» Benefits

Mobility allowance payments to 3 year olds

From this month Disability Living Allowance has been extended to allow children aged over three to claim the mobility component – previously it was older than five.

It only applies to children who meet the conditions of having difficulty making the transition to independent walking. A report by the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board (DLAAB) suggests successful claimants are likely to fall into the following groups:

• Children with severe learning difficulties
• Children with severe autism
• Children with limb defects.

CdLS benefits advisors suggest that if your child is having difficulty making the transition to independent walking by two and a half you should apply, although the payments will not be made until the child’s third birthday.

Claim forms for all benefits can be obtained from the benefits enquiry line. For this benefit you need form DLA1 Child. Telephone 0800 88 22 00 for the form.

Reaching Out newsletter
April 2001