function calculateDLA() {
// Get element values
var careSelect = document.getElementById("careComponent");
var mobilitySelect = document.getElementById("mobilityComponent");
// Parse values to floats
var careRate = parseFloat(careSelect.value);
var mobilityRate = parseFloat(mobilitySelect.value);
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(careRate)) careRate = 0;
if (isNaN(mobilityRate)) mobilityRate = 0;
// Calculate totals
var weeklyTotal = careRate + mobilityRate;
var fourWeeklyTotal = weeklyTotal * 4;
var annualTotal = weeklyTotal * 52;
// Format Currency Function
function formatGBP(amount) {
return "£" + amount.toFixed(2);
}
// Update DOM
document.getElementById("resCare").innerHTML = formatGBP(careRate);
document.getElementById("resMobility").innerHTML = formatGBP(mobilityRate);
document.getElementById("resWeekly").innerHTML = formatGBP(weeklyTotal);
document.getElementById("resFourWeekly").innerHTML = formatGBP(fourWeeklyTotal);
document.getElementById("resAnnual").innerHTML = formatGBP(annualTotal);
// Show result div
document.getElementById("dla-result").style.display = "block";
}
Understanding DLA Rates for 2024/2025
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 (and certain adults born before 8 April 1948) living in the UK who have extra care needs or mobility difficulties due to a disability. In April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) increased benefit rates by 6.7% in line with inflation figures.
This DLA Rates 2024 Calculator helps you estimate your weekly, 4-weekly, and annual entitlement based on the updated rates effective from April 2024 to April 2025.
The Care Component Breakdown
The rate of the Care component you receive depends on the level of supervision or help required:
Level
Weekly Rate (2024/25)
Criteria Summary
Lowest
£28.70
Help for some of the day or with preparing a cooked meal (adults only).
Middle
£72.65
Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
Highest
£108.55
Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or terminal illness.
The Mobility Component Breakdown
The Mobility component is assessed based on the difficulty the claimant has with walking or getting around:
Level
Weekly Rate (2024/25)
Criteria Summary
Lower
£28.70
Guidance or supervision required outdoors.
Higher
£75.75
Severe walking difficulty, blind and deaf, or severe mental impairment.
How DLA Payments are Calculated
DLA is usually paid every 4 weeks. To calculate your 4-weekly payment, simply take the weekly rate of your eligible components, sum them, and multiply by 4.
For example, if a child qualifies for the Highest Care (£108.55) and Higher Mobility (£75.75):
Weekly Total: £108.55 + £75.75 = £184.30
4-Weekly Payment: £184.30 × 4 = £737.20
Important Notes for 2024
If you are an adult aged 16 to state pension age, you typically apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of DLA. However, existing DLA claimants born before 8 April 1948 may continue to receive DLA. For children turning 16, you will usually be invited to apply for PIP.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Official eligibility and award amounts are determined by the DWP.