My Child Gets DLA – What Else Am I Entitled To?

Raising a child with a disability can bring unique challenges, not only emotionally and physically, but also financially. If your child has been awarded Disability Living Allowance (DLA), it’s important to know that this can open the door to a range of other financial entitlements and support services.

From additional benefit top-ups to help with housing, travel, and everyday living costs, DLA often acts as a gateway benefit to wider assistance that many families may not be fully aware of.

This comprehensive guide outlines what else you may be entitled to when your child receives DLA and how to access that support effectively.

What Benefits Can You Claim If Your Child Receives DLA?

If your child receives DLA, it can lead to eligibility for several other benefits or increased payments on ones you may already be claiming. These entitlements exist to support families managing the extra costs associated with disability.

The most common benefits linked to DLA include:

• Universal Credit: DLA may qualify you for the Disabled Child Element.
• Carer’s Allowance: Claim if you care for your child 35+ hours a week.
• Housing Benefit: DLA can make you newly eligible for support.
• Council Tax Reduction: Local councils may offer extra help.
• Benefit Cap Exemption: DLA can exempt your household from the cap.

Importantly, DLA does not reduce your other benefits. Instead, it often enhances them or unlocks further entitlements.

Does Your Child’s DLA Award Affect My Universal Credit or Tax Credits?

When your child receives DLA, your Universal Credit calculation may change. This is because you could become eligible for the Disabled Child Addition or even the Severely Disabled Child Addition, depending on the level of care component awarded.

Universal Credit Disabled Child Elements

DLA Rate Awarded	Monthly Additional Amount (2025)
Any rate of care	£158.76
High rate of care	£495.87

These additions can significantly increase your monthly Universal Credit payments. If you’re not currently receiving Universal Credit, your child’s DLA award might make you eligible when you weren’t before.

Tax Credits (Before April 2025)

Although the Child Tax Credit is being phased out, families who claimed DLA before April 2025 may still receive backdated support or transitional protection. If your claim started before this date, you could receive a lump sum or increased payment based on the DLA decision.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how DLA affects your payments, contacting your benefit provider promptly after receiving a DLA award is essential. Always have your award letter available when you make the call.

Am I Eligible for Carer’s Allowance if I Look After My Child?

Carer’s Allowance is often one of the most underclaimed benefits by parents of children with disabilities. If you are spending at least 35 hours per week caring for your child, you could be eligible.

Carer’s Allowance Eligibility Criteria

Requirement	Details
Care hours	Minimum 35 hours per week
Income limit	£196 per week (after deductions)
DLA condition	Your child must receive at least the middle rate care component

Carer’s Allowance is currently paid at £81.90 per week. However, it’s important to note that it counts as taxable income and is deducted pound-for-pound from any Universal Credit you may receive.

Despite this, receiving it can qualify you for Class 1 National Insurance credits, helping you build entitlement to other benefits in the future, such as the State Pension, ESA, or JSA.

Universal Credit Carer’s Element

If your income exceeds the threshold for Carer’s Allowance, you might still be eligible for the Carer’s Element within Universal Credit. This element does not have the same earnings limit, though you still need to provide 35 hours of care per week.

What Extra Help Is Available for Families of Disabled Children?

Aside from benefits, families with disabled children can access a range of support services designed to ease day-to-day challenges.

These may include:

• Council Tax Reduction schemes for households with a disabled occupant.
• Family Fund Grants, which can help with essential items such as bedding, kitchen appliances, or technology.
• Free School Meals eligibility may also be affected depending on your household income and benefits status.

In addition, some utility providers offer priority services or discounts for families with disabled children, particularly where additional energy use is required due to medical equipment or care needs.

What Can You Get If Your Child Gets Middle Rate DLA?

Receiving the middle rate care component of DLA often entitles you to a wide range of support that may not be obvious at first.

Financial Entitlements for Middle Rate DLA

1. Carer’s Allowance: The middle rate is one of the qualifying criteria, meaning if you meet the care and income requirements, you can apply.
2. Universal Credit Disabled Child Element: This continues to apply at the middle rate, providing an additional monthly payment.
3. Housing Benefit: You may receive the Disabled Child Premium, which can increase the amount you are awarded.
4. Council Tax Reduction: Local authorities often provide further help when a child is receiving middle or high rate DLA.
5. Family Fund: Eligibility for grants increases with the middle rate award and is especially useful for families on lower incomes.

