DLA
If you have a disabled child under 16, you may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for them. DLA has two components. The care component can be claimed from three months if your child has more care needs than most children of their age. The mobility component can be claimed from three years if your child has problems with getting around. If your child is 16, or over they may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of DLA. DLA and PIP are complex benefits but also work as ‘passports’ to other benefits.
Click here for government information about DLA. Please get in contact with us at Sunshine and Smiles for help and advice on applying for DLA.
This link is a video guide for completing a DLA form for children made by Carers Leeds and Irwin Mitchell. It's quite long, but families who have used it have found it really helpful!
Also, here are other links to helpful guides regarding DLA for children with learning needs:
Information on DLA from Contact
Universal Credit
If you are on a low income and are not already claiming Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit or tax credits, you could consider claiming Universal Credit (UC). It can include extra amounts for a disabled child who is on DLA or PIP, called a disabled child element.
Here is government information on Universal Credit.
Carer’s Allowance
If you are a carer for your disabled child and they get the middle or higher rate care component of DLA or the daily living component of PIP, you may be able to get Carer’s Allowance. If you are considering taking up work, you may want to consider its effect on your entitlement to Carer’s Allowance.
Here is government information on Carer's Allowance.
Tax Credits
Child Tax Credit is a benefit for people on low incomes who are responsible for children. You can only get this if you have an existing Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit claim. Otherwise, you should claim Universal Credit instead. You may get more Child Tax Credit if your child gets DLA or PIP. Make sure you tell the Tax Credit Office what rate of DLA or PIP your child is getting.
Here is government information about Child Tax Credit.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction
You can no longer make a new claim for Housing Benefit. You should claim universal credit instead. If you are already on housing benefit, the calculation will be different if your children are on DLA or PIP, so make sure the local authority knows about this. In addition, the number of bedrooms allowed for in the Housing Benefit (HB) calculation could be higher if your children are unable to share a room because of disability and they are on DLA or PIP. Again, make sure the local authority is aware.
Here is government information about Housing Benefit.
Here is some useful information about Council Tax Reduction.
