Find out about financial support for children with disabilities or additional needs
Many parents of children with additional needs are unaware that they may be entitled to financial support – here’s an overview of the support that may be available to families:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Children under 16 with a disability or additional needs may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA), while those over 16 can receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The amount received will depend on the condition and how it affects the child.
Depending on household circumstances, entitlement to DLA or PIP can also help with entitlement to other benefits such as Universal Credit and Carers Allowance.
Higher payments of other benefits
As soon as possible after receiving a positive DLA or PIP decision you should contact whoever pays your current benefits to tell them you’re now getting DLA or PIP, as this could result in you getting higher payments of other benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
You’ll also be exempt from the ‘benefit cap’ which limits the amount of benefit payment a household can receive, and also may be eligible for help towards your household rates if you have made any adaptations to your home to meet the needs of the person with the disability.
If you do not currently receive any benefits
The awarding of a disability benefit is a significant change in circumstances. The entitlement to DLA or PIP may mean that households with a higher income, and who would not otherwise be eligible, can qualify for support.
You should contact an independent benefits advisor who can check if this change means that your household could now be entitled to any other benefits, such as Universal Credit.
Carer’s Allowance and Carer Element
Parents and others who care for someone in receipt of DLA or PIP could be eligible to receive Carer’s Allowance, which is paid weekly at a rate of £81.90. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of both the carer and the person being cared for.
If the carer is in receipt of Universal Credit and is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or would be in receipt of Carers Allowance if it weren’t for their income being too high, they may be eligible for an additional Carer Element of Universal Credit of £198.31 per month.
For a couple with one partner working and the other not working but in receipt of Carers Allowance, and/or the Caring Element of Universal Credit, they can meet the criteria for financial support with their registered childcare costs which otherwise require both members of a couple to be working.
Further information
For personalised advice on what support your family may be entitled to, contact the Family Benefits Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.
