Benefits
Overview
Parents or carers of disabled children, as well as those with low incomes or who are unemployed, may qualify for specific benefits intended to help meet additional financial needs.
Eligibility
A number of benefits are available to parent carers, some relating directly to the child’s disability, and others depending on the parent’s income or employment status. These include Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, Carer’s Allowance, and Universal Credit for families with limited income. Each benefit has specific eligibility requirements, and applicants must satisfy certain criteria to qualify.
When to Claim
Once you know which benefits you want to apply for, you should contact the relevant office as soon as possible. Back-payments are rare, and benefits typically do not cover periods before you submit your application. For instance, DLA cannot be awarded for any time before you make an official claim.
How Benefits Are Paid
Most benefits are administered by departments within the Department for Work and Pensions, while housing and council tax benefits are managed by local authorities. Payments are typically made directly into the parent’s bank account. If awarded to your child—such as DLA or Child Benefit—these payments will usually be directed to you as the parent or carer. Upon reaching age 16, your child may have the option to apply for certain benefits independently.
Getting a Benefits Check
The Turn2Us online calculator provides guidance on benefit entitlements and available financial support. For further assistance, visit www.contact.org.uk or consult your local Citizens Advice bureau for a comprehensive review of your benefits situation.
Individual Benefits
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is available to parents or guardians responsible for children under 16 years old, or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training, providing your earnings are under the threshold of £80,000, anything above this will incur a charge. Only one claimant per child is permitted. Payments are typically issued every four weeks, though single parents or recipients of certain benefits (including Universal Credit) may opt for weekly payments. Child Benefit counts towards the benefit cap; however, affected individuals still receive the full Child Benefit amount, though other benefits may be reduced.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA assists with additional daily living or mobility costs incurred due to a child’s long-term health condition or disability. Weekly payments vary, depending on the child’s needs. If continued assistance is required post-16, your child may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP provides support for individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities who experience difficulty with daily activities or mobility. PIP is available regardless of employment, savings, or receipt of most other benefits. Receipt and amount depend on the level of difficulty experienced with everyday tasks and mobility.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance supports individuals caring for another person, including a child. The claimant doesn’t need to be related to the individual cared for. Those providing at least 35 hours of care per week may qualify, provided the recipient receives the middle or higher rate of DLA or PIP. This is paid either weekly or every four weeks.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit provides financial support for living costs to individuals on low incomes or out of work, replacing several previous benefits.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Residency in the UK
- Age 18 or above (exceptions for ages 16–17)
- Below State Pension age
- Savings and investments of £16,000 or less
Payment depends on individual circumstances, particularly earnings and employment status.
Council Tax Disabled Band Reduction Scheme
If your child is disabled, you may qualify for the Council Tax Disabled Band Reduction Scheme. This scheme ensures disabled people aren’t charged more due to needing a larger property. Applying can save you hundreds or thousands of pounds. You / your young person must be substantially and permanently disabled (physical, sensory, mental, or progressive condition). Qualifying adaptations include:
– Extra bathroom or kitchen for the disabled person
– Room used predominantly for their needs
– Space for wheelchair use (not outdoors-only)
– Check local council guidelines for details. The scheme applies to all dwellings and for both adults and children.
Contact your local council to apply and confirm eligibility for any discount.
Low-income reduction –
You may qualify for up to a 100% bill reduction if you have a low income or receive benefits. Anyone can apply—homeowners, renters, unemployed, or working.
Eligibility and amount depend on:
your local council’s scheme,
personal circumstances (income, children, benefits, residency),
total household income (including savings, pensions, partner’s earnings),
whether children or other adults live with you.
Check the GOV.uk website for more information –
https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction
Family Fund
The Support for Families with Disabled Children (SFDC) programme offers assistance to families residing in England who are raising a disabled child or young person.
Funded by the Department for Education and administered by Family Fund, the SFDC programme provides a broad range of grants to support families living on a low income with a disabled or seriously ill child or young person.
Through the SFDC programme, eligible families may apply for items designed to address their child’s additional needs and to enhance family life. Examples of grant-supported items include essential household appliances such as refrigerators, cookers, or washing machines; clothing or bedding for the child; sensory or play equipment; technology items including tablets or laptops; and opportunities for a much-needed family break.
Families may apply for an SFDC grant once every 24 months. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be the primary carer for a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or under
- Reside in England
- Be in receipt of benefits or have a low income from employment.
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/schemes/sfdc/
Useful links that may help –
Fightback: Non-profit Community Interest Group offering UK wide expert Welfare Benefits Advice and help with applications, assessments, MRs and legally qualified Advocacy in upper and lower Tribunals.
Tel – 0161 672 7444
Email – info@fightback4justice.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/FightBack4Justice
DLA for children: Advice and Support: Dedicated to helping parents with DLA applications, renewals and related benefits advice.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/518450451568106/
DLA – Disability Living Allowance: A focussed group for discussing the specifics of the DLA application process.
