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Disability Living Allowance

As a parent of a child with autism, you may well be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to help meet the additional expenses incurred in caring for your child. 

A lot of parents don’t claim DLA for their child because they don’t realize they are entitled to it or they don’t think their child’s difficulties are severe enough.  If you are not sure whether your child will be eligible for DLA, try taking the Two Minute DLA Test on the CEREBRA website.

DLA is not means tested, ie it does not matter how much money you earn or how much you have saved – you are entitled to claim. It’s also a taxfree benefit and will not cause a reduction in any other benefits that you receive. In fact, an award of DLA may lead to an increase in other benefits that you claim.

You can download the claim form DLA1 Children from the Direct Gov website:

Or call the Benefits Enquiry line on Telephone: 0800 88 22 00 to request a pack to be sent to you by post.

The claim pack for DLA is quite long, but there is some excellent guidance available to help you through the process:

Tips from parents on the talkaboutautism forum

"Keep a diary for a few weeks detailing exactly what you do for and with your child. Using the headings on the DLA1 form when you keep your diary will help you have the relevant information to hand as you complete the form."

"Start a file and keep photocopies of the form and all correspondence, and make notes on phone calls and emails. Don't be afraid to ask for the full name and department of the person you are speaking to."

"Write a day in the life, as you might not realize how much you instinctively do to support your child, compared to another of the same age."