Disability Living Allowance is a UK benefit, not available in the United States

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a cash benefit paid by the UK government to people under age 16 who have a disability or health condition that affects their daily life or mobility. It is not a US program. If you live in the United States and are looking for disability support, you are likely searching for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) instead.

DLA has two separate components: a care component (for help with personal care, supervision, or watching) and a mobility component (for help getting around). The amount paid depends on the level of help needed, not on how much money you have or earn. Unlike some benefits, DLA is not means-tested for children, though it does end when a person turns 16 and transitions to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if they continue to need support.

This guide explains what DLA is, how it differs from US disability programs, and what to do if you are a US resident looking for the right benefit for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Disability Living Allowance is a UK-only benefit for children under 16 with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
  • DLA has two parts: a care component for personal information and a mobility component for getting around.
  • The amount you receive depends on the level of support needed, not your household income.
  • If you live in the United States, you should look into SSI or SSDI instead, which are the federal disability programs available to US residents.
  • DLA ends at age 16 and is replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those who continue to need support.

How DLA differs from US disability programs

DLA and US disability benefits serve similar purposes—providing cash to people with disabilities—but they operate under completely different systems. DLA is administered by the UK Department for Work and Pensions. SSDI and SSI are administered by the US Social Security Administration. The two countries do not share benefit information, and living in one country does not affect your status in the other.

DLA is not income-tested for children, meaning your family's earnings do not reduce the amount you receive. SSI, by contrast, is heavily income-tested and asset-tested in the United States. If your household income or savings exceed certain thresholds, you may not receive SSI at all. SSDI is based on your own or your parent's work history and is not income-tested, but it has different rules about how much you can earn while receiving benefits.

Another key difference: DLA is paid to the child or young person directly (or to a parent or guardian if the child is very young). SSDI and SSI payments go to the individual, though a representative payee may manage the money if the person cannot manage it themselves.

The two components of DLA and what they cover

The care component is paid to help with personal care needs—bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, or supervision to prevent danger. It has three rates: lower, middle, and higher. The higher rate is paid if you need help throughout the day and night or supervision to keep you safe. The middle rate applies if you need help either during the day or at night, or supervision for significant periods. The lower rate applies if you need help with specific tasks or supervision for shorter periods.

The mobility component is paid to help with getting around. It has two rates: lower and higher. The higher rate is paid if you cannot walk or have severe difficulty walking, or if you have a severe visual impairment. The lower rate is paid if you have difficulty walking or need guidance or supervision when outdoors.

You do not have to receive both components. A child might receive only the care component, only the mobility component, or both, depending on their needs. The rates change each year in April and are set by the UK government.

Who can receive DLA in the UK

To receive DLA, you must be under age 16 and have a disability or health condition that has lasted (or is expected to last) at least three months and is likely to last at least until your 16th birthday. The condition must affect your ability to care for yourself or get around. You must also be a UK resident and normally live in the UK.

DLA is not based on diagnosis alone. The Department for Work and Pensions looks at what you can and cannot do because of your condition, not the name of the condition itself. A child with the same diagnosis might receive DLA at one rate while another receives it at a different rate, depending on the actual impact on their daily life.

If you are a UK resident with a child who has a disability, you would claim DLA through the UK government's online portal or by phone. The process involves providing medical evidence and describing how the condition affects daily life and mobility.

What to do if you are a US resident looking for disability support

If you live in the United States and have a child or dependent with a disability, you should look into SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). Both are federal programs that provide monthly cash payments to people with disabilities.

SSI is for children and adults with limited income and resources. To receive SSI, your household income and assets must fall below set limits, which vary by state. SSI payments are lower than SSDI but are available to people who have not worked or whose parents have not worked long enough to build up SSDI may be able to access.

SSDI is based on work history—either your own (if you are an adult) or your parent's (if you are a child). If your parent has worked and paid Social Security taxes, you may be able to receive SSDI on their record even if your family's income is above the SSI limit. SSDI has no asset limit and allows you to earn more money while receiving benefits than SSI does.

To begin the process, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also start an process online at ssa.gov. You will need medical records, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Transitioning from DLA to Personal Independence Payment

When a young person receiving DLA turns 16, they do not automatically move to another benefit. Instead, the Department for Work and Pensions invites them to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is the adult equivalent of DLA. PIP has the same two components (daily living and mobility) but uses different assessment criteria and rates.

The transition from DLA to PIP is not automatic. A new claim must be made, and a new assessment is conducted. Some people who received DLA will receive PIP; others may receive it at a different rate; and some may not receive it at all if their needs have changed. The assessment for PIP focuses on what you can do in practice, not what you might be able to do on a good day.

If you are a young person in the UK approaching age 16 and currently receiving DLA, you should expect to hear from the Department for Work and Pensions about six months before your 16th birthday with information about how to claim PIP.

How to find out more about DLA if you are in the UK

The official source for DLA information is the UK government's website at gov.uk. You can find detailed guidance on how to claim, what documents you need, and how much you might receive. You can also call the DLA claim line at 0800 121 4600 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., UK time).

Charities and disability organizations in the UK also offer support with DLA claims. Organizations like Scope, the Cerebral Palsy Society, and local disability information centers can help you understand the process and gather the evidence you need. Many offer free information and can help you appeal if your claim is turned down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive DLA if I live outside the UK?

No. DLA is only paid to people who normally live in the UK. If you move abroad, your DLA will stop. If you are a UK citizen living in another country, you would need to look into that country's disability support programs instead.

Does DLA stop when you turn 16?

Yes. DLA ends on your 16th birthday. You can then claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you still need support. You must make a new claim for PIP; it does not happen automatically.

What is the difference between DLA and PIP?

DLA is for children under 16; PIP is for people 16 and over. Both have care and mobility components, but the rates and assessment criteria are different. PIP focuses on what you can actually do in practice, while DLA looks at what help you need.

I am a US resident. Can I claim DLA for my child?

No. DLA is only available to people living in the UK. If you are a US resident, you should look into SSI or SSDI instead. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to learn about your options.

Does receiving DLA affect other benefits?

DLA itself does not reduce other benefits in the UK, but it can affect means-tested benefits like Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. If you receive DLA, you should tell the organization paying your other benefits, as it may change the amount they pay you.