Who can claim
A parent or carer of a child under 16 with additional care or mobility needs due to ADHD. See gov.uk on DLA for children. In Northern Ireland use nidirect.
Care component and ADHD
- Prompting for basic self-care and routine tasks.
- Constant or frequent supervision to prevent risk (running into roads, dangerous behaviour, self-harm).
- Support with hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention that a same-age child would not need.
- Overnight supervision or intervention.
Mobility component
Lower rate can apply from age 5 where the child needs supervision to walk outdoors on familiar routes due to safety risk. Higher rate applies where physical impairment is present.
Evidence to submit
- School reports, SEN Support paperwork, EHCP if issued.
- CAMHS, paediatric and educational psychology letters.
- Care and behaviour diary (one to two typical weeks).
- Safeguarding history, exclusions, reduced timetables.
- Medication record.
Scotland: Child Disability Payment
Scotland uses Child Disability Payment instead of DLA for children.
Build the evidence pack
Our pack was designed for adult PIP; the same functional-evidence principles apply to a DLA claim for a child, and can be adapted by a parent submitting the DLA1A.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim DLA for a child with ADHD?
Yes, where the child needs substantially more day-to-day care than another child of the same age without the condition. There is no diagnostic barrier; need is the test.
Which components are usually relevant?
The Care component (low, middle or highest rate) covers extra supervision, prompting, task management and safety needs. The Mobility component (lower rate from age 5, higher rate from age 3 where physical impairment applies) can apply where the child cannot follow familiar routes without supervision.
What evidence works?
School reports, SENCo statements, SEN Support / EHCP, CAMHS or paediatric letters, care and behaviour diary, and safeguarding history.
What if we do not have a formal diagnosis yet?
DLA can be claimed without a diagnosis. Focus on impact and safety needs. Long CAMHS waits are widely acknowledged.
Does DLA affect PIP?
Not directly. DLA is for under-16s (or Child Disability Payment in Scotland). At 16, transition to PIP or Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) is considered.
General information and document drafting, not benefits advice. Finally Seen is not affiliated with DWP or the NHS and does not guarantee any award. Check current guidance at gov.uk before sending.