Overview
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit for disabled children under 16. It can help with the extra costs of caring for an autistic child.
Key points to understand
- Two components: care (low, middle, high) and mobility (lower, higher).
- Eligibility is based on care/mobility needs, not diagnosis.
- Apply via GOV.UK; the form is long — allow several hours.
- Awarded for 1–10 years; renewal triggers a fresh assessment.
Practical strategies that help
- Get help from Contact, Cerebra, Citizens Advice or local SEND charities to complete the form.
- Describe needs on the worst days, not the average.
- Include evidence: school reports, OT reports, EHCPs, GP letters.
- Keep a copy of everything.
Common challenges to be aware of
- Many initial decisions are wrong — over 70% of appeals succeed (DWP stats).
- Mandatory Reconsideration → Appeal tribunal is the route to challenge.
How Bright Steps can help
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References & further reading
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