Do it together with Northants SEND Family Guidance

Raising a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) can be expensive. There are appointments, travel costs, therapy sessions, and special equipment to think about.

Thankfully, there are disability benefits and other government benefits for disabled children that can help. These payments are there to support parents and carers with the extra costs of raising children and young people who need additional care or supervision.

At SEND Family Guidance, we help families understand which benefits they can claim and how to apply for them.

Understanding Financial Support for SEND Families

The UK government offers several types of financial support for families with SEND. These benefits recognise that caring for a disabled person often means higher daily costs.

The main types of help include Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and other support from your local authority. Each has its own criteria, but all aim to help families meet the needs of a child with a health condition or disability.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) — also known as Living Allowance DLA — supports children and young people under 16 who need extra help compared to others their age.

It has two parts:

• The care component, which helps with supervision, personal care, or daily routines.

• The mobility component, which helps with travel costs or specialist equipment.

You can claim DLA even if your child does not have a formal diagnosis, as long as their needs are ongoing.

If you live in Scotland, DLA has been replaced by the Child Disability Payment. In Northern Ireland, DLA still applies.

At SEND Family Guidance, we can help you complete your DLA form, collect supporting evidence, and make sure the information clearly reflects your child’s needs.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — sometimes called the Independence Payment PIP — supports people aged 16 and over who need help with daily living or mobility.

When your child turns 16, they may move from DLA to PIP. The change is not automatic. You must apply when invited by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

PIP looks at how your child’s health condition or disability affects their independence and daily life. It may involve an assessment or interview.

If you need help understanding the questions or collecting evidence, SEND Family Guidance can review your application before you send it.

Other Government Benefits for Disabled Children

In addition to DLA and PIP, there are other government benefits for disabled child support options available. These can include:

• Carer’s Allowance – for parents or carers who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a child who receives DLA or PIP.

• Universal Credit disability elements – extra money to help with daily costs.

• Disabled Facilities Grants – from your local authority for home adaptations like ramps or accessible bathrooms.

• Motability Scheme – if your child gets the higher rate of the DLA or PIP mobility component, you can lease a vehicle through this scheme.

• Benefits calculators – found on Citizens Advice and GOV.UK websites, showing what you could claim.

These disability benefits can make a real difference to everyday life. If you’re not sure which ones you qualify for, we can check and guide you through the process.

SEND Support Services Beyond Financial Help

Financial help is important, but emotional and educational support matters too. Local SEND support services can help you understand your rights, plan for school, and find extra resources.

These services may include:

• SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services) for free, impartial advice.

• Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children who need special educational support in school.

• Short breaks or respite care arranged through your local authority.

• Local support groups or charities for families and siblings.

SEND Family Guidance can connect you with these services and help you understand how they fit alongside your financial support.

How SEND Family Guidance Can Help

The benefits system can be confusing, but you don’t have to manage it alone.

At SEND Family Guidance, we offer:

• Help with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications

• Advice on other government benefits for disabled children and related disability benefits

• Support with SEND services, including EHCPs and school funding

• Connections to trusted charities, local councils, and information services

Contact SEND Family Guidance today for clear, friendly advice. We’ll help you apply for the support your family is entitled to — and make sure nothing important is missed.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a child with SEND can be challenging, but help is available.

By understanding the government benefits for disabled child and other disability benefits you can claim, you’ll be better prepared to manage costs and plan ahead.

Whether you’re applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), moving to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or exploring local SEND support services, having expert guidance saves time and reduces stress.

At SEND Family Guidance, we’re here to help parents and carers find and apply for the right financial support — now and as your child grows. Some benefits even continue beyond childhood and can extend until state pension age, ensuring long-term stability for families who need ongoing help.

Check Out Some Other Useful Links

How to Apply for DLA – A Parent’s Step-by-Step Guide
DLA Evidence Examples – How to Strengthen Your Application
PIP vs DLA: What’s the Difference?