Who pays?

Most kinds of help available for families with a disabled child are free. Parents shouldn't be charged if they are on Income Support, or receiving working tax credit or child tax credit (above the family element). Budgets are almost always very stretched. Many parents are happy with the way their needs have been assessed, but then find there's a long waiting list for all those things their assessment says they need, like outreach and short breaks.

Direct Payments are another way of funding short breaks and other types of support for disabled children and their families. Read more about Direct Payments in our Money Matters section. Many parents say they are worth considering

If your child's disability involves ongoing medical treatment or help, the local health authority may be asked to contribute towards the cost of extra help such as outreach care. This is known as 'joint funding' which can take a very long time to get everyone involved to agree on who will pay for what.