Table: Summary of Benefits with Middle Rate DLA

Benefit	Available with Middle Rate DLA?	Additional Notes
Carer’s Allowance	Yes	If care is 35+ hours and income < £196/week
Universal Credit Additions	Yes	£158.76 per month
Housing Benefit Premium	Yes	Additional £81.37/week
Council Tax Reduction	Likely	Dependent on local authority
Family Fund	Possible	Based on income and needs

This rate is often the minimum threshold for triggering several financial supports. It’s crucial to reassess all your current claims when awarded middle rate DLA.

Can You Get Help with Travel, Parking, or the Motability Scheme?

Transport can be a significant barrier for families of disabled children. Thankfully, several schemes exist to make travel more accessible and affordable.

Blue Badge Scheme

If your child receives the higher rate mobility component of DLA, they are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge, which allows parking in more accessible locations.

If your child receives the middle rate care component, you may still apply under discretionary rules, especially if there are behavioural or safety concerns.

Vehicle Tax Exemption

Children who receive the higher rate mobility component are also entitled to a vehicle tax exemption. If you’re using a car primarily for your child’s transportation, this can result in significant savings.

Motability Scheme

Through this scheme, you can lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using the mobility component of your child’s DLA. The scheme covers insurance, servicing, maintenance, and breakdown cover, though not fuel.

This is especially helpful if regular travel is necessary for medical appointments, school, or therapy sessions.

Are There Discounts or Support Schemes for Day-to-Day Activities?

Caring for a disabled child can mean additional costs in daily life from attending specialist appointments to accessing suitable recreational activities. To ease this burden, several schemes and discounts are available:

• Leisure Centres: Many local authorities offer reduced or free entry for disabled children and their carers.
• Days Out: You may find discounted or companion ticket schemes at zoos, theme parks, and other attractions.
• Public Transport: Some councils offer free bus travel or companion passes, depending on your location and your child’s DLA mobility component.

These discounts not only support financially but also encourage better social inclusion and quality of life for both the child and the family.

What Should You Do After Getting a DLA Award Letter?

Once your child’s DLA is approved, the next step is ensuring every department is notified so you don’t miss out on additional support.

Who to Notify After a DLA Award?

• HMRC (if you’re receiving tax credits)
• DWP (for Universal Credit or Carer’s Allowance)
• Your Local Authority (for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction)
• Your GP or school (if relevant for care plans or support)

Timely communication is key. Some benefits will not be backdated, so informing the relevant offices as soon as possible is essential. Use tools such as benefit calculators to reassess your household entitlements.

What Is a Parent Carer’s Assessment and How Can It Help?

Being a full-time carer for your child can affect your well-being and mental health. A Parent Carer’s Assessment is designed to evaluate the support you might need in your caregiving role.

What the Assessment Covers?

• Emotional and practical impact of caring
• Your own health and wellbeing
• Access to respite care or counselling
• Provision of equipment or adaptations in the home

These assessments are free and arranged through your local authority. They can lead to vital services that provide practical relief and emotional support for families under pressure.

Conclusion

If your child receives DLA, you may be entitled to a wide range of additional support, from financial benefits and housing assistance to travel concessions and community resources. Understanding what’s available and how to access it can make a significant difference to your family’s quality of life.

Be proactive in reviewing your entitlements, notifying relevant departments, and seeking the help you deserve. Every bit of support adds up when you’re caring for a child with additional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one benefit if my child gets DLA?

Yes, DLA often acts as a qualifying factor for several benefits simultaneously. You can apply for Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, and more, depending on your circumstances.

Will DLA back pay affect my current benefits?

In most cases, DLA back pay won’t negatively affect your benefits, but you should report it to relevant offices. It may count as capital if it significantly increases your savings temporarily.

What documents do I need to apply for linked benefits?

You’ll typically need your DLA award letter, proof of income, and identification. Some applications may also require a completed care diary or assessment forms.

Can I get help if my child only qualifies for the lower DLA rate?

Yes, while fewer benefits are triggered, you may still access some support such as Council Tax discounts or childcare help. The exact help available may depend on your local authority.

Do I need to reapply for other benefits each time DLA is reviewed?

Not necessarily, but if your child’s DLA level changes, you should update your benefit offices to ensure your entitlements are accurate and up to date.

What happens if I stop working to care for my disabled child?

You may become eligible for Carer’s Allowance or Universal Credit with a Carer’s Element. You may also be able to claim other support depending on your household situation.

Are there any private or charitable grants available besides government support?

Yes, organisations like the Family Fund offer grants for low-income families with disabled children. Local charities may also offer practical help, funding, or equipment.