Benefits and Finance

National Organisations

Contact Provides information and advice on any aspect of caring for a disabled child, including education and benefits. 

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) This can be claimed for children who have additional care needs or difficulty with walking which are caused by a disability or health condition. DLA is a non-diagnosis specific benefit, so not having a diagnosis does not mean you cannot claim DLA if your child has significant additional needs. To apply for DLA you will need to complete a detailed application form. Filling in this form can be difficult for a parent, but someone at your nearest Citizens Advice might be able to sit with you and help.

Carer’s allowance This can be claimed if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

The Family Fund Provides grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. 

Adoption support fund Local authorities and regional adoption agencies can apply for therapeutic funding for eligible adoptive and special guardianship order families. Families apply to the relevant local authority or regional adoption agency which will assess their needs.