Could You Be Missing Out on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Your Child?

Did you know that hundreds of thousands of families in the UK could be missing out on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for their children?

According to the Resolution Foundation's 2024 report, there are 1.2 million disabled children in the UK. Yet only around 682,000 children currently receive DLA. That leaves a huge number of children potentially eligible—but not claiming.

"Too many families don’t even know DLA exists. Others are told they won’t qualify, or give up after a difficult first application. We want to change that."— Sharron Beard, Founder, SEND and Beyond Ltd

What is DLA?

DLA (Disability Living Allowance) for children is a non-means-tested benefit designed to support children under 16 who:

• Have extra care needs compared to children of the same age

• Or have difficulty getting around

• And have had these needs for at least 3 months and expect them to last for at least another 6

  
  

You do NOT need a diagnosis to apply. The focus is on your child’s needs, not the label.

Who Might Qualify?

You can apply for DLA if your child needs significantly more help than others their age due to:

• ✨ Neurodivergence (e.g. ADHD, autism, FASD, sensory processing difficulties)

• 🔊 Speech, communication or language delays

• 🥴 Feeding or eating challenges

• 🛏️ Sleep problems or night waking

• 🧐 Emotional regulation and anxiety

• 🏋️ Mobility or coordination difficulties

• 💪 Chronic illness or pain

• ❓ Undiagnosed but documented difficulties

  
  

How Much Could You Receive?

DLA is made up of two parts:

• Care component (Low, Middle, or High rate)

• Mobility component (Lower or Higher rate)

In 2025, this ranges from around £28 to £128+ per week

Why Are Families Missing Out?

Many parents:

• Don’t know about DLA

• Assume they won’t qualify

• Feel too overwhelmed by the forms

• Were previously rejected but didn’t appeal

  
  

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

At SEND and Beyond, we offer:

• ✉️ Free 15-minute check-ins to discuss your child’s needs

• 📄 Full DLA form support, including wording examples and evidence gathering

• ⚖️ Appeal and reconsideration support if you’ve been turned down

  
  

Take Action Today

If you think your child might qualify — or even if you’re not sure — don’t wait.

Click below to book a free check-in or download our starter guide: 📅 sendandbeyond.co.uk/dla

And don’t forget — this week’s SEND & Beyond News Round-Up goes live tomorrow!