Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the main benefit for disabled children but there are other benefits and grants that you may be eligible for.
Carer’s Allowance
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for your disabled child and they get the middle or higher rate care component of DLA or the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) you may be able to get Carer’s Allowance.
Carer’s Allowance does not depend on household income. However, if you are working you can only claim it if you earn no more than the lower earnings limit.
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
Disabled Facilities Grant
You could get a grant from your local authority if you need to alter your home to suit your disabled child’s needs. Disabled children under 18 can get a grant without their parent’s income being taken into account.
GOV.UK - Disabled Facilities Grant
Direct payments
If you or someone you care for receives help from social services, you can apply for direct payments. This allows you to choose and arrange the services yourself. Direct payments offer greater flexibility, choice and control than support being arranged for you.
Find out more about direct payments
GOV.UK - Apply for direct payments
Family Fund
The Family Fund offers grants to families with disabled children experiencing financial difficulties. You need to be claiming a type of benefit and your child need a high level of help. They do not need a formal diagnosis. They offer grants for a range of things, including mobility, transport, clubs and activities.
Childcare
If your child has SEND and is under 16, they can access tax free childcare.
You can get up to £1000 every three months if your child is disabled, up to £4000 per year.
You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 30 hours free childcare if you’re eligible for both.
GOV.UK - 30 hours free childcare
From September 2025, working parents of children aged nine months and upwards will be entitled to 30 hours free childcare per week right up to their child starting school.
More support
Contact has a guide for parents of disabled children to detail all the financial support available (PDF, 507 KB)
They also have a Benefits Calculator to find out what benefits and other sources of financial help you might be eligible for.
You can find more advice on financial support on the Children & Families Housing, Money and Debt page.