money matters
disability living allowance (DLA)
DLA is often the first benefit which parents claim, and it’s also a passport to other sorts of financial help.
personal independence payment (PIP)
When a young person with additional needs reaches 16, they will no longer be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and if they still have significant needs will need to apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) instead.
universal credit
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people in or out of work. It replaces six legacy benefits: Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
carers allowance
If your child gets DLA for personal care at the middle or high rate (or the standard rate of the daily living component of PIP), you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance (CA).
direct payments
Direct Payments are a way of giving more choice and control to disabled children and their families about the services they use. Parents can be given money to pay for and arrange services for their child, as an alternative to those their local authority offers.
child tax credit
Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a tax credit designed to help families with dependent children. Universal Credit (UC) is replacing this tax credit, but if UC has not been rolled out fully in your area or you have three or more children, you may still be able to apply for CTC.
parental leave
Parental leave is unpaid time off work given to parents to help them look after their children.