What is Child Disability Payment?

Child Disability Payment is paid by Social Security Scotland to help with the extra costs involved in caring for a disabled child in Scotland. Social Security Scotland – Benefits It has replaced Child Disability Living Allowance in Scotland.

Who can receive Child Disability Payment

If you are the parent or guardian of a disabled child between three months old and 16 years old and you live in Scotland, you can apply for Child Disability Payment.

There are two different parts to Child Disability Payment; the care component and the mobility component.

The two components have different age rules:

A child is eligible for the care component from three months old
A child may be eligible for the higher rate of mobility component from three years old
A child with less severe mobility problems may qualify for the lower rate of mobility from five years old
Your child must be under 16 for you to apply for Child Disability Payment but can choose to continue to receive it until they are 18
There are special rules for terminally ill children where Child Disability Benefit can be awarded from birth.

You can find information about the special rules for terminally ill children here Child-Disability-Payment-Special-Rules-for-Terminal-Illness-leaflet-for-patients.pdf

At 16 a child can choose to apply for Adult Disability Payment instead of Child Disability Payment. They should get advice about which benefit they are best to claim between the ages of 16 and 18.

How much is Child Disability Payment?

There are several components to Child Disability Payment; the payment will depend on your child’s disability.

The care component

Benefit rates usually change in April each year. There are three possible weekly rates for the care component:

Lowest: £28.70 (24/25) and £29.20 (25/26)
Middle: £72.65 (24/25) and £73.90 (25/26)
Highest: £108.55 (24/25) and £110.40 (25/26)

The mobility component

There are two weekly rates for the mobility component.

Lower: £28.70 (24/25) and £29.20 (25/26)
Higher: £75.75 (24/25) and £77.05 (25/26)

If you want to find out more about these rates and when your child may be eligible, you can find information on the Citizens Advice Scotland website here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/child-disability-payment-s/child-disability-payment-s/child-disability-payment-s/ or on the Scottish Government website here https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment

Supporting evidence

Social Security Scotland will need information and evidence about your child’s disability. You can either supply this with your claim or give permission for Social Security Scotland to seek this evidence from medical and other professionals who support your child. If you can supply supporting evidence yourself it can help the process and make it a bit quicker.

What can I use as supporting evidence?

A statement from a medical professional such as a GP, nurse, or occupational therapist, teacher, care worker or other professional who knows your child
Documents you already have such as medical letters or educational reports that mention the issues your child faces and repeat prescriptions
A statement from someone who has witnessed the effect of your child’s disabilities
A daily diary of the care and support your child needs and how often they need help

You can send supporting evidence with the second part of your application or as soon as you can afterwards. If Social Security Scotland gives you a deadline for something and you won’t manage to meet it, let them know as they can be flexible with deadlines if you have a good reason for delay.

They should contact you in the way you said would suit you – this may be phone, text, email or letter. Try to answer their questions promptly to avoid any delays with your claim.

How to apply for Child Disability Payment

There are two ways to apply for Child Disability Payment.

Phone

You can apply by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

The application for Child Disability Payment has 2 parts; the first asks for basic information about yourself and the child, the second will be posted to you and asks how your child’s disability affects their day-to-day life. You will be given a 6 week deadline to complete the second form; let Social Security Scotland know if you cannot send it by the deadline.

Online

You can begin an application for Child Disability Payment online here

https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment/how-to-apply

If you do not already have a Scottish Government myaccount you will need to set one up here https://www.mygov.scot/myaccount

If you phone, your claim is backdated to the date that you made the first phone call. If you apply online, your claim will start when the first form is completed.

Help to apply

Social Security Scotland’s local delivery service

This local service can help you with your claim. An adviser can visit you at home or somewhere nearby. They can answer questions about Child Disability Payment, help you to complete and submit forms and explain what kind of supporting information you need to provide. You can find out more details about the local delivery service here https://www.mygov.scot/if-you-need-help-from-social-security-scotland/local-delivery

VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility can provide free help if you are disabled and want advocacy support to help you through the claims (and appeals) process. You can contact VoiceAbility directly or ask for their help through Social Security Scotland.

Welfare rights advice

A welfare benefits adviser could help you to complete the application form and make sure you are applying for everything you are entitled to. You may be able to find a benefits adviser at:

a council or housing association welfare benefits service
your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau
an adviser at a carer’s centre or GP practice

Ther might be other organisations with welfare rights advisers in your area. Call us on 0300 323 9961 to find out what is available locally

Help from your local council

If you are caring for a disabled child you may be entitled to Carer Support Payment Carer Support Payment – mygov.scot. Call us on 0300 323 9961 to find out more.

Note: Information last updated on 31^st January 2025. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.

We are grateful to the Scottish Government for funding this publication

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