DLA: Our guide to help families

Applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can be one of the most overwhelming parts of caring for a child with additional needs. The form is long, detailed and often emotional to complete. At Little Miracles, we understand exactly how you feel because our team has supported hundreds of families through the process and many have been through it with their own families. This guide explains what DLA is, who can apply, how to fill in the form and how we can help you succeed.

Understanding Disability Living Allowance

DLA is a benefit designed to help with the extra costs of looking after a child under 16 who has a disability or life-limiting condition. It can make a big difference to your family’s finances and wellbeing, covering travel to appointments, therapy equipment or extra care needs.

You can find the official eligibility details on the GOV.UK DLA for children page, but our guide explains what those rules mean in real life and how to describe your child’s daily routines in a way the Department for Work and Pensions can understand.

Why Families Sometimes Find the DLA Form Difficult

Many parents tell us that completing the DLA form brings back memories of difficult times or makes them feel they have to “justify” their child’s needs. It asks for specific examples of personal care, mobility, supervision and emotional support, which can be draining to write about.

We know how important it is to get it right. One missed detail can delay or reduce your award. Our team has seen thousands of forms and knows what the decision-makers are looking for.

What Our DLA Guide Covers

The Little Miracles DLA Guide was created from over fifteen years of real experience helping families apply successfully. It includes:

A full question-by-question explanation of the DLA form
Practical examples showing how to describe your child’s needs clearly
Tips on providing supporting evidence such as medical letters and care plans
Advice on renewals, appeals and when to ask for a reconsideration
A printable checklist of everything you’ll need before you start

You can download the guide below or contact our Family Support team for personal help.

Step-by-Step Overview

Gather evidence – collect diagnosis letters, school or nursery reports and any therapy notes.
Keep a diary – record what help your child needs each day for at least a week.
Work through one section at a time – avoid rushing; you can save progress online.
Be specific – describe how long tasks take and what extra help is required.
Get a second pair of eyes – our support workers can review your answers before submission.

These simple steps can save hours of stress and give you confidence that you’ve presented your child’s situation clearly.

Real Experience You Can Trust

Our CEO, Michelle King, has personally supported hundreds of families with their DLA applications over the past 15 years. Together with our trained Family Support team, Michelle has built a process that focuses on compassion, accuracy and lived experience.

"The DLA form can be intimidating but it’s also an opportunity to secure the support your family deserves. We’ve poured everything we’ve learnt into this guide so no parent has to face it alone.”
— Michelle King, CEO of Little Miracles

Since 2010, Little Miracles has helped thousands of families across the East of England access funding, counselling, play sessions and respite care. Your success story could be next.

More Ways We Can Help

We provide a wide range of family services beyond DLA guidance:

Family Support – one-to-one help, advice and workshops
Grants for Families – help with funding for essential equipment
Counselling and Therapies – emotional wellbeing support for parents and carers
Activities and Play – safe, inclusive play sessions for children

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for DLA?

You can apply if your child is under 16 and needs more help or supervision than other children of the same age due to a disability or health condition.

How long does the application take?

Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks. Preparing your form properly helps avoid delays.

Can Little Miracles help me fill out the form?

Yes. Our Family Support team can guide you through each section or review your completed draft before you send it.

What if my claim is refused?

You can request a mandatory reconsideration within one month. We can help you understand the reasons for refusal and prepare additional evidence.

Do I need a medical diagnosis first?

Not always. Evidence of your child’s daily needs is most important, but medical information strengthens your application.

Download the Guide

Fill in the form below to download the full DLA Guide and start your application with confidence.

Our services are free for families, funded almost entirely by donations. If you find the guide helpful and are able to give a small contribution, please donate to Little Miracles to keep this support available for others.