Help if you have a disabled child

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1. Overview

Your local council can provide help if you have a disabled child, including:

  • short break services
  • holiday play schemes
  • care at home
  • some aids and adaptations
  • financial help, for example money towards travel costs for hospital visits

Your council has a duty to provide these services under the Children Act 1989. Some are free of charge - the council might ask you to contribute towards others.

If you think your child may qualify, contact the social services team at your local council.

A social worker will then talk to you about the needs of your family, including:

  • health
  • social care
  • education

This is called a ‘needs assessment’ - the social worker will give you advice on what to do next.

You can also ask your council about local support groups for carers and families with disabled children.

Help with costs

If your child qualifies for services from your local council, you’ll also have the option of getting direct payments.

These are paid directly to you so you can arrange services you need. They’re an alternative to social care services provided by your local council.

You may also be eligible for extra Child Tax Credit for each disabled child you’re responsible for or Disability Living Allowance for children.

Help if you’re on a low income

You may be able to get a Family Fund grant if you’re raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person. This can help pay for things like:

  • furniture and household products
  • clothing and toys
  • family breaks and days out

Family Fund will assess your finances to see if you’re eligible.

You can find more information about grants on the Family Fund website.

You can also contact:

Family Fund
Telephone: 01904 550055
Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

2. Childcare

Your local council’s Family Information Service can give you details about childcare in your local area.

You can also ask them about other specialist services that your child may need because of their disability.

Help with childcare costs

All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free education for 38 weeks of the year - read the information on childcare and tax credits for more details.

Some 2-year-olds (even if they have an education, health and care plan or get Disability Living Allowance) are also entitled to the 15 hours of free education.

You can also get direct payments from your local council to help pay for childcare.

If you’re working, you may be able to get up to £4,000 a year to help pay for childcare for a disabled child through Tax-Free Childcare.

3. Education

Under the Equality Act 2010, it’s against the law for schools and other education providers to discriminate against disabled children.

Examples of discrimination include:

  • a school refusing to admit a disabled child just because of their disability
  • stopping a disabled pupil going outside at break time because it takes them longer to get there

Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service if you think your child has been discriminated against because of their disability.

Making ‘reasonable adjustments’

Schools have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled children. These can include:

  • changes to physical features, for example adding a ramp
  • changes to how learners are assessed
  • providing extra support and aids, for example specialist teachers or equipment

Special educational needs

Some children may have special educational needs because their disabilities affect their ability to learn.

You can ask your council to carry out an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment for your child. They may get an EHC plan, which will explain the extra support they need.

The council must make sure your child gets this support.

Ask to see a school’s policy on special educational needs so you know what support they can offer.

Find your local support service if you need impartial advice about special educational needs.

4. Motability scheme

The Motability Scheme can help you lease a car if your child is aged 3 or over and is entitled to either the:

More information about the scheme is on the Motability website.

You can also contact:

The Motability Scheme

Telephone: 0300 456 4566
Textphone: 0300 037 0100
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm

Find out about call charges

5. Home adaptations

If your home needs to be adapted to meet your child’s needs, you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant to help with the costs.

Usually, an occupational therapist will talk to you to work out what adaptations would be best for your child.

A Disabled Facilities Grant will not affect any benefits that you’re getting.