DLA stands for Disability Living Allowance. It is a financial benefit provided by the government in the United Kingdom. DLA is designed to help individuals who have a disability or long-term health condition with the extra costs associated with their daily living and mobility needs.
To be eligible for DLA, an individual must be under the age of 65, have personal care or mobility needs, and have had these needs for at least three months. Moreover, the disability or health condition must be severe enough that it significantly affects the individual's ability to carry out everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, or getting around.
DLA is divided into two components: the Care Component and the Mobility Component. The Care Component is intended to support individuals who require help or supervision with personal care, while the Mobility Component provides assistance for those who have difficulty walking or require a wheelchair or mobility aid.
The amount of DLA a person receives is dependent on the level of help they need and the impact their condition has on their daily life. It is not means-tested, meaning it is not based on income or savings. DLA is typically paid directly to the individual, is tax-free, and can be used as they see fit.
DLA is gradually being replaced by a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP). PIP has similar aims to DLA but is based on a different assessment criterion.
