Welfare Benefits
Child Disability Payment
The new Child Disability Payment has been introduced in Scotland, replacing the previous UK wide Disability Living Allowance benefit, paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you are already receiving DLA for your child, you do not need to reapply for the Child Disability Payment. You will continue to receive DLA payments from the Department of Work and Pension (DWP). In the future existing DLA claims will transfer over to the new system, however you will be contacted in advance by Social Security Scotland.
Who can apply?
Any adult with parental responsibilities and rights or a guardian can apply for the Child Disability Payment on behalf of the child if the child:
- Is under 16 years
- Lives in Scotland
- have a disability or health condition that has lasted for at least 13 weeks and is expected to continue for the next 26 weeks, unless they’re terminally ill.
How much is Child Disability Payment
Child Disability Payment is made up of 2 parts called components – a care component and a mobility component. Each component is paid at a different rate.
You can get 1 or both components, depending on your child’s care or mobility needs. You only need to make 1 application.
| Care component | Weekly rate |
| Lowest rate | £24.45 |
| Middle rate | £61.85 |
| Highest rate | £92.40 |
| Mobility component | Weekly rate |
| Lower rate | £24.45 |
| Higher rate | £64.50 |
How to apply?
Online
To apply online, go to mygov.scot where you will be directed to an online account where you can start application, also allowing you to save as you go so you can come back and complete when suits.
Phone and paper
You can call Social Security Scotland by phone to start an application for a child.
Freephone: 0800 182 2222 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
If you need to contact Social Security Scotland from outside the UK, please call +44 (0)138 2931 000. This call is not free but you can ask Social Security Scotland to call you back. Check with your phone provider for details of charges.
Social Security Scotland will ask for some details about you and the child so they can start your application.
They’ll then send you a paper application to complete and return in a prepaid envelope.
If you’re sending information to Social Security Scotland from outside the UK, you’ll need to pay the correct amount for postage. Check with your local postal service.
Once a child has been awarded Child Disability Payment, they’ll continue to get it until they’re 18, as long as they still meet the conditions for it. In some situations they can get Child Disability Payment after they turn 18.
For more information, please refer to Child Disability Payment – Citizens Advice Scotland
