Child Disability Payment

Overview

Child Disability Payment is the Scottish benefit for children and young people under 16 who need additional care, supervision, or help getting about because of a physical or mental disability or long-term health condition. Administered by Social Security Scotland, it replaced Disability Living Allowance for children for new claimants in Scotland from 2021, with existing DLA awards transferring across in phases. The benefit has two components: a care component, paid at three rates reflecting the level of care a child needs, and a mobility component, paid at two rates reflecting difficulties with walking or getting around safely. The care component can start from 3 months of age, the higher mobility rate from age 3, and the lower mobility rate from age 5. Child Disability Payment is not means-tested — household income, savings, and employment status do not affect entitlement — and a formal diagnosis is not required if the application describes the child's needs and symptoms in enough detail. When the child reaches 16, their claim is transitioned to Adult Disability Payment through Social Security Scotland's own review rather than requiring a separate application. Individual eligibility and rate are determined by Social Security Scotland. This page references figures and criteria from the primary mygov.scot source; the authoritative source for any individual award remains Social Security Scotland.

Applies in Scotland. Administered by Social Security Scotland. This page is general information; contact Social Security Scotland for your individual circumstances.

Rates

Eligibility criteria include

• AGE
  Child must be under 16 to apply ^{[Scottish Government]}
• AGE
  Care component available from 3 months old ^{[Scottish Government]}
• AGE
  Mobility component available from age 3 ^{[Scottish Government]}
• AGE
  Lower mobility rate requires child to be 5 or older ^{[Scottish Government]}
• DISABILITY
  Child must have a physical or mental disability ^{[Scottish Government]}
• DISABILITY
  A diagnosis is not required; the application describes the child's needs and symptoms ^{[Scottish Government]}
• RESIDENCE
  Child must live in Scotland to claim Child Disability Payment ^{[Scottish Government]}

Sources