Benefits for parents and carers of children

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children could help cover extra costs if your child: 

• is under 16 
• lives in England or Wales 
• has difficulty walking or getting around 
• needs extra care and supervision compared to children their age who are not disabled.

DLA is not just for children who are physically disabled. Your child might be able to get DLA because of their lung condition. Your child must have been disabled or had their condition for at least three months and you must expect it to last for another six months. 

Citizens Advice has more information about DLA for children, including how to apply and how much you could get. This payment is different if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Carer's allowance

If your child gets the middle or highest rate of DLA, you could get Carer’s Allowance.

Child Benefit is money to help with the costs of your children. You can claim it if your child is under 16 years old, or under 20 years old and still in education or training.

Citizens Advice has more information about Child Benefit, including how to apply and how much you can get. 

Universal Credit is a payment that helps with living costs for those who have a low income or are not working.

The amount you’ll get depends on how many children you have. You can get extra Universal Credit if you have children that live with you. You might get extra Universal Credit if your child has a health condition or disability.

Citizens Advice has more information about Universal Credit, including how to apply and how much you could get. They can also help you with your application.