The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers financial support for individuals with certain medical conditions to help with the increasing cost of living.
This benefit, which can provide up to £108 per month, is part of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) program for children under the age of 16 in the UK.
In this article, we’ll cover how this payment works, who is eligible, and the conditions that qualify for the benefit.
DWP £108/Month Payment
The DWP has identified 57 medical conditions that may qualify an individual for the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
This financial support helps families care for children with physical or mental disabilities who need more support than other children of the same age. The DLA provides two components: one for care needs and the other for mobility needs.
While the DLA has been replaced by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults, it is still available for children under 16.
The payment is designed to help cover extra costs associated with care and mobility, making daily life more manageable for children with disabilities.
Eligibility for the £108/Month Payment
To qualify for the DWP £108/Month Payment, applicants must meet several criteria. Primarily, the child must be under 16 years old and have a disability that requires more care or supervision than other children of the same age.
Additionally, the child must have one or more of the qualifying medical conditions.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
The DWP has released a list of 57 medical conditions that could make a child eligible for the DLA. Some of these conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back pain
- Musculoskeletal diseases
- Heart disease
- Visual disorders and diseases
- Hearing disorders
- Respiratory diseases
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Trauma to limbs
This is a partial list, and the DWP considers both physical and mental health conditions. The key factor is how the condition affects the child’s ability to perform daily tasks and move around independently.
Care and Mobility Components of DLA
The DLA is divided into two components, each offering different levels of financial support depending on the child’s needs:
1. Care Component
The Care Component is for children who require help with personal care due to their disability. This component is broken down into three rates:
| Care Component | Weekly Payment (2024) |
|---|---|
| Lowest Rate | £28.70 |
| Middle Rate | £108.57 |
| Highest Rate | £108.57 |
- The lowest rate is for children who need part-time help with personal care.
- The middle rate is for those who need frequent help or supervision during the day or night.
- The highest rate is for those who need round-the-clock supervision or help during the day and night.
2. Mobility Component
The Mobility Component provides financial support for children who have difficulties moving around. This component is also divided into two rates:
| Mobility Component | Weekly Payment (2024) |
|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £28.70 |
| Higher Rate | £72.66 |
- The lower rate is for children who can walk but need supervision or guidance when outdoors.
- The higher rate is for children who are unable to walk or who need significant supervision due to severe sensory disabilities, such as blindness or deafness.
How to Apply for the DWP £108/Month Payment
If your child meets the eligibility requirements and has one of the qualifying medical conditions, you can apply for DLA online via the UK Government’s official website or by contacting the DLA helpline.
The process requires submitting documentation that confirms the child’s medical condition and explains how it affects their daily life and mobility.
Steps to Apply
- Create an account: You can start the application through the official myGov portal.
- Submit necessary documents: Be prepared to provide medical evidence, such as a doctor’s diagnosis and any relevant treatment records.
- Complete the application: Fill out the required forms detailing the child’s condition and the support they need.
- Receive payment: Once the claim is approved, payments will be deposited directly into the parent or guardian’s bank account.
Updated DLA Rates and Cost of Living Adjustments
In 2024, the DWP increased the DLA rates by 6.7% to account for inflation and the rising cost of living.
These adjustments aim to help families maintain the necessary care and support for their children without experiencing financial strain.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, you can contact the DLA helpline at 0800 121 4600 or use the text phone at 0800 121 4523.
These services can help guide you through the process and provide clarification on eligibility and payment details.
The DWP £108/Month Payment is designed to support families with children who have disabilities, helping them manage the additional costs associated with care and mobility.
If your child has one of the qualifying conditions and needs extra assistance, applying for the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can provide crucial financial help. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the necessary documentation to apply successfully.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the £108/Month payment?
Children under 16 with one of the 57 qualifying medical conditions who require extra care or mobility support.
How much can I receive through the DLA?
Depending on the child’s needs, you can receive up to £108.57 per week for care and £72.66 per week for mobility.
How do I apply for DLA?
You can apply online via the UK Government’s official portal or contact the DLA helpline for assistance.
What conditions qualify for the payment?
The DWP has listed 57 conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, visual and hearing disorders, and mental disabilities.
Are there different rates for the DLA?
Yes, the DLA has both care and mobility components with varying rates based on the level of support the child requires.
