Children under 16 with a health condition or a physical or mental disability may be entitled to a benefit called Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
If they are 16 and over, they might be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
We have compiled some practical hints and tips for completing your DLA application and renewal forms.
Download the PDF here: Download
Down Syndrome Association DLA and PIP support
We strongly recommend visiting the DSA pages with information about claiming DLA or claiming PIP. These pagers are kept up-to-date and contain important links and dates as well as advice for different age groups.
The DSA also operates a helpline. You can contact the DSA Helpline’s Benefits Adviser if you need support completing your DLA or PIP application form or renewal form:
- Monday & Thursday 10am-4pm, Tues & Weds 10am-12.30pm
- Telephone: 0800 640 8434
- Email:
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Carers UK DLA and PIP support
Carers UK also provide some helpful information and FAQs - about DLA - and - about PIP. Their webpages also contain videos, which you might also find helpful. Please remember that this is general advice and not written specifically for the Down syndrome community.
Citizens Advice DLA and PIP support
The Citizens Advice website has further useful advice on how to complete either the DLA - or the PIP forms. Someone at your nearest Citizens Advice might be able to help you with the form or even fill it in for you.
Contact (for families with disabled children)
You can also call the Contact (for families with disabled children) helpline if you have questions - they’re experts in DLA for children.
- Telephone: 0808 808 3555
- Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm
- Calls to these numbers are free.
Please remember that this will be general advice and will likely not be provided by individuals who have insight into the needs of the Down syndrome community.
Mencap UK
Mencap UK also has extensive information about how to apply for DLA and to apply for PIP. They also offer a free form filling clinic every Wednesday. You can apply for help from them via a form which you can access here.
