Note: Rates reflect the 2024/2025 financial year figures. DLA is usually paid every 4 weeks.
function calculateDLA() {
// Get values
var careRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('careComponent').value);
var mobilityRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('mobilityComponent').value);
// Validation to ensure numbers
if (isNaN(careRate)) careRate = 0;
if (isNaN(mobilityRate)) mobilityRate = 0;
// Calculations
var totalWeekly = careRate + mobilityRate;
var total4Weekly = totalWeekly * 4;
var totalAnnual = totalWeekly * 52;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('careResult').innerHTML = "£" + careRate.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('mobilityResult').innerHTML = "£" + mobilityRate.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('weeklyTotal').innerHTML = "£" + totalWeekly.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('fourWeeklyTotal').innerHTML = "£" + total4Weekly.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('annualTotal').innerHTML = "£" + totalAnnual.toFixed(2);
// Show result box
document.getElementById('resultDisplay').style.display = "block";
}
Understanding Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit for disabled children and adults to help with the extra costs of being disabled. While DLA has been largely replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults, it remains the primary benefit for children under 16 in the UK.
The Two Components of DLA
DLA is made up of two distinct parts: the Care Component and the Mobility Component. Depending on how your disability affects you, you may qualify for one or both of these components.
1. Care Component
This component is awarded based on the level of supervision or attention you require throughout the day or night.
Lowest Rate: Help for some of the day or with preparing a cooked meal.
Middle Rate: Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
Highest Rate: Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you are terminally ill.
2. Mobility Component
This component is awarded based on your ability to walk or move around.
Lower Rate: You can walk but need guidance or supervision outdoors.
Higher Rate: You have severe walking difficulties, are unable to walk, or are severely visually impaired.
Current DLA Rates (2024/2025)
The rates for DLA are reviewed annually, typically in April. The table below outlines the current weekly rates used in this calculator.
Component
Rate Level
Weekly Amount
Care
Highest
£108.55
Care
Middle
£72.65
Care
Lowest
£28.70
Mobility
Higher
£75.75
Mobility
Lower
£28.70
How DLA is Paid
DLA is usually paid directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. The standard payment frequency is every 4 weeks. However, it can be paid weekly in certain circumstances, such as for those who are terminally ill.
Eligibility Criteria
To claim DLA for a child (under 16), the child must:
Have difficulty walking or need much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.
Have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last for at least 6 months (unless terminally ill).
Be in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands when you claim.
Use the calculator above to estimate your potential entitlement based on the specific rates you believe you qualify for.