Financial Support:
Depending on your circumstances and the nature/degree of difficulties your child experiences, you may be entitled to claim extra financial support in the form of various allowances. Details of some of the financial help available are given below. This list is by no means exhaustive and parents should contact their local Welfare Rights Office (0191 427 1500) or Benefits Enquiry line direct on (0800 882 200) for further details and application packs.
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a social security benefit to help with the costs of disability. It has two parts, dealing with care and mobility needs.
To be eligible for DLA care, a person must require attention in connection with their bodily functions, or supervision to avoid a substantial danger. These can be in the day, at night, or both.
There is no lower age limit to claim this part of DLA
To be eligible for DLA Mobility, a person must be unable or virtually unable to walk, or require guidance or supervision when walking outdoors.
There is a lower age limit for this part of DLA; no claim can be made for a child under the age of 3 years.
In order for children to qualify for DLA, it is necessary to show that their needs are substantially in excess of what is normally required by a person of that age, or that substantially more guidance is needed when walking.
A Parent or carer makes claims for young people under the age of 16, on their behalf. You can request a claim form by telephoning the benefit enquiry line on 0800 882 200.
If a successful claim is made for either part of DLA, you may be able to claim extra Income Support, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Benefit, working Families Tax Credit or Disabled Person’s Tax Credit.
If your child is awarded DLA care, you may be able to claim Invalid Care Allowance if you are looking after them.
If your child is awarded DLA Mobility, you may be able to claim exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty, and may qualify for a Blue Badge concessionary parking.
Social security and other claim forms are lengthy and you may require help and advice to complete them. It is advisable to ask for help from a Neighbourhood Office or Citizens Advice Bureau if you are considering making a claim or have questions about any of the benefits referred to above.