Disability Living Allowance and Disability Access Funding

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can be claimed by parents and carers if a child is under the age of 16 and has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability. See: Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Eligibility - GOV.UK

Useful signposting for parents/carers who are applying:

• Contact has 3 short videos about DLA and applying for parent/carers: Introduction to DLA videos - English The videos are also available in ي, العربية, Polski and Soomaalida
• Cerebra leaflets Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - Cerebra
• Citizens advice Disability Living Allowance for children - Citizens Advice

Disability Access Fund (DAF) is funding for early years providers to support children with disabilities or special educational needs. It aids access to early years places by supporting providers to make reasonable adjustments to their settings. 

Children aged 9 months to 4 years are eligible for Disability Access Fund if they receive child Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and access Early Education Funded entitlement at an early years provider. 

From the 1st of April 2025 the DAF rate increased to £938 per year. It is a non-transferable lump sum payment. For more information on how to claim see: Forms and guidance notes | Oxfordshire County Council