Millions of those dependent on disability benefits (Disability Living Allowance -DLA) can breathe easily and wish to believe that there is hope in the year 2025. The government of the United Kingdom has assured that the DLA payments, will be increased in the forthcoming year. But in this article we will come to know what DLA is, what is the amount of such an increase, who can get it, and what is the date of this payment.
What is DLA?
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a state funded financial benefit whose recipients must be mentally and or physically impaired and could be in need of assistance with personal life activities. The recipients of this scheme are mainly children who are below the age of 16 and with problems in long-term care and mobility. In adults, there are now schemes including the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance.
How much will DLA payments increase in 2025?
Recently, the government has notified that payment rates of DLA will be revised with the consideration of inflation on April 2025. The rates are believed to go up by 6-10 percent. The objective of such change is to make sure that beneficiaries would preserve the purchasing power and have a possibility to purchase needed care services or equipment.
DLA currently has two main parts:
- Care Component
- Mobility Component
Each part is divided into three levels, i.e. low, medium and high. These are identified with regard to the predicament and need of the beneficiary. There will also be an increase in the rates of payment on all these levels at the year 2025 whereby the sum to be paid per week will be more.
Who is eligible for this increased amount?
Eligibility to receive DLA is based on certain specific conditions:
- Age limit: The beneficiary must be under 16 years of age.
- Care or mobility need: The child must have needed some form of care or movement support continuously for at least 3 months and this need must continue for at least another 6 months.
- Citizenship and residency: The beneficiary must live in the UK and be ordinarily resident in the UK, except in certain circumstances.
- Medical evidence: The beneficiary must have a disability or long-term health condition that can be verified by a medical report.
When you are already on DLA and there is no difference in your circumstances you must not reapply. New rates will be automatically added to your payment.
When will you receive the payment?
The government suggests that the raises in the DLA rates will come into effect in April 2025. The revised payments will be made to most beneficiaries by first or second week of April, which is the beginning of the new financial year.
What is notable too is that payment of DLA is weekly and in the vast majority of situations, the money is sent into the bank account of the beneficiary or that of the guardian. Thus, there is no other process you will have to go through assuming that you are already a beneficiary.
What to do if you are a new applicant?
When your child is disabled and you have not yet submitted an application regarding DLA, then it is the high time you begin the procedure. To apply:
- Visit the GOV.UK website.
- Download the form or complete the application process online.
- Attach the child’s health report and care information.
- Send the applied form on time.
The application process can take from 6 to 12 weeks, so it is better to start early.
Will you face a reassessment?
There are cases when beneficiaries have to be reassessed in regards to DLA payments. This occurs when there is suspicion by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) that there is an improvement in the condition of a beneficiary or that some details are not up to date. Nevertheless there is nothing to worry about in case there is no change in your condition and you have been providing all the necessary information in a regular basis.
Future plans and changes
The government is also considering making schemes such as DLA more simple, to provide more transparency and convenience to families in need. Further reforms to disability benefits may be announced in the 2025 budget. This may focus on making the application process more digital, bringing transparency to document checks and making the payment system faster.
Conclusion: Why is this change important?
It is not only a financial step but a moral support to such families who are trying day and night to cover special needs of their child by increasing DLA payment. This additional sum will not only assist them to sustain their daily needs but it will also make them live a more independent and respected life.
Are you or do you want to be the DLA beneficiary? Well, it is high time to collect the information and make the needed steps. The year 2025 opens new possibilities and a better support system to you.
FAQs
Q1. When will the increased DLA payments start?
The new DLA payment rates will begin from April 2025.
Q2. Do I need to reapply to receive the increased amount?
No, existing claimants will automatically receive the updated payments.
Q3. Who is eligible for DLA?
DLA is for children under 16 who have a long-term disability and need extra care or help moving around.
Q4. How much will the DLA payment increase in 2025?
The exact amount varies, but payments are expected to rise by 6% to 10%.
Q5. Can I apply for DLA online?
Yes, applications can be submitted through the official GOV.UK website.
