Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Rates 2026
Complete guide to the DLA payment tiers, including the high, middle, and low rates for both care and mobility components.
Important Update: The rates shown below are the updated figures for the 2026/27 tax year. DLA is currently only open to new claims for children under 16. Adults already receiving a disability allowance higher rate or middle rate will continue to get it until they are invited to apply for PIP (Personal Independence Payment).
DLA Care Component Rates
The care component is awarded if the person needs significant help with daily activities. Depending on the level of support required, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) awards one of three tiers.
| Care Level | Weekly Rate (2026) | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Rate (dla high care rate) |
£108.55 | Help or supervision is needed frequently throughout the day AND during the night. (Automatically awarded for terminal illness). |
| Middle Rate (disability living allowance middle rate) |
£72.65 | Help or supervision is needed frequently during the day OR prolonged help is needed at night. |
| Lowest Rate | £28.70 | Help or supervision is needed for a significant part of the day (usually interpreted as around an hour in total). |
DLA Mobility Component Rates
The mobility component helps with extra transport costs. Unlike the care component, the mobility element only has two tiers. Strict age restrictions apply for children claiming these rates.
| Mobility Level | Weekly Rate (2026) | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Rate (high rate mobility dla) |
£75.75 | Severe physical walking difficulties, or severe mental impairment. (Available from age 3). |
| Lower Rate (low rate mobility dla) |
£28.70 | Can physically walk but needs extra guidance or supervision outdoors. (Available from age 5). |
Combining Care and Mobility
A person can be awarded both components simultaneously. For example, if a child receives the higher disability living allowance for care (£108.55) and the dla high mobility rate (£75.75), the total weekly payment would be £184.30. DLA is normally paid every 4 weeks.
Do DLA Rates affect other benefits?
Yes, positively. Getting a middle rate disability allowance or higher for care can unlock extra money in other benefits. For instance, it may allow a parent to claim Carer's Allowance or trigger the Disabled Child Element within Universal Credit.