Contact the social services team at your local council and ask for a needs assessment.
Quick facts
- Council support
- Short breaks, care at home, adaptations
- Assessment
- Needs assessment by a social worker
- Direct payments
- Yes
- Low income
- Family Fund grant
- Tax-Free Childcare
- Up to £4,000 a year
What your council can provide
- short break services
- holiday play schemes
- care at home
- some aids and adaptations
- financial help, for example money towards travel costs for hospital visits
Some are free of charge - the council might ask you to contribute towards others.
A social worker will then talk to you about the needs of your family, including health, social care and education. This is called a ‘needs assessment’.
Help with costs
If your child qualifies for services from your local council, you’ll also have the option of getting direct payments. See direct payments.
You may also be eligible for extra Child Tax Credit for each disabled child you’re responsible for or Disability Living Allowance for children. See DLA for children.
Family Fund
You may be able to get a Family Fund grant if you’re raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person. This can help pay for things like furniture and household products, clothing and toys, and family breaks and days out.
Family Fund will assess your finances to see if you’re eligible. Telephone: 01904 550055.
Childcare
If you’re working, you may be able to get up to £4,000 a year to help pay for childcare for a disabled child through Tax-Free Childcare.
You can also get direct payments from your local council to help pay for childcare.
School
Under the Equality Act 2010, it’s against the law for schools and other education providers to discriminate against disabled children.
Schools have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled children.
Common questions
What help can the council give for a disabled child?
Short breaks, holiday play schemes, care at home, some aids and adaptations, and financial help such as travel costs for hospital visits.
What is the Family Fund?
Grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, for things like furniture, clothing, toys and family breaks. It checks your finances.
How much Tax-Free Childcare for a disabled child?
Up to £4,000 a year if you’re working.
How do I start?
Contact the social services team at your local council and ask for a needs assessment.