Financial assistance and entitlements for carers

Some children and their carers will be eligible for financial assistance, including means-tested benefits and grants.

If you are unsure of what benefits you are entitled to, you can use a benefit checker.

Disability Living Allowance can be claimed on behalf of an eligible child under 16 years old.
Carer's Allowance can be claimed by carers, including parent carers, if your child is getting Disability Living Allowance and you meet the eligibility criteria.
Carer's Credit is used to top up National Insurance when you provide care for over 20 hours a week.
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It replaces Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for new applicants.
Council tax discount is used to ensure disabled residents do not have to pay more council tax if they require a larger property to meet their needs.
Disabled Facilities Grant can be used towards adaptations to your home and is provided by your local district or borough council.

Funds and grants

Carers Trust provides information about grants, funds, and charities that may be able to help if you or the person you care for require extra help to pay for something.
Family Fund is a charity whose aim is to make a difference to outcomes for disabled or seriously ill children and young people and the lives of their families. They can give grants for essential items such as kitchen appliances, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, tablets and computers, furniture, and clothing.

Personal budgets are allocated to people with an Education Health and Care plan or social care plan to cover the cost of all support deemed necessary.
Direct payments allow the young person or family to manage part of their personal budget.

Assistance is available for carers to travel with the person they cared for.

The Blue Badge Scheme helps people with disabilities to access appropriate parking facilities.
Free Bus Passes for disabled people. If the bus pass holder requires support to travel, their Carer is also entitled to a companion permit. You should submit a letter providing evidence for this need with the application form.