Lower age limit – You can normally claim the care component of CDP once your child is 3 months old. If your child is terminally ill (see 6 below) there is no qualifying period, and the care component can be paid from birth.1DACYP(S) Regs, regs 4(1) & 15(2)(a)

The higher rate mobility component can start from when your child reaches the age of 3 and the lower rate from the age of 5. Claims for the mobility component can be made earlier, but payment will not start until they have reached the appropriate age.2DACYP(S) Regs, regs 12(1) & 13(1)

Upper age limit – You cannot make a new claim for CDP once your child has reached the age of 16. However, if you are already getting CDP for your child once they reach the age of 16, it can continue to be paid up until their 18th birthday. 3DACYP(S) Regs, reg 4