Disability Living Allowance - DLA

A warm, photo showing a diverse family supporting a neurodivergent child — including visib

Support with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Applications for Children

Expert guidance from advocates who understand.

If your child has additional needs due to a disability, neurodivergence, or long-term health condition, they may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) — a benefit designed to help cover the extra costs of care and mobility. DLA is not means-tested and can be a vital financial support for families navigating complex needs.

At SEND and Beyond Ltd, we know that completing the application can be emotionally exhausting, especially when you're already juggling appointments, education plans, and daily care. Let us take that burden off your shoulders. We provide a full, trauma-responsive form-filling service that ensures your child’s needs are clearly and powerfully represented.

What is DLA for Children?

DLA is a non-taxable benefit for children under 16 who need significantly more support than their peers. A formal diagnosis is not required — what matters is how your child’s condition affects their daily life.

The benefit has two parts:

1. Care Component (daily living support):

Lower rate: £29.20 per week
Middle rate: £73.90 per week
Higher rate: £110.40 per week

2. Mobility Component (getting around):

Lower rate: £29.20 per week — for children 5+ who need extra help outdoors
Higher rate: £77.05 per week — for children 3+ with severe mobility challenges

Children may qualify for one or both components depending on their needs.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for DLA if:

Your child is under 16
They need more support than a typical child of the same age
Their additional needs have lasted at least 3 months and are expected to continue for 6 more

Age rules for the mobility component:

Higher rate mobility: from age 3
Lower rate mobility: from age 5

Care component is available from birth.

This benefit is not affected by your income, savings, or employment status.

How Our DLA Support Service Works

Filling out the DLA1A (Child) form can be over 30 pages long — requiring detailed explanations of your child’s needs, routines, and safety concerns. It’s often described by parents as one of the hardest forms they’ve ever had to complete.

We’re here to make it easier.

What you’ll receive:

A free 30-minute initial call to assess whether your child is likely to qualify
Clear, honest advice — we’ll only proceed if we believe you have a valid claim
Full form completion service by experienced SEND advocates
No jargon — we explain everything in plain English
Support with appeals or mandatory reconsiderations, if needed

We treat every case with care, compassion, and expertise — because we’ve walked this road ourselves.

Why Choose SEND and Beyond?

We are SEND experts, not general benefit advisers.
We understand neurodivergence, hidden disabilities, trauma, and how conditions like PDA, FASD, ADHD, and dyslexia can impact daily life.
We work with families, carers, and professionals to make sure no child is left behind.
We provide ongoing support — including with EHCPs, school placements, and appeals.

We don’t just understand the system. We challenge it when it fails.

Please contact us via hello@sendandbeyond.co.uk to book your free consultation.