Money Matters

Toy till and moneyThis section focuses on the main disability benefits and sources of financial help for parents who have a child with special needs.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is often the first benefit which parents claim. You can claim it if your child needs extra help or looking after because of their special needs. Because DLA is a passport to other sorts of financial help.

If your child gets DLA for personal care at the middle or high rate you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance (CA).

Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a tax credit designed to help families with dependent children. If you are on a low or middle income and have only modest savings you are likely to be entitled. If you have a child who gets DLA, the CTC you may be able to claim will include an extra Disabled Child Element.

Direct Payments can be given to parents to pay for and arrange services for their disabled child rather than accept those their local authority offers.

Other benefits include:

  • Family Fund Trust
  • Discretionary Social Fund
  • Council Tax reduction for people with disabilities
  • Fares to hospital
  • Special Grants

Changes to benefits at 16

At 16 young people have the right to claim benefits for themselves and there may be several options your family will need to consider to help maximise your household's income. We look at these in detail in Changes to Benefits at 16 in the part of the website that focuses on your child Becoming an Adult.

If you need any help, advice and support in regards to disability livng allowence, blue badges and other benefits why not drop in to the Benefits Advice Session