Benefits and finance support for children and young people with SEND aged 0 to 16
You may be eligible for benefits or financial help if you:
- look after a child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
- are a young person with SEND
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
DLA may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:
- is under 16
- has difficulty walking or;
- needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability
Find out more and apply for DLA for children.
Watch video guides about DLA with British Sign Language.
If you get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA you:
- automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged 3 or over
- can apply for exemption from vehicle tax. Information about vehicle tax exemption. Watch a video with British Sign Language.
- may be eligible for a disabled person's bus pass. Information about bus pass eligibility.
Your child will need to apply for Personal Independence Payment when they turn 16.
Find out what happens to a DLA award when a child turns 16.
Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit
Find out about Child Tax Credit from GOV.UK
Personal budgets and Direct Payments
A Personal Budget is a sum of money to help children and young people with SEND. Read about personal budgets and direct payments.
Childcare funding
The government offers a range of childcare funding, find out more at Childcare Choices.