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When your child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA), it can bring some relief as it helps with the additional costs of care. However, many parents wonder what else they might be entitled to alongside this support. Knowing your rights can make a big difference, especially as caring for a disabled child often impacts income, work opportunities and household expenses.
In the UK, receiving DLA can open doors to other benefits, financial help and schemes designed to make daily life more manageable. From Carer’s Allowance to help with housing and even travel discounts, the support available is broader than many families initially realise.
Understanding these options ensures you do not miss out on valuable assistance. This guide explores the key benefits and schemes linked to DLA, answering your questions and helping you feel more confident about what is available.
What Extra Benefits Can You Claim if Your Child Gets DLA?
When your child qualifies for Disability Living Allowance, it may mean you can claim additional benefits or increase payments on those you already receive. The key lies in understanding which options open up once a DLA award is made.
Some of the extra benefits include:
- Carer’s Allowance if you care for your child for at least 35 hours a week.
- Universal Credit with the disabled child element added to your monthly payment.
- Housing Benefit, which can increase if your child receives DLA.
- Child Tax Credit, which may be paid at a higher rate.
- Exemption from the Benefit Cap, meaning your overall household benefits are not limited.
These additional entitlements are designed to ease financial pressure and help you focus on providing the best care. You will usually need to inform the relevant benefits office once your child has been awarded DLA, so adjustments can be made to your claim.
Making sure you report your child’s award quickly ensures that you receive all the help you are eligible for without unnecessary delays.
Can You Claim Carer’s Allowance When Your Child Gets DLA?
Carer’s Allowance is one of the most common benefits parents apply for when their child gets DLA. This benefit is designed for people who dedicate significant time to caring responsibilities.
You may qualify if:
- Your child receives the middle or higher rate care component of DLA.
- You spend at least 35 hours a week providing care.
- Your earnings are under the current weekly limit after tax and expenses.
Carer’s Allowance is paid weekly and can be a vital source of income. However, it is important to know that claiming this benefit may affect other payments. For example, if you also claim Universal Credit, the amount of Carer’s Allowance you receive is deducted from your Universal Credit.
Another key advantage is that by claiming Carer’s Allowance, you gain National Insurance credits. These credits help protect your future entitlement to benefits such as the State Pension, which is particularly valuable if you have reduced your working hours or given up work to care.
Carer’s Allowance can only be claimed by one person for the same child, so if both parents provide care, you will need to decide who applies. Making sure you meet all the eligibility rules before claiming will prevent issues and ensure payments start smoothly.
How Does DLA Affect Universal Credit and Housing Benefit?
DLA can significantly affect how much you receive through Universal Credit and Housing Benefit. Once your child is awarded DLA, you should inform the Department for Work and Pensions so your claim can be updated.
For Universal Credit, DLA allows you to access the disabled child element. This is an additional payment that increases your monthly Universal Credit. The exact amount depends on whether your child receives the standard care rate or the higher rate, with larger additions for the highest levels of need.
Importantly, if your child gets DLA, your household will also be exempt from the benefit cap. This exemption ensures your total benefits are not limited, which can make a significant difference to your finances.
Housing Benefit may also increase when your child is awarded DLA. This is because you could qualify for the disabled child premium, an extra allowance added to your Housing Benefit calculation. For some families, receiving DLA for their child may mean they become entitled to Housing Benefit for the first time, even if they were not eligible previously.
Making sure you update your benefits office quickly is key to receiving the higher rates. This additional support helps cover everyday expenses and makes managing your household budget easier.
What About Child Tax Credit or Other Family-related Support?
If you are receiving Child Tax Credit, your child’s DLA award can entitle you to a disability element within your payments. This extra money recognises the higher costs associated with raising a child with additional needs.
There are two levels of disability element: one for children on the care component of DLA and a higher rate for those on the highest level of support. These additions can make a significant difference to your monthly income.
If you have already moved to Universal Credit, you will not normally receive Child Tax Credit, as the system is being replaced. However, if you still receive it, it is important to report your child’s DLA award as soon as possible to ensure your claim is updated.
Alongside tax credits, families may also find other forms of support, such as free school meals or help with energy costs, depending on their circumstances. These smaller but essential benefits add up and reduce pressure on household spending.
Making sure you are aware of these extra entitlements means you do not miss out on help that could provide much needed stability for your family finances.
Does DLA Help With Transport and Travel Costs?
Receiving DLA for your child not only provides financial support but can also give you access to schemes that make transport and travel more affordable. These options help families manage the costs of mobility and ensure children can get out and about safely.
Motability Scheme
If your child gets the higher rate mobility component, you may be able to join the Motability scheme. This allows you to lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair using your child’s DLA mobility allowance. The scheme covers insurance, servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover, making it a practical choice for many families.
Blue Badge
A Blue Badge can make travelling easier by allowing you to park closer to your destination. If your child has significant mobility difficulties or receives the higher mobility rate of DLA, you can usually apply.
Vehicle Tax Exemptions
Families with children on the higher mobility component may also qualify for a full exemption from vehicle tax. In some cases, if you do not meet the criteria for full exemption, you could still receive a 50 percent reduction.
Public Transport Concessions
In many parts of the UK, children receiving DLA may qualify for free or discounted bus and train travel. This helps reduce everyday costs of commuting to school, hospital appointments or family activities.
Sunday Parking Timeframe Table
| Permit Type | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Blue Badge | Free | Free | Free |
| Standard Pay & Display | Free until 12pm | Normal charges | Free after 6pm |
| Resident Permit | Free | Free | Free |
These transport-related benefits can make a real difference in everyday life, helping you reduce expenses and enjoy greater flexibility. Always check with your local council and transport providers for the latest rules in your area.
Are There Grants or Extra Support Services for Families?
Aside from regular benefits, families of children who receive DLA may be eligible for grants and other forms of support. These are designed to help with additional needs and provide practical assistance.
Family Fund Grants
If you are on a low income, you may be able to apply for Family Fund support. Grants can be used for essential items such as household appliances, computers, sensory toys or even holidays to give your child a break. Each application is assessed individually, so it is worth checking what help may be available for your family.
Parent Carer’s Assessment
You may be entitled to a parent carer’s assessment from your local authority. This is not a financial benefit but an evaluation of what support you need in your caring role. It can lead to access to respite care, training opportunities or other local services that make caring responsibilities easier.
Local Authority Support Options
Many councils offer additional help for families with disabled children. This can include short breaks, social activities, or support workers. Sometimes funding may be available for specific adaptations in your home to improve your child’s independence.
Sunday Parking Timeframe Table
| Permit Type | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Blue Badge | Free | Free | Free |
| Standard Pay & Display | Free until 12pm | Normal charges | Free after 6pm |
| Resident Permit | Free | Free | Free |
Exploring these grants and services can ease the pressures of daily life. They provide both financial help and emotional relief, ensuring you feel supported in your caring role. Taking advantage of these opportunities can improve your family’s quality of life.
What Happens When Your Child Turns 16?
When your child turns 16, their Disability Living Allowance does not automatically continue. At this point, they are invited to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. This transition is part of the UK benefits system and affects all young people as they move from childhood benefits to adult support.
You will usually receive a letter around your child’s 16th birthday explaining how to apply for PIP. It is important to act quickly, as DLA will stop unless the PIP application is made. If your child applies in time, DLA will continue until a decision is made on their PIP claim.
The PIP assessment process may involve filling in forms and attending a medical assessment. While this can feel daunting, it ensures your child’s needs are properly reviewed as they grow older. Being prepared for this transition helps avoid gaps in support and keeps your household finances stable.
Conclusion
Navigating the benefits system can feel overwhelming, especially when caring for a child with additional needs. Understanding what else you are entitled to when your child receives Disability Living Allowance helps you access vital financial support and services.
From Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit enhancements to transport schemes and grants, there is a wide network of assistance available. These benefits are not just about money, but about providing stability, improving mobility and ensuring families can focus on caring rather than constant financial strain.
As your child grows, it is also important to plan for transitions such as moving to Personal Independence Payment at 16. By staying informed and proactive, you can make the most of the help available. Taking full advantage of these entitlements can ease pressure and improve your family’s overall quality of life.
FAQs
Do I need to reapply for other benefits once my child gets DLA?
No, but you must report your child’s award so existing benefits can be updated. Some benefits will increase automatically once informed.
Can both parents claim Carer’s Allowance?
No, only one person can receive Carer’s Allowance for the same child. Families need to decide which parent makes the claim.
Does DLA affect Child Benefit?
No, Child Benefit is not affected by DLA. You can continue receiving Child Benefit alongside any DLA payments.
Can I claim DLA if my child lives part-time with another parent?
Yes, but only one parent can be the main claimant. Usually, the parent who provides the majority of care applies.
Does receiving DLA stop me from working?
No, DLA is for the child and is not means-tested. You can still work while your child receives DLA.
Can DLA be backdated?
No, DLA cannot be backdated. It begins from the date your claim is received by the relevant department.
What happens if my child’s condition changes?
You must report any changes to the DLA helpline. This may affect the rate of benefit your child receives.
