Search Print this page What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)? Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit that helps with the extra costs that disabled people face as a result of their disabilities. DLA is not a means tested benefit and is not affected by earnings, other income or savings. As part of its welfare reform programme, the Government is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for working age adults (aged 16 – State Pension age). You can only make a new claim for DLA if you're claiming for a child under 16. Can I get DLA? Children who are under the age of 16 and have difficulties walking or need much more looking after than a child of the same age who doesn't have a disability may be eligible for DLA. The DWP makes the decision about the amount of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you get and for how long. The amount of DLA you get is made up of 2 parts called ‘components’ - the ‘care component’ and the ‘mobility component’. Each component is paid at different rates. Find more information on the gov.uk website How much can I receive? DLA rates (as of April 2021) Care component How much (weekly) Higher rate £89.60 Middle rate £60.00 Lower rate £23.70 Mobility component How much (weekly) Higher rate £62.55 Lower rate £23.70 The Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA (currently £62.55 per week) will be used to lease a vehicle on the Scheme. If your allowance award does not cover the full length of your next lease, you are still able to join the Scheme as long as you have at least 12 months' award remaining when you place an application, however if you have a letter from the DWP inviting you for a PIP reassessment, you will not be able to place an order for a vehicle until you have confirmation that you have been awarded PIP. How to claim DLA You can make a new DLA claim by contacting the DWP directly: Telephone UK: 0800 121 4600 NI: 0800 587 0912 Website UK: gov.uk NI: nidirect.gov.uk I currently receive DLA, will I be reassessed for PIP? As part of the welfare reform programme, the Government is replacing DLA with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people aged between 16 and State Pension age, even if they have an 'indefinite' or 'lifetime' award. In most areas DLA will remain for children until they reach the age of 16, except in Scotland where children will continue to receive DLA until they are transferred to Child Disability Payment later in 2021. DLA will continue to be available for those aged 65 and over on 8 April 2013 (on 20 June 2016 in Northern Ireland). DLA to PIP reassessments Existing recipients of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA who are reassessed and awarded the Enhanced Mobility Component of PIP will continue to be eligible to lease a vehicle on the Scheme. Existing customers who have an unsuccessful DLA–PIP reassessment will no longer be able to lease a vehicle on the Scheme and we will be in touch to help you return the car and support you through this transition. You will have around eight weeks from when the allowance payments end to return the car. We will write to you giving you all the information you need, including details of our transition support package. You may also be eligible for a pro-rata refund of any Advance Payment you made. Awaiting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reassessment DLA and the Scheme If you are in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA and have at least 12 months remaining on your award, you will be eligible to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle through the Motability Scheme. The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand-new, reliable vehicle of your choice – giving you greater freedom, everyday. Find out how the Scheme works Check your eligibility How the Scheme works Send me Scheme information 0 seconds of 1 minute, 39 seconds How the Motability Scheme works Watch our quick animation to see how the Motability Scheme works in three simple steps. Social Security Scotland Social Security Scotland have taken over responsibility for disability assistance payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for people living in Scotland. Find out more Related FAQs View more Can any other allowance be used with the Motability Scheme? What age can I first receive the mobility allowance? Can one household have two customers who are both on the Motability Scheme? Can I join the Motability Scheme if I receive Armed Forces Independence Payment? How do I apply to the Motability Scheme to lease a vehicle? Who qualifies for the Higher Rate Mobility Component? If I'm over 65, can I still join the Motability Scheme? I live in Scotland and will shortly turn 16, what allowance do I need to apply for? General About us Terms Online account The Scheme is operated by Motability Operations Ltd, under contract to Motability, a registered Charity. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 735390. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information. YouTube Spotify Twitter Facebook This website uses cookies to analyse our traffic so that we can provide you with the best user experience. We share information about your use of the site with our social media advertising and analytic partners. To find out more please see our Cookies Policy. By continuing to browse on the website you are agreeing to our Cookies Policy. Close this message