Navigating benefits as a parent can be overwhelming, especially when caring for a child with disabilities.
If you’re currently claiming Universal Credit and wondering how to get extra support, you might be eligible for the Disabled Child Element — an additional amount added to your monthly Universal Credit payment.
This guide on how to claim disabled child element universal credit explains everything you need to know, from eligibility to how to apply, and what to expect once you’ve made a claim.
What Is the Disabled Child Element in Universal Credit?
The Disabled Child Element is an extra amount of money added to your Universal Credit payment if you’re responsible for a child or young person who has a disability.
It’s designed to help families manage the extra costs that come with raising a child who has additional care needs.
It’s not the same as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), but it is usually awarded if your child already receives one of those.
Unlike other benefits, this element isn’t applied automatically—you need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that your child is receiving a disability benefit.
Who Is Eligible for the Disabled Child Element?
To qualify, the child or young person you care for must meet certain conditions:
- They must be under 20 and included in your Universal Credit claim
- They must receive either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- You must be their primary carer or responsible for them under your claim
You don’t need to meet a specific income threshold, but your eligibility depends on your child’s disability status, not your earnings.
How Much Is the Disabled Child Element Worth in 2025?
There are 2 different payment levels based on the severity of your child’s disability:
| Disability Level | Element Amount (2025) |
| Lower rate (on any DLA/PIP award) | £156.11 per month |
| Higher rate (on higher rate care or enhanced daily living PIP) | £487.58 per month |
These rates are added to your total Universal Credit calculation — they’re not paid separately.
How to Claim the Disabled Child Element Step-by-Step
Here’s exactly how you can apply for the Disabled Child Element if you believe you qualify:
1. Report your child’s disability
You’ll need to update your Universal Credit journal or report a change of circumstances to say your child receives DLA or PIP.
2. Provide evidence (if requested)
The DWP may ask you to upload or send a copy of the award letter confirming your child’s benefit status.
3. Wait for DWP to update your claim
If approved, the Disabled Child Element will be backdated to the date your child started receiving DLA or PIP—or when you first notified DWP, depending on the timing.
Documents You Might Need:
- Your child’s DLA or PIP award letter
- Your Universal Credit claim reference number
- National Insurance numbers for both yourself and your child
- Recent correspondence with DWP (if applicable)
How to Claim Disabled Child Element Universal Credit Without Delays?
To make sure your claim goes smoothly and doesn’t face delays:
- Always report changes as soon as possible through your UC journal
- Keep scanned or photo copies of benefit award letters
- Contact Universal Credit helpline if you don’t receive confirmation within 2–3 weeks
- When you don’t hear back, follow up—claims may sometimes be overlooked
Taking these steps helped many parents get their correct entitlement faster.
Will You Need to Reapply or Report Changes?
You don’t need to reapply for the Disabled Child Element every year, but you must report if:
- Your child’s benefit stops or changes
- They turn 20, or stop full-time education or training
- They move out of your household
Failure to update changes may result in overpayments, which you’ll have to repay.
Does This Affect Other Benefits or Support?
No, receiving the Disabled Child Element won’t reduce other parts of your Universal Credit.
In fact, it may increase your Work Allowance, allowing you to keep more of your earnings before deductions apply.
You can still claim:
- Carer’s Allowance (if you meet the requirements)
- Childcare support via Universal Credit
- Other child-related elements
Conclusion
If you’re caring for a child with a disability, the Disabled Child Element of Universal Credit offers vital financial support to help ease some of the added costs. While the application process is straightforward, it does require you to actively report your child’s DLA or PIP status to the DWP.
To recap:
- Check if your child qualifies (via DLA or PIP)
- Update your UC journal with their award information
- Provide documentation if requested
- Follow up to ensure the payment is applied
For official updates or to start your claim, visit the GOV.UK Universal Credit page.
Common Questions On How to Claim Disabled Child Element Universal Credit
1. Can you claim for more than one disabled child?
Yes. The Disabled Child Element applies per eligible child, and each one may qualify at a different rate.
2. Is it available if your child is in school or college?
Yes, if they’re in full-time education or approved training and under 20, they remain eligible.
3. Can you claim this if you’re working?
Absolutely. This support is not dependent on employment status.
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