Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is awarded to applicants who are under 65 who need supervision and/or need help with personal care and/or have mobility needs because of illness or disability.

Unless the claimant has a terminal illness, help must have been needed for at least three months and needed at the same level for a further six months.

There are 3 benefit rates for care:

• Upper and middle rates are the same as the higher and lower rates for Attendance Allowance for equivalent needs
• Lower rates are for people with moderate care needs or (if aged 16 or over) those unable to prepare a cooked main meal for one

There are 2 benefit rates for mobility:

• Higher rate for those unable or virtually unable to walk
• Lower rate for those who can walk, but need guidance or supervision on unfamiliar routes

Further information on Disability Living Allowance is available from the Department for Work and Pensions website.