What Illnesses Qualify for Disability Living Allowance for Adults?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a long-standing UK benefit for those needing help with personal care or mobility due to a disability or long-term health condition.
While DLA is now closed to new adult applicants, it remains in place for existing claimants, particularly those born before 8 April 1948.
The benefit supports individuals with conditions that severely impact daily life, from physical impairments to mental health issues.
This article explores the conditions that may qualify, how DLA works, and what to do if you’re already receiving it or transitioning to another benefit.
What Is Disability Living Allowance?
Disability Living Allowance is a monthly, non-taxable benefit provided to people with a physical or mental condition that affects their ability to care for themselves or move around. DLA has two parts: the care component and the mobility component.
- The care component is for those who need help with activities such as washing, eating, or taking medication.
- The mobility component is for individuals who have difficulty walking or navigating unfamiliar places.
You cannot apply for DLA if you’re over 16 unless you’re already receiving it. Instead, most adults are now assessed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance, depending on their age.
If you are under 16, you can still apply for DLA. For those still eligible, DLA provides vital financial support to help manage day-to-day living with a disability.
Which Physical and Mental Health Conditions May Qualify for DLA?
To qualify for Disability Living Allowance, the key requirement is that your condition must substantially affect your daily living or mobility for at least three months, with the expectation that it will continue for another six months.
The focus is not on the diagnosis itself but on how the condition impacts your ability to function.
Common Physical Conditions
- Arthritis: Impacting movement, mobility, and joint function.
- Chronic respiratory diseases: Such as COPD or asthma, especially when causing breathlessness or fatigue.
- Bowel conditions: Like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which may cause urgent toilet needs and fatigue.
- Neurological disorders: Including multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, or post-stroke complications.
Common Mental Health and Cognitive Conditions
- Depression and anxiety: When they limit self-care or cause difficulty leaving the house.
- Autism spectrum disorders: Especially when support is needed with communication and routine.
- Learning disabilities: That affect understanding, awareness of danger, or daily functioning.
- Psychosis or personality disorders: Which may lead to the need for supervision or assistance.
Each case is evaluated on how the condition affects the claimant’s daily life, not just the condition’s medical name.
Does Severe Arthritis Meet the Eligibility for Mobility Support?
Yes, severe arthritis can qualify for the mobility component of DLA. Arthritis often leads to joint stiffness, pain, and limited range of movement, all of which can significantly reduce a person’s ability to walk or move independently.
Many individuals with arthritis experience difficulty walking outdoors, climbing stairs, or navigating uneven surfaces.
If these limitations mean that a person can only walk a short distance before experiencing pain or fatigue, or if they require assistance or aids to move around, they may be eligible for the higher or lower mobility rate.
The claim must demonstrate how arthritis directly affects mobility in day-to-day scenarios, such as walking to the shop, crossing the street, or using public transport safely.
How Do Neurological Disorders Impact DLA Eligibility?
Neurological disorders are among the most common qualifying conditions for DLA due to their potential to impact both mobility and daily care needs.
These conditions often lead to progressive symptoms that affect coordination, memory, and physical movement.
Examples of neurological conditions that may qualify:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): Causing fatigue, muscle weakness, or difficulty walking.
- Parkinson’s disease: Affecting balance, motor skills, and mobility.
- Stroke after-effects: Especially those resulting in paralysis or speech impairment.
- Epilepsy: Especially if seizures require supervision or pose a danger in daily tasks.
- Motor neurone disease: Progressively impacting muscle function and independence.
For DLA eligibility, it’s important to describe how the condition:
- Limits personal care abilities such as dressing or washing.
- Affects coordination, increasing the risk of falls or accidents.
- Requires ongoing supervision due to safety risks.
- Interferes with communication, memory, or understanding instructions.
DLA is awarded based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact, not the diagnosis alone. Providing detailed evidence of how the neurological disorder disrupts daily functioning can help support a claim effectively.
How Much is a Disability Living Allowance?
DLA payments are divided into two components: care and mobility, each with varying rates based on the level of support needed. These rates are reviewed annually and differ according to individual circumstances.
Weekly DLA Rates
| Component | Rate | Support Needed |
| Care – Highest | £110.40 | Constant care, day and night |
| Care – Middle | £73.90 | Frequent help, either during the day or night |
| Care – Lowest | £29.20 | Some help during the day, like with cooking |
| Mobility – Higher | £77.05 | Can walk only short distances or not at all outdoors |
| Mobility – Lower | £29.20 | Need help walking outdoors in unfamiliar places |
The component and rate awarded depend on how the condition affects you. You may receive either one or both components depending on your care and mobility needs.
When is Disability Living Allowance Paid?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is usually paid every four weeks directly into a claimant’s bank or building society account. For those unable to manage a bank account, payments may be made through the Payment Exception Service.
Payments continue as long as the person remains eligible but may be suspended if they stay in hospital for more than four weeks. Recipients also receive a £10 Christmas Bonus automatically, which does not affect other benefits.
