children in Northern Ireland.
Eligibility
Your child is usually eligible if:
- they’re under 16 - anyone over 16 must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- your doctor or medical professional has said they might have 12 months or less to live
It can be difficult to predict how long someone might live for. If a medical professional has not talked to you about this, you can still ask them to support your claim under the special rules for end of life.
If you already get DLA for children
Contact the Disability Living Allowance helpline straight away if a medical professional has said your child might have 12 months or less to live.
What you’ll get
Your child will get the highest care component of £108.55 per week.
They may also be eligible for the mobility component.
How to claim
Ask a medical professional for form SR1. They’ll either fill it in and give the form to you or send it directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Contact the Disability Living Allowance helpline to start your claim.
Disability Living Allowance helpline
Telephone: 0800 121 4600
Textphone: 0800 121 4523
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4600
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges