Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people who need help with mobility or personal care or both.
To make a claim for DLA you must:
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be a UK resident
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and have lived in the UK for no less than 26 weeks in the 52 weeks before you claim
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and be the right qualifying age. The qualifying age has been under 65 but is changing because of the introduction of Personal Independence Payment (more on this below). From June 2013, only young people under the age of 16 will be able to make a new claim for DLA. If you live in parts of North West or North East England, this applies from April 2013.
DLA is tax free and you can receive it regardless of what you earn, what other benefits you claim or how much savings you have.
There are two components of DLA: a care component and a mobility component, each of which are paid at different rates according to how much help you need. It does not matter if the help is actually provided, so you do not have to have someone looking after you.
You can get a payment for care or for mobility or for both.
If you are applying for DLA on behalf of a child under 16 years old, our benefits for children page has more information.
Personal Independence Payment to replace DLA for people aged 16 to 64
The Government is replacing DLA for people aged 16 to 64 with a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from 2013. This will only affect you if you are claiming for the first time or you are already receive DLA and are aged 16 to 64. Find out more about Personal Independence Payment, and when and how this change will affect you.
Can blind and partially sighted people receive DLA?
Yes, many people with a sight problem successfully apply for DLA and we strongly encourage you to apply for it: you have nothing to lose and it may even increase other benefits you receive.
You will not automatically receive DLA - even if you are registered - but many blind and partially sighted people qualify for at least the lowest rate of both components.
More information, including how to claim DLA, is available in our factsheet.
How much is DLA worth?
The care component is paid at three weekly rates:
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Lower rate: £21.00
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Middle rate: £53.00
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Highest rate: £79.15
The mobility component is paid at two weekly rates:
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Lower rate: £21.00
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Higher rate: £55.25
How can I appeal a DLA claim decision?
If the DWP has turned down your claim for DLA, or awarded you less than you believe you are entitled to, you can challenge their decision. Please see our benefits appeals page for more information on how to appeal a DLA claim decision.
Further information
If you experience difficulties claiming DLA, disagree with a decision or want further information, please contact our Helpline for advice. Call 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
Please note that we can only give advice about benefits for people with sight loss and their carers or dependants.
You can also download our factsheet on Disability Living Allowance:
This information gives general guidance only and is not an authoritative statement of the law.