The higher rate mobility component - Eligibility criteria

An individual applying for Scottish Adult DLA can qualify for the higher rate of the mobility component if taking account of their physical condition as a whole, but ignoring the nature of the place where the individual lives they1

• are unable to walk (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 8(2)(a)(i))
• are virtually unable to walk outdoors (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 8(2)(a)(ii))
• would experience a serious deterioration in their health from the exertion required to walk (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 8(2)(a)(iii)).

An individual applying for Scottish Adult DLA who meets any one of the following criteria can qualify for the higher rate of the mobility component if they:

• have no legs or no feet (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 8(2)(b))
• have a severe visual impairment (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 8(2)(c))
• are both blind and deaf (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 8(2)(d))
• have a severe mental disability with severe behavioural difficulties and qualify for the highest rate of the care component (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 8(2)(e)).

The above listed concepts are detailed later in this chapter.

An individual who does not qualify for the higher rate mobility component will not necessarily qualify for the lower rate. The eligibility criteria for the lower rate mobility component considers whether an individual requires guidance and/or supervision when walking outdoors.