Child Disability Payment Scotland vs Child DLA: Key Differences

Two Systems for the Same Need

Since Scotland took over its own disability benefits under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, families north of the border claim Child Disability Payment (CDP) through Social Security Scotland instead of Child DLA through the DWP. The two benefits cover the same ground — extra costs of raising a child with care and mobility needs — but the mechanics differ in ways that matter to claimants.

If your child lives in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you claim Child DLA. If your child is ordinarily resident in Scotland and meets the residence and presence conditions, you claim CDP. There's no choice between the two — residency determines the route.

What's the Same

Both benefits are non-means-tested and non-contributory. Family income, savings, and whether the parent works have no bearing on eligibility. Both have the same two components — care and mobility — with the same rate tiers: Lowest, Middle, and Highest Rate Care; Lower and Higher Rate Mobility. Weekly rates are aligned. Both use the same core test: whether the child needs substantially more care, attention, or supervision than a non-disabled child of the same age.

Neither benefit requires a formal diagnosis. Entitlement is based on how the condition affects the child's daily life, not on having a diagnostic label.

Key Differences

Application method. Child DLA is paper-only — you call the DLA helpline or download form DLA1 Child (ALT) and post it to Freepost DWP DLA Child. CDP can be applied for online through Social Security Scotland's portal, by phone, or on paper.

Award length. Child DLA awards can be for a fixed period or an indefinite period. A fixed-term award may need a renewal claim before it ends. CDP uses rolling awards with no fixed end date. Social Security Scotland reviews needs periodically but the award continues unless care needs change significantly.

Age limit. When a child turns 16, DWP invites them to apply for PIP. DLA stops unless they apply by the date in the invitation; if they apply by then, DLA continues until their PIP claim is assessed. CDP can continue until the young person turns 18. The move to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) requires a separate application — it doesn't happen automatically — but the extended age range gives families more time.

End-of-life claims. Both systems fast-track terminal illness claims. In England, Wales, and NI, the medical evidence form is the SR1. In Scotland, the equivalent is the BASRiS form, completed by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse.

Administration. Child DLA is handled by DWP's Disability Service Centre (England/Wales) or the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland). CDP is handled entirely by Social Security Scotland, with its own phone lines, processes, and review protocols.

Moving Between Scotland and the Rest of the UK

If a child receiving CDP moves to England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, tell Social Security Scotland and apply for the relevant benefit as soon as possible. CDP can continue for up to 13 weeks after the move. A child receiving DLA who moves to Scotland must tell DWP; DLA can continue for up to 13 weeks after the move. MyGov.scot advises applying for CDP as soon as possible after moving.

There's no automatic transfer. In either direction, the old benefit can continue for up to 13 weeks after the move. Apply promptly to avoid a gap in payments.

Which Guide Covers What

Our Child DLA Claim Guide covers the DLA process for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — the DLA1 Child form, the DWP decision process, mandatory reconsideration, and the PIP transition at 16. Families in Scotland should contact Social Security Scotland directly on 0800 182 2222 for CDP-specific guidance.

See more United Kingdom guides →