Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Fibromyalgia: What You Need to Know

Fibromyalgia is a complex and chronic health condition marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, and cognitive impairments. While it affects individuals differently, it often causes severe disruption to everyday functioning. For children and some adults in the UK, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) provides essential financial support to help manage the condition. This article explores the criteria, claims process, and benefits available under Disability Living Allowance for fibromyalgia.

Understanding Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance is a UK government benefit intended for people who need help with personal care or have mobility difficulties due to a disability or health condition. Since 2013, most new adult claimants now apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), but DLA remains available for children under 16 and for some adults born before 8 April 1948 who have continued on the scheme.

DLA is tax-free, non-means-tested, and is not affected by income or savings. It provides financial help for extra costs related to care and mobility support.

Who Can Claim DLA for Fibromyalgia?

DLA is mainly available for:

• Children under the age of 16 who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and need significantly more care or supervision than a child of the same age without a disability.
• Adults already receiving DLA who were born before 8 April 1948 and haven’t yet been reassessed for PIP.

To qualify, the fibromyalgia symptoms must significantly impair daily life for at least three months and be expected to continue for at least six more months.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia That May Qualify

For DLA purposes, the impact of the condition on daily life is more relevant than the diagnosis itself. Fibromyalgia symptoms that may make a person eligible include:

• Chronic, severe pain in multiple areas of the body
• Muscle stiffness and spasms that affect mobility
• Severe fatigue that limits physical activity
• Cognitive dysfunction or fibro fog, making it hard to focus or follow instructions
• Poor sleep that worsens daytime function
• Depression or anxiety that interferes with daily routine
• Poor temperature regulation, sensory issues, or medication side effects

A child with fibromyalgia who needs frequent reassurance, help with mobility, support with toileting, or constant supervision due to falls or disorientation could qualify for DLA.

Components of DLA

DLA consists of two parts: the care component and the mobility component. You may be eligible for one or both depending on the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Care Component

This supports individuals who require personal care due to physical or mental difficulties.

It is paid at three rates:

• Lowest rate: For those needing some help during the day
• Middle rate: For those needing frequent help during the day or night
• Highest rate: For those needing help during both day and night or are terminally ill

Mobility Component

This is for individuals who have difficulty walking or need supervision outdoors due to their condition.

It is paid at two rates:

• Lower rate: For those who need guidance or supervision when outdoors
• Higher rate: For those who have severe difficulty walking or are unable to walk

Many children with fibromyalgia may qualify for the lower mobility rate if they need guidance when outdoors, and for a care component based on their level of physical or emotional support needs.

How to Apply for DLA for Fibromyalgia

Step 1: Request the Application Form

You can get the DLA claim form for a child by:

• Calling the Disability Living Allowance helpline
• Downloading it from GOV.UK

For adults already on DLA, changes must be reported, but no new applications can be made unless transitioning to PIP.

Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence

Supporting documentation strengthens your case. Include:

• A diagnosis letter from a GP or specialist confirming fibromyalgia
• Letters from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or educational psychologists
• Prescription and treatment history
• A diary of how fibromyalgia affects daily life, mobility, and personal care

Step 3: Complete the Application Thoroughly

Use clear, honest language to describe how the symptoms affect daily activities. Focus on the frequency of support required, including help with dressing, moving, eating, or toileting.

Avoid downplaying symptoms on good days. Instead, describe an average or difficult day to ensure the assessors understand the full extent of the condition’s impact.

Step 4: Submit the Form

Send the completed form and supporting documents to the address provided. Keep a copy for your records. It can take several weeks to receive a decision.

DLA Review and Reassessment

DLA is typically awarded for a set period, after which a review is required. During reassessment, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may request additional information or a fresh medical assessment.

Children turning 16 may be invited to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead, which has different eligibility criteria and requires a new application.

What to Do If Your DLA Claim Is Denied

If your claim is unsuccessful, you have options:

• Request a reconsideration within one month of the decision
• Appeal to an independent tribunal if reconsideration is unsuccessful
• Reapply with updated or additional medical evidence

Many claims are initially denied due to a lack of detailed information, so including comprehensive documentation is critical.

Additional Support Linked to DLA

Receiving DLA may also open access to other forms of support:

• Carer’s Allowance for someone providing at least 35 hours of weekly care
• Blue Badge Scheme for help with parking
• Motability Scheme if awarded the higher mobility rate
• Exemption from road tax
• Extra housing or income-related benefits

DLA does not reduce other benefits and may increase entitlement to means-tested assistance.

Conclusion

Disability Living Allowance for fibromyalgia offers crucial financial and practical support, particularly for children whose condition significantly impacts their daily life. The benefit acknowledges the hidden and often misunderstood burden of fibromyalgia and provides a pathway to access additional help and independence.

Clear documentation, honest descriptions of daily challenges, and strong supporting evidence are the cornerstones of a successful application. Whether you’re applying for a child or maintaining a legacy adult claim, DLA can be an essential resource in navigating the demands of fibromyalgia in daily life.

For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store