DLA Does Not Reduce Your Other Benefits
DLA is not means-tested. It is not counted as income for income-related benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. Receiving it does not reduce them.
In fact, a DLA award can act as a passport — opening up extra amounts and other forms of support. What applies depends on your circumstances and which components and rates are awarded.
The Disabled Child Element of Universal Credit
A child who gets any rate of DLA can add the disabled child element to a Universal Credit claim. This is paid at a higher rate if the child gets the highest rate of the care component, or is registered blind.
Carer's Allowance
If your child receives the middle or highest rate of the DLA care component, a carer who provides at least 35 hours of care a week may be able to claim Carer's Allowance, subject to the earnings and other rules. Carer's Allowance is claimed by the carer, not the child.
Blue Badge and Motability
A child who receives the higher rate of the DLA mobility component is automatically eligible for a Blue Badge, and (from age 3) the higher rate mobility component can be exchanged for a car, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Motability Scheme. Children on other rates can still apply for a Blue Badge.
The Benefit Cap
If someone in the household gets DLA, the household is exempt from the benefit cap — the limit on the total amount of benefits a household can receive.
Benefit rules and amounts change. This describes what a DLA award can unlock; eligibility for each one depends on your own circumstances.
Common Questions
Does my child's DLA affect Universal Credit?
DLA is not means-tested and is not counted as income, so it does not reduce Universal Credit. It can increase it: a child who gets any rate of DLA can add the disabled child element to a Universal Credit claim, at a higher rate if they get the highest rate care component or are registered blind.
Does DLA affect Housing Benefit or other benefits?
No. DLA is ignored as income for income-related benefits such as Housing Benefit and Universal Credit. Receiving DLA does not reduce them, and can passport you to extra amounts and other support.
What else can I get if my child gets DLA?
Depending on the rate, DLA can unlock the disabled child element of Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance for a carer, a Blue Badge, the Motability Scheme, and an exemption from the benefit cap. Exactly what applies depends on your circumstances and which components and rates are awarded.
Can I get Carer's Allowance if my child gets DLA?
If your child receives the middle or highest rate of the DLA care component, a carer who provides at least 35 hours of care a week may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance, subject to the earnings and other rules. Carer’s Allowance is claimed by the carer, not the child.
Does a child on DLA get a Blue Badge?
A child who receives the higher rate of the DLA mobility component is automatically eligible for a Blue Badge. Children who do not get that rate can still apply, and may qualify on other grounds.
- GOV.UK — Disability Living Allowance for children
- GOV.UK — Universal Credit
- GOV.UK — Carer's Allowance
- GOV.UK — Apply for a Blue Badge
- GOV.UK — Benefit cap
Reviewed June 2026. Information only — not legal advice.
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