Benefits for disabled children
This information applies to England and Wales.
If you are the parent or carer of a disabled child, you could get disability benefits, grants and advice about money. And as some benefits are not means-tested, you can work full-time and still receive money.
Warning Free online benefits calculator
Use a free online benefits calculator to:
- find out what you are entitled to
- see how changes would affect your benefits
Information about benefits
Advice is available from charities and voluntary organisations.
Disability benefits and entitlements for children (MoneyHelper)
Benefits and support could include:
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Carer's Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Disabled Facilities Grant
Help with care
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is available for children under 16 who need extra looking after or have difficulty walking, even if they do not have a diagnosis.
DLA eligibility criteria (GOV.UK)
If you care for a disabled child for more than 35 hours a week, you may be eligible for Carer's Allowance.
Local authorities must publish all services available to support disabled children and their families in the area. This is called the Local Offer. It covers education, health and social care services. Speak to your social services department about what you can get.
Help with travel
You can get help with your child’s bus and train travel. If your child travels for NHS treatment, you can claim reasonable costs for them and whoever goes with them:
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (NHS)
Contact your local authority for:
- free school transport
- disabled person’s bus passes, which give carers free or discounted travel if they are with someone with a pass
You can get a third off rail fares for you and someone travelling with you:
Disability discounts for days out and travel
If your child has the higher rate mobility for DLA, you can lease a car by using your mobility component. You will not have to pay for insurance, tax, breakdown cover, servicing or MOTs.
Help with the home
Your local authority can provide a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) if you need specialist equipment or make changes to your home.
This includes:
- wider doorways and ramps
- special locks for external doors, fridges or cupboards containing hazardous items
- stairlifts and a downstairs bathroom
- adapting lighting and heating controls
- specialist equipment for mobility or using the bathroom
Some organisations provide grants for items not covered by your local authority or the government. A grant does not have to be paid back.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 09/10/2024
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