Benefits for disabled children

Use a free online benefits calculator to:

• find out what you are entitled to
• see how changes would affect your benefits

Benefits calculator (Turn2us)

Advice is available from charities and voluntary organisations.

Disability benefits and entitlements for children (MoneyHelper)

Benefits and support could include:

• Disability Living Allowance for children
• Carer's Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Support
• Disabled Facilities Grant

Contact the Scope helpline

Talk to the Scope online community about benefits

What else you’re entitled to when your child gets DLA

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is available for children under 16 who need extra looking after or have difficulty walking, even if they do not have a diagnosis.

DLA eligibility criteria (GOV.UK)

If you care for a disabled child for more than 35 hours a week, you may be eligible for Carer's Allowance.

Carer’s Allowance (GOV.UK)

Local authorities must publish all services available to support disabled children and their families in the area. This is called the Local Offer. It covers education, health and social care services. Speak to your social services department about what you can get.

Find your local authority (GOV.UK)

You can get help with your child’s bus and train travel. If your child travels for NHS treatment, you can claim reasonable costs for them and whoever goes with them:

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (NHS)

Contact your local authority for:

• free school transport
• disabled person’s bus passes, which give carers free or discounted travel if they are with someone with a pass

You can get a third off rail fares for you and someone travelling with you:

Disabled Persons Railcard

Disability discounts for days out and travel

If your child has the higher rate mobility for DLA, you can lease a car by using your mobility component. You will not have to pay for insurance, tax, breakdown cover, servicing or MOTs.

The Motability Scheme

Your local authority can provide a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) if you need specialist equipment or make changes to your home.

This includes:

• wider doorways and ramps
• special locks for external doors, fridges or cupboards containing hazardous items
• stairlifts and a downstairs bathroom
• adapting lighting and heating controls
• specialist equipment for mobility or using the bathroom

Getting home adaptations

Some organisations provide grants for items not covered by your local authority or the government. A grant does not have to be paid back.

Disability grants

Help with gas and electricity bills

If you need free benefits advice or support in person:

Find an adviser (Advicelocal)

Find a local benefits adviser (Turn2us)