A Guide to Benefits, Grants, Aids and Free Support for Families
Raising a child with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) often comes with additional responsibilities, financial pressures, and challenges navigating services.
Many families are unaware that the UK government, NHS, and local councils provide a wide range of financial support, equipment, home adaptations, transport help, and family services to support children with additional needs.
Below is a helpful guide to some of the key support SEND families may be entitled to, along with links explaining how to apply.
Financial Support and Benefits
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 who need extra care or supervision compared to other children their age. (GOV.UK)
DLA is made up of two parts:
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Care component (help with supervision or personal care)
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Mobility component (help with walking or getting around)
Payments depend on the level of support needed.
Apply for DLA
https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim (GOV.UK)
Carer’s Allowance
If you spend at least 35 hours per week caring for a disabled child, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance.
This benefit recognises the time and responsibility involved in caring for someone with additional needs.
Apply for Carer’s Allowance
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim (GOV.UK)
Universal Credit Disability Elements
Families receiving Universal Credit may receive additional payments if:
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Their child receives DLA
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The child has limited capability due to disability
These additional elements are designed to help cover the extra costs associated with disability.
Apply for Universal Credit
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
Transport and Mobility Support
Blue Badge Scheme
A Blue Badge allows disabled people to park closer to destinations such as shops, schools, and hospitals.
Children may qualify if they:
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Receive the higher mobility rate of DLA
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Have significant mobility needs
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Have certain hidden disabilities that affect travel and safety. (Carers Trust)
Apply for a Blue Badge
https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge (Immunodeficiency UK)
Motability Scheme
If your child receives the higher mobility component of DLA, you may be able to lease a car through the Motability scheme.
The mobility payment is used to lease:
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A car
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Wheelchair accessible vehicle
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Powered wheelchair or scooter.
Learn about the Motability Scheme
Home Adaptations and Equipment
Disabled Facilities Grant
A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) helps families adapt their homes to make them accessible and safer for disabled children.
Examples of adaptations include:
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Ramps or widened doorways
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Stair lifts
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Accessible bathrooms
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Sensory room adaptations
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Garden access
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Specialist heating or lighting systems. (GOV.UK)
In many cases, grants for children under 19 are not means tested.
Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant
https://www.gov.uk/apply-disabled-facilities-grant (GOV.UK)
Equipment and Aids Provided by Local Authorities
Local councils may provide equipment through Occupational Therapy assessments.
Examples include:
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Specialist seating
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Bed guards
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Hoists
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Sensory equipment
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Bathing equipment
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Wheelchairs or mobility aids.
To access these supports, families usually request an occupational therapy assessment through their local council or GP referral.
Find your local council
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Education Support
SEN Support in Schools
Many children receive additional support in school without needing an EHCP. This might include:
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Small group learning support
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Teaching assistant support
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Speech and language interventions
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Sensory adjustments
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Behaviour support plans.
Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
If a child’s needs cannot be met through standard school support, families can request an Education, Health and Care Plan.
An EHCP is a legally binding document that outlines the support a child must receive in education.
Request an EHCP assessment
https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/extra-SEN-help
Personal Budgets Through EHCPs
Some families may be able to request a personal budget through their EHCP.
If specific provision is written clearly in Section F of the EHCP, families may request to receive funding to organise that support themselves.
This can sometimes be used for:
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Therapy services
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Specialist teaching support
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Support staff
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Alternative provision.
Personal budgets allow families greater choice and control over how support is delivered.
Short Breaks and Respite Support
Many councils provide Short Break services for families caring for disabled children.
These can include:
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Activity clubs
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Day services
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Overnight respite
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Holiday schemes.
Short breaks allow children to enjoy activities while giving carers time to rest. (fis.cityoflondon.gov.uk)
To access short breaks, families usually need a social care assessment through their local council.
Council Tax Reductions for Disabled Children
Some families may qualify for a Council Tax reduction if a disabled child requires significant adaptations in the home.
Examples include:
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An extra room for therapy or equipment
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Adapted bathrooms
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Space required for specialist equipment.
Apply through your local council
https://www.gov.uk/council-tax-reductions (London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham)
Grants for Families Raising Disabled Children
Several organisations offer grants for equipment, therapy, and sensory items.
One well-known charity is Family Fund, which provides grants to families on low incomes raising disabled children.
Grants may help with things like:
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Sensory equipment
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Specialist bedding
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Tablets or computers for learning
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Family breaks.
Apply for a Family Fund grant
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/apply-for-a-grant/ (Family Fund)
Local SEND Support Services
Every local authority must provide a SEND Local Offer.
This is a directory of services in your area including:
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Therapies
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Support groups
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SEND activities
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Family support services
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Education resources.
Find your local SEND offer
Search:
“[Your council name] SEND Local Offer”
You Are Not Alone
Navigating SEND support can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand what your child is entitled to.
However, there are many services available to support families — from financial help and equipment to education support and respite care.
If you’re unsure where to start, reaching out to your school SENCO, local council, or parent carer forum can be a helpful first step.
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