Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason Disability Living Allowance (DLA) ceases with immediate effect upon the death of a child; what assessment her Department has undertaken on the child mortality rate of child applicants to DLA; and if the Government will take steps to support parents of a child in receipt of DLA with funeral costs following the death of that child.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children is an extra-costs benefit available to those under the age of 16 who, due to a disability or health condition have mobility issues and/or have needs which are substantially in excess of a child the same age without the disability or health condition. It is not an income replacement benefit. It is non-contributory and not means tested or subject to taxation and is therefore payable to eligible children regardless of the family’s income. As it is paid as a contribution towards the extra costs that arise as a result of a long-term health condition or disability, entitlement therefore ceases following the death of the disabled child.

However, entitlement to Carer's Allowance can continue for up to eight weeks following the death of the disabled person who was being cared for. The normal Carer's Allowance entitlement rules continue to apply during this eight-week run-on. The eight-week run-on helps carers who have recently been bereaved by giving them some time to adapt to their new circumstances.

The Children’s Funeral Fund for England can help to pay for some of the costs of a funeral for a child under 18 or a baby stillborn after the 24th week of pregnancy. In addition, the means tested Social Fund Funeral Expenses Payment may be able to offer up to £1000 of additional support for other funeral expenses for eligible customers.

We currently do not hold data on mortality rates of child applicants to DLA.