Families living with disabilities or special educational needs

You may be able to get financial support that could help with childcare costs if you or your child have a disability.

All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free education for 38 weeks of the year.

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.

If you’re working, you may be entitled to help paying for childcare for a disabled child through Tax-Free Childcare.

Find out more on the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) local offer.

This is a cash benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions to help with the extra costs of looking after a child, aged under 16, who has difficulties walking, or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.

For more information visit Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children on GOV.UK.

Personal Independence Payment is available for people aged 16 to state pension age with a long term health condition or disability. You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of help you get. It is a cash benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions for people who have a disability and need help with personal care (daily living component), getting around (mobility component) or both. Decisions are based on how your condition affects you, not the condition you have.

Visit Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on GOV.UK for more information.

Direct payments for adults or children with a disability provides money to pay for services and equipment personally, instead of having them arranged by your local authority. These payments may be provided by social services after an assessment process.

• Direct Payments Support Service: 01772 535 683

If you already receive social care services and would like to receive direct payments: 0300 123 6720.

If you need independent help with your caring role and want to talk to someone about the options available to you call carers direct helpline: 0808 802 0202.

You might get an extra monthly amount of Universal Credit if you have a disabled child.

This may be available to you if you receive Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment for your child, Personal Independence Payment has stopped for your child because they are a patient in hospital or your child is registered (or certified) as blind, or has come off the blind register in the last 28 weeks. It provides extra support if you are claiming Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment for your child.

Visit Universal Credit on GOV.UK for more information.