The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been urged to tighten the rules for Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA) as the cost of the benefit has surged past £5 billion, with 915,000 children now receiving it. According to research from Policy Exchange, 404,000 of these claims are linked to learning difficulties, behavioural disorders, and hyperkinetic syndrome since the pandemic.
Sharp increases in specific conditions
Policy Exchange data shows that claims for hyperkinetic syndrome, commonly known as ADHD, have risen by 60,000. Behavioural disorders, which also include some ADHD cases, have increased by 251,000. Claims for learning difficulties, including conditions such as autism and Asperger's, have risen by 279,000 since 2010, bringing the total to 590,000.
The think tank's findings highlight that these three conditions are the primary drivers of the increase in Child DLA claims. The figures come as the DWP faces growing pressure to manage the rising demand for the benefit, which is designed to help families cover the extra costs of caring for a seriously ill or disabled child.
How Child DLA claims are made
A Child DLA claim is submitted through a detailed 40-page, paper-based DWP form. The form asks about the child's health conditions, treatment, education, mobility, day-to-day care needs, and the additional help they require. Claimants can provide supporting evidence from doctors, educational psychologists, social workers, and other professionals. The DWP may seek further information where necessary before making a decision.
The claim is made by the parent, guardian, or another person looking after the child, and the award is typically paid to that adult on the child's behalf. The process is designed to ensure that only those who genuinely need support receive it, but the recent surge in claims has raised questions about whether the rules are being applied consistently.
DWP response and reforms
A spokesman for the DWP said: “Child disability living allowance exists to help with the extra costs of caring for a seriously ill or disabled child. We know there is a rising demand for Child DLA, which is why we have trained additional case managers to deal with these claims to a high standard. We have also outlined reforms to special educational needs to ensure every child gets the right support early on, without a fight.”
The DWP's response comes after Policy Exchange called for a review of the eligibility criteria for Child DLA, particularly in light of the significant increase in claims for behavioural and learning conditions. The think tank has suggested that tighter rules could help control spending while ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
The rising cost of Child DLA is part of a broader trend of increasing welfare spending on children's disability benefits. With the number of claimants now exceeding 915,000, the DWP faces the challenge of balancing support for families with the need to maintain fiscal responsibility. The outcome of any policy review will be closely watched by campaigners and policymakers alike.