If circumstances change significantly, the payment schedule or amount may be reviewed. Keeping details up to date helps ensure payments are not delayed or disrupted.
How Can You Claim Disability Living Allowance?
You can no longer make a new claim for DLA if you’re aged 16 or older. However, if you’re already receiving DLA, there are steps you can take to manage or reassess your claim. Children under 16 can still apply.
If You’re Already Receiving DLA
- Continue receiving it if born before 8 April 1948.
- If born after that, you’ll be asked to move to PIP.
- You’ll receive a letter inviting you to apply for PIP within 4 weeks.
- Failing to act may end your DLA payment.
Terminal Illness Applications
- Use the SR1 form from a healthcare professional.
- You’ll automatically qualify for the highest care rate.
- Applications can be submitted by someone else on your behalf.
How to Manage or Update Your DLA?
- Contact DWP to report any change in condition.
- Submit new evidence, such as medical reports, to support continued eligibility.
If you live in Scotland, you may be moved to Adult Disability Payment. Each situation varies based on age, residence, and existing claim status, so keeping informed is vital.
Can You Get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) If You’re Working?
Yes, you can continue to receive DLA even if you’re working. The benefit is not income-based and does not depend on employment status. What matters is how your disability affects your ability to care for yourself or move around, not whether you have a job.
However, if your job involves tasks that contradict the limitations described in your claim (e.g., heavy lifting or long periods of walking), this might prompt a review. You should always notify the DWP if your work status changes or if your condition improves.
Working can still be possible for many DLA claimants, particularly those who have support systems in place or whose jobs are adapted to their abilities and health needs.
How Many Hours Can You Work on DLA?
There is no specific hourly limit to how many hours you can work while receiving DLA. Since DLA is not means-tested, the number of hours or amount of income from employment does not affect your entitlement.
However, it’s essential that your employment activities do not contradict the reasons you’re receiving DLA. For example:
- If you claim DLA for help with walking but your job involves a lot of movement, it might raise questions.
- If your care needs reduce significantly, your DLA rate could be reviewed.
Always report changes to avoid overpayments or issues with your benefit. Seeking advice before starting work is often a good idea if you’re unsure how it may affect your DLA.
What Happens If You Already Get DLA?
If you are already receiving Disability Living Allowance, your ability to continue doing so depends on your age and country of residence.
Key scenarios:
- Born before 8 April 1948: You can keep receiving DLA as long as your care or mobility needs remain.
- Born after 8 April 1948: You’ll be invited to apply for PIP, and your DLA will end once that process begins.
- Living in Scotland: You may be moved to the Adult Disability Payment.
Things to know:
- A change in circumstances (like improved health or hospital stays) must be reported to DWP.
- If invited to apply for PIP, you usually have four weeks to respond.
- You may request a mandatory reconsideration or appeal if your new benefit is denied.
If your DLA is reassessed and the claim is rejected or reduced, it’s important to act quickly and seek advice. Many people have successfully challenged DLA-to-PIP transitions when they presented new or additional evidence about their condition.
Can You Still Claim Other Benefits If You Already Get DLA?
Yes, receiving DLA can positively impact your eligibility for other benefits and support schemes. In many cases, DLA is not counted as income, which means it doesn’t reduce entitlement to means-tested benefits.
For example, if you receive the care component of DLA, someone caring for you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance. Also, DLA recipients are exempt from the Benefit Cap, which limits the amount of benefit a household can receive.
You may also be eligible for:
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Universal Credit top-ups
- Access to the Motability Scheme if you receive the higher rate mobility component
DLA also entitles you to a £10 Christmas Bonus. It’s important to notify the relevant agencies of your DLA status when applying for these other benefits to ensure you’re receiving all the financial help you’re entitled to.
Conclusion
Disability Living Allowance continues to be a vital benefit for many adults across the UK who are living with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
While new claims are no longer accepted for those over 16, existing claimants still receive support based on their care and mobility needs.
Understanding which conditions qualify, how eligibility is assessed, and what changes can affect your entitlement is essential for staying informed.
If you or a loved one currently receives DLA, staying up-to-date on benefit transitions and reporting changes is key to maintaining support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disability Living Allowance Still Available for Adults in the UK?
Yes, but only for those who were born before 8 April 1948 and already receive it. Others may need to apply for PIP.
Can You Get DLA and Universal Credit at the Same Time?
Yes, DLA can be claimed alongside Universal Credit as they serve different support needs.
Do You Need a Diagnosis to Qualify for DLA?
Not always. What matters more is how the illness or condition affects daily living and mobility.
Does DLA Cover Temporary Disabilities?
No, DLA is intended for long-term disabilities or health conditions lasting at least 3 months and expected to continue for at least 6 more.
How Often Are DLA Claims Reassessed?
It depends on individual circumstances, but reviews can happen every few years or sooner if conditions change.
Can You Appeal a DLA Decision If Refused?
Yes, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal to a tribunal.
Is It Possible to Get DLA Without a Carer?
Yes. While having a carer may support a claim, eligibility is based on your need for help, not on whether help is received.
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