Help for families · Support
Financial support
Having a child with additional needs can be financially challenging. There is state financial support in addition to charities that can provide funding for equipment.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Care component
DLA is money for children (under 16) who have care needs and/or mobility needs. It is not means tested so anyone can apply. You will need to prove that the child needs more care and attention than other children of the same age. There is a lot of paperwork — it is advisable to get help with this.
The child can be awarded lower (£29.20/week), middle (£73.90/week) or higher rate (£110.40/week) care component. Apply at gov.uk.
Mobility component
Once a child is three, they may also be entitled to the higher mobility component (£77.05/week, on top of the care component) if they have difficulties getting around or if walking puts them in danger. The motability scheme is an option where the component is used to lease a vehicle instead.
A lower rate of £29.20/week applies once the child is five and has trouble getting around places they don't know well. See Citizens Advice for more.
Carer's Allowance
If the child receives the middle or higher rate care component of DLA, the guardian or parent is entitled to claim Carer's Allowance (£86.45/week) if they (1) earn less than £196 a week after tax and (2) care for the child for 35 hours or more a week. Apply at gov.uk.
Universal Credit
If your child is disabled you may be able to claim the disabled child element as part of your Universal Credit payment. The rate depends on the rate of DLA or PIP you are getting.
Employment and Support Allowance (post-16)
You can apply for ESA if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. There is also a disability premium on top. Current rate: £117.60/week.
Child Tax Credits
If you claim child tax credits you can also claim for the disability rate on top of the standard payment. More information.
Reduction in council tax
Find out if you are eligible here.
Discounted water bills
This Scope page explains further.
Grants to alter homes
Families with disabled children are eligible for DFG grants — up to £30,000 in England and £36,000 in Wales.
Other financial help
There are lots of charities that offer financial assistance through grants. Check out our Charities page to learn more.
Discounts For Carers — sign up for discounts at many stores, plus the Ode Card, a top-up card with up to 12% cashback on selected retailers (e.g. Sainsbury's).
Funding transport
Many of our children will require a specialist car or, if not an adapted vehicle, private transport since public transport is not possible due to the high needs of the child. If you are eligible for the mobility component of DLA but the deposit for a vehicle under motability is still out of reach, there are charities that can help — find out more.