Help for the Families of Disabled Children

If you are the parent of a disabled child, you may well have higher financial needs than the parent of a non-disabled child. You may need to pay for specialist support or equipment and your ability to earn a full-time wage could be reduced.

Some families of disabled children do struggle financially, but it’s important to make sure you are claiming all the financial help that’s available to you.

Disability Living Allowance

The main source of help available for the parents of disabled children is the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The DLA is paid weekly, and the rate that you will receive for your child depends on the level of their needs. You could receive up to £110 per week per child.

There are two components to the DLA: the care component and the mobility component. You may be entitled to one part of the allowance, or both parts at the same time.

More information is available in our article: Claiming Disability Living Allowance for your child.

Carer's Allowance

If you care for your child for more than 35 hours per week and they are in receipt of DLA, you could be entitled to a carer's grant. The Carer's Allowance is for anyone (you don’t have to be a parent) who spends more than 35 hours per week caring for someone who is disabled.

Dependant upon other benefits the Carer's Allowance is usually paid at the rate of up to £48.65 a week, and deposited directly into your bank account.

In order to claim Carer's Allowance you can ask for a form at your local benefits office or download one from the Directgov website.

Direct Payments

Direct payments can be made to the parents of disabled children, instead of services. This means that parents of disabled children have greater choice and flexibility in the care services their children receive.

Direct payments for disabled children are available to parents with children aged over 16. Direct payments can be used for a variety of services such as:

• To fund a short break for you and your child
• To pay for assistance to attend an event or activity that will benefit your child
• Personal care for your child
• Employing a carer for your child

Your Local Authority will be able to provide advice on receiving direct payments for your child.

Disability Facilities Grants

If you need to make some adjustments to your home to facilitate your disabled child, contact your Local Housing Authority as they may be able to provide funding for this.

Grants to pay for property adjustments to facilitate a disabled child are not usually means-tested.

Other Benefits and Tax Credits

As well as the help detailed above, you may also be eligible to claim certain benefits and tax credits to help with your finances while raising a disabled child. Although some are not directly related to having a disabled child, they apply to the circumstances of many families with disabled children.

For example, if you are unable to work, or have to work less, because of your child’s disability, you may be eligible to apply for benefits such as Jobseekers’ Allowance and Income Support. Your Local Benefits office can advise you on assessment for relevant benefits.