From April 2025, many families and individuals in the UK who depend on disability benefits will receive a much-needed financial boost. The government has announced that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be increased as part of the annual benefits review. The maximum weekly payment will rise to £184.30 for those receiving the highest level of care and mobility components combined.
This update is designed to reflect rising living costs and ongoing inflation. It’s especially helpful for households already struggling to meet daily needs like therapy, transport, specialist equipment, and home care. In this article, we explain who qualifies, how much you could get, and what steps to take to access the support.
What Is Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Who Is It For?
Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free payment given to children under 16 who need extra help because of physical or mental health issues. It helps parents manage additional expenses related to their child’s disability.
DLA is not affected by household income or savings—it is not means-tested. It’s simply based on the level of care and/or mobility support a child needs compared to other children of the same age.
For those aged 16 or over, a different benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applies. Both DLA and PIP are part of the UK government’s aim to give people with long-term conditions a better quality of life and more independence.
Why This Increase in Disability Benefits Matters in 2025
With inflation still affecting household budgets, the 2025 increase in disability payments is timely. Families raising children with disabilities often face higher costs than average, such as:
- Therapy sessions
- Mobility aids like wheelchairs or scooters
- Home adaptations
- Transport to hospitals or special schools
- Reduced working hours due to caregiving
This rise will help relieve some of the financial pressure and provide more stability for caregivers and their children.
Breakdown of the New Weekly DLA Rates from April 6, 2025
The updated DLA rates for 2025 are structured around two main components: Care and Mobility. Each component is paid at different levels depending on the severity of the child’s condition.
Care Component Rates
- Highest Rate: £107.60
- Middle Rate: £72.65
- Lowest Rate: £28.70
Mobility Component Rates
- Higher Rate: £76.70
- Lower Rate: £28.70
If your child qualifies for both highest rate care and higher rate mobility, the total will be £184.30 per week, which adds up to more than £9,590 per year. That’s a meaningful increase that can go a long way toward covering essential costs.
Who Is Eligible for the Updated DLA in 2025?
To receive the Disability Living Allowance, a child must meet specific criteria:
Age Requirement
- The child must be under 16 at the time of application.
- After age 16, they will transition to PIP.
Residency Rules
- The child must live in England, Wales, or Scotland.
- They must have been present in the UK for at least two of the last three years.
- Exceptions may apply for refugee families and those serving in the armed forces.
Health and Care Needs
- The child must need more care, supervision, or help than other children of the same age.
- This includes support for physical disabilities, learning difficulties, or medical conditions like autism, ADHD, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and more.
Visit the official gov.uk DLA eligibility page for detailed information and examples.
How to Apply for Disability Living Allowance
Applying for DLA requires some paperwork and preparation. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Get the Claim Form
- Call the DLA helpline at 0800 121 4600
- Or download the form from the official gov.uk website
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents Collect anything that explains your child’s condition, such as
- Medical records and GP letters
- Reports from therapists or psychologists
- Educational plans like EHCPs
Step 3: Complete the Form
- Be detailed and clear.
- Use real examples from daily life to show how much help your child needs.
- Mention frequency of care and how long tasks take.
Step 4: Send the Form
- Mail it to: Freepost DWP DLA Child (no stamp required).
- Keep a copy of your form and documents for your records.
After submitting, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may contact your child’s doctor, teacher, or support worker to confirm details.
What Happens After a Child Turns 16?
When a child receiving DLA turns 16, they no longer qualify for DLA. Instead, they are moved to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is assessed differently.
PIP Focuses On
- How a disability affects daily living activities (like cooking or dressing)
- The person’s ability to move around independently
Unlike DLA, PIP usually involves a face-to-face or telephone assessment.
PIP Payment Rates for 2025
For adults and individuals aged 16+, the following rates apply:
Daily Living Component
- Enhanced Rate: £107.60 per week
- Standard Rate: Lower than enhanced (yet to be confirmed for 2025)
Mobility Component
- Enhanced Rate: £76.70 per week
- Standard Rate: Lower than enhanced (yet to be confirmed for 2025)
These figures match the highest DLA rates and reflect the same effort to help disabled individuals lead more independent lives.
Examples: How the Payment Rise Helps Real Families
Understanding the numbers is helpful, but let’s look at a few examples to see how this change can impact families:
Example 1: Child with Autism**
Liam, age 9, has autism. He struggles with communication and needs constant supervision. He qualifies for middle rate care and lower rate mobility, giving his family £101.35 per week. Previously, they received £97.85 per week. The extra support helps pay for a speech therapist.
Example 2: Teen with Cerebral Palsy
Tom, age 15, has limited mobility and requires physical therapy. He qualifies for highest care and highest mobility rates, totaling £184.30 per week. His family uses the funds for a mobility scooter and home care assistance.
Example 3: Child with Epilepsy
Maya, age 11, experiences frequent seizures. Her mother receives highest care and lower mobility rate, adding up to £136.30 per week. This helps cover transportation to hospital visits and part-time caregiving support.
What Should Families Do Now?
With the new rates coming into effect from April 6, 2025, now is the right time to act:
- Check your current entitlement on gov.uk
- Apply or update your child’s DLA application
- Gather new medical documents if your child’s condition has changed
- Call the DWP if you have questions about your child’s transition to PIP
By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure your child gets the support they deserve.
Why These Increases Reflect a Positive Step
This benefit rise is more than just a financial update—it reflects a national recognition of the added pressures faced by families with disabled children. It also shows the UK government’s commitment to adjusting welfare payments to match the rising cost of living.
Whether you’re caring for a child with complex medical needs or helping a teen navigate their path to independence, every bit of support matters. This increase in disability payments could ease some of that journey.