DLA for Autistic Children — A Complete Parent’s Guide

1. What is DLA

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit for children under 16 with additional care or mobility needs. It is non-means-tested, non-taxable, and does not affect other benefits. It is paid every four weeks directly to the parent or guardian.

2. Does autism qualify

An autism diagnosis alone doesn’t automatically qualify a child for DLA, but the care needs autism creates almost always do. DLA assesses whether your child needs substantially more care and supervision than a child of the same age without their condition. Most autistic children meet this bar.

3. The two components

Care component covers help with washing, dressing, eating, communication, supervision, and night-time needs. Mobility component covers getting around safely outdoors — including severe behavioural difficulties that make outdoor travel unsafe.

4. Current rates (2024/25)

Rates reviewed each April.

5. How to claim

Call 0800 121 4600 to request the form. Your claim date starts from that call — not from when the form is returned. Make the call as early as possible, even if you need weeks to fill out the form.

6. Completing the form

The form is long. These eight sections matter most. Tap to expand.

7. Evidence

Diagnostic letter, school SENCO letter, OT or SALT reports, GP letter, and your own observation diary. Don’t wait for perfect evidence — submit with what you have and add later if needed.

8. After you apply

Expect a decision in roughly 8 weeks. Most claims are decided on the form alone — no in-person assessment for children. You’ll receive a decision letter with the rate awarded and the period of the award.

9. If you’re refused

Request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month. State what was missed, attach further evidence, and quote specific sections of the form. If still refused, you can appeal to a tribunal — over 60% of autism family appeals succeed.

10. Common questions