The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published provisional benefit rates for the 2027-28 tax year, outlining how much people receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) could receive from April 6, 2027. The proposed changes include increases to both the care and mobility components, providing additional financial support to people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
The updated figures were published on the government website on November 11. Although the rates are currently labelled provisional, they provide an indication of the payments claimants could receive during the next tax year.
Disability Living Allowance is designed to help eligible people manage the additional costs associated with disabilities. The benefit has two separate components, care and mobility, with different payment levels depending on an individual’s needs.
Under the proposed changes, the highest weekly care payment would increase from £114.60 to £118.60, while the highest mobility payment would rise from £80 to £82.80. Lower-rate payments would also increase.
Knowing these changes can help existing claimants and their families prepare for the new payment rates.
Changes
The proposed DLA increases will apply from April 6, 2027, covering the 2027-28 tax year.
The benefit has two components, and claimants may qualify for one or both depending on their circumstances.
The care component supports people who need assistance with everyday personal activities. The mobility component helps people who experience difficulties walking or require supervision and guidance when going outdoors.
Here are the proposed weekly payment changes based on the published figures:
| DLA Component | Current Weekly Rate | Proposed 2027 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Highest care rate | £114.60 | £118.60 |
| Middle care rate | Not specified | Not specified |
| Lowest care rate | £30.30 | £31.35 |
| Higher mobility rate | £80.00 | £82.80 |
| Lower mobility rate | £30.30 | £31.35 |
The middle care rate is also subject to an increase under the proposed uprating, although its exact figure should be checked against the final government rate table.
These increases are intended to adjust benefit payments for the next financial year. However, claimants should remember that provisional figures can still be subject to confirmation.
Care
The DLA care component is intended for people who need assistance with personal care or supervision throughout the day or night.
Eligible activities can include washing, dressing, eating, preparing meals, communicating, and using the toilet.
Some people may also qualify if they require supervision to prevent harm to themselves or others, or need assistance connected with medical treatment such as dialysis.
There are three payment levels depending on the amount and frequency of support required.
Highest Rate
The highest care rate is intended for people who need frequent assistance or supervision throughout both the day and night. It can also apply in certain circumstances involving people who are nearing the end of their lives.
Under the proposed 2027-28 rates, this payment would increase from £114.60 to £118.60 per week.
Middle Rate
The middle care rate applies to people who require frequent assistance or continuous supervision during the day, supervision at night, or help while receiving dialysis.
The amount payable depends on the applicable government rate for the new tax year.
Lowest Rate
The lowest care rate is intended for people who need assistance for some part of the day or require help preparing cooked meals.
This payment is proposed to increase from £30.30 to £31.35 per week.
Mobility
The DLA mobility component helps people who experience significant difficulties walking or require additional assistance when travelling outdoors.
Eligibility can depend on physical disabilities, walking difficulties, sensory impairments, and certain other qualifying conditions.
People may qualify if they cannot walk, can only walk short distances without severe discomfort, or have a medical condition that makes walking potentially dangerous.
Some people with severe visual impairments or hearing difficulties may also qualify, depending on the specific eligibility requirements.
The mobility component has two payment levels.
Lower Rate
The lower mobility rate is generally intended for people who need guidance or supervision when walking outdoors.
The proposed payment would increase from £30.30 to £31.35 per week from April 2027.
Higher Rate
The higher mobility rate applies to people with more severe walking difficulties or certain other qualifying mobility needs.
The proposed weekly payment would rise from £80 to £82.80.
For people who depend on mobility support to manage everyday activities, this increase could provide additional assistance with transport and other disability-related expenses.
Eligibility
Not everyone with a disability automatically qualifies for DLA. Eligibility depends on how a person’s condition affects their daily activities and mobility.
The benefit is generally available to eligible children under 16 in England and Wales. Adults usually cannot make a new DLA claim and may need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), depending on their age and circumstances.
People receiving DLA should report relevant changes in their circumstances to the DWP, particularly if their care or mobility needs change.
Claimants can review the official GOV.UK Disability Living Allowance guidance to understand the eligibility rules, payment components, and application requirements.
It is also important to distinguish DLA from other disability benefits. Scotland has its own Child Disability Payment arrangements, while adult disability support differs across the UK.
Payments
DLA payments are generally made directly into a claimant’s bank or building society account every four weeks.
The amount received depends on the care and mobility rates awarded. Someone who qualifies for both components may receive payments for both, while others may qualify for only one.
The proposed 2027 increases should be reflected in payments from the beginning of the new tax year, subject to final confirmation by the government.
Claimants who experience changes in their circumstances should contact the Disability Service Centre rather than assuming their existing payment will automatically adjust to reflect their needs.
The GOV.UK DLA payment information explains the different payment rates and how support is calculated.
Preparation
The proposed DLA increases could provide additional support for people managing disability-related expenses in 2027-28. However, the actual financial impact will depend on the rate each claimant receives and their individual circumstances.
Families should review their existing benefit awards, check official announcements about the final rates, and ensure the DWP has accurate information about any changes in care or mobility needs.
It is also worth checking whether someone receiving DLA may qualify for additional support through other benefits or local assistance schemes.
The DWP’s proposed changes indicate that weekly DLA payments will increase from April 6, 2027. While the increases are relatively modest, they may help eligible claimants manage some of the additional costs associated with disability. Keeping up with official updates and understanding the different payment categories will help claimants prepare for the new tax year.
