Christmas can be one of the most expensive and overwhelming times of year — and for disabled people and families of disabled children, it often comes with more pressure, not less.
If you or your child receives PIP or DLA, it’s important to know this:
Your rights and entitlements do not pause at Christmas.
In fact, for many families, disability-related needs increase over the holidays — and that matters.
This post explains what you’re entitled to, what often gets misunderstood, and where support can be accessed.
1. Your PIP or DLA Continues as Normal
Your benefit:
- does not stop
- does not reduce
- does not change
because it’s Christmas.
If routines breaking down, visitors, noise, travel, or sensory overload make things harder during the holidays, that does not undermine entitlement. It reinforces that disability-related needs are ongoing and real.
2. Increased Needs at Christmas Are Still Disability-Related Needs
Many families notice that Christmas brings:
- higher anxiety
- sensory overload
- disrupted sleep
- increased supervision needs
- higher transport costs
- extra heating use
These are valid disability-related needs.
You do not need to minimise them or “cope better because it’s Christmas”. Disability doesn’t take a holiday — and neither do your rights.
3. You May Be Entitled to Extra Universal Credit Support
If your child receives DLA, you may be entitled to additional elements within Universal Credit, including:
- the disabled child element
- the severely disabled child element (if the highest rate of DLA care is awarded)
Many families miss out on this simply because no one tells them to claim it.
If your circumstances have changed — or if you’re unsure — it’s worth checking, especially during high-cost periods like Christmas.
4. Help With Heating and Energy Costs
Many people on PIP or DLA qualify for extra energy-related support, including:
- the Warm Home Discount
- Priority Services Register with energy suppliers
- additional flexibility if heating needs are higher due to medical or sensory reasons
Needing heating on more because of pain, regulation, or health needs is legitimate. You are not expected to “tough it out”.
5. You Are Entitled to Reasonable Adjustments — Even at Christmas
The Equality Act still applies during the festive period.
That means you’re entitled to reasonable adjustments in