If your child has a long-term health condition or a disability you may be entitled to certain benefits to help you provide the extra things your child may need or help with your income to balance out working part-time or giving up work all together.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) may help if:
- your child is under 16
- has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability. This includes Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy, Down’s Syndrome and many other conditions.
- Your child does not need an official diagnosis. You just need to be able to outline the issues that affect them day to day.
They will need to meet all the eligibility requirements.
The current DLA care element rate is between £24.45 and £92.40 weekly
The current DLA care mobility rate is between £24.45 and £64.50 weekly
- It is not means tested
- Your child does not need an official diagnosis
- Receiving DLA can make you eligible for other benefits
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is for all people over 16 and all of the following apply to them:
- they are 16 or over
- they have a has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability This includes Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy, Down’s Syndrome and many other conditions.
- Your child does not need an official diagnosis. You just need to be able to outline the issues that affect them day to day.
- they have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around
- you expect the difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started
PIP is paid 4 weekly, 2022 rates are currently:
Daily Living Component:
Lower weekly rate: £61.85 Higher Weekly rate:£92.40 weekly
Mobility Component:
Lower weekly rate: £24.45 Higher Weekly rate:£64.50 weekly
- It is not means tested
- Your child does not need an official diagnosis
- Receiving PIP can make you eligible for other benefits
Carers Allowance
Parents caring for their child for over 35 hours per week may be entitled to Carers Allowance if their child receives certain benefits such as DLA or PIP. The current rate for Carers allowance (2022-2023) is £69.70 per week. For 2023-2024 it will be £76.75 per week.
- It IS means tested
- Your child does not need an official diagnosis
Apply for Carers Allowance here
Family Fund provides families raising a disabled, or seriously ill, child on low incomes with wide-ranging grants for essential items. Whether you need a kitchen appliance, like a fridge, cooker or washing machine, clothing and bedding, sensory or play equipment or technology for your child or a much-needed family break, we are here to help.
You can apply for any items that will help meet your child’s additional support needs.
Get more help here
- DWP’s Disability Benefits Helpline: 0800 121 4600
- Call Contact’s Family Helpline: 0808 808 3555
- Enter your postcode on the Citizens Advice website to find your local bureau.
Find out more about other benefits you can receive at MoneyHelper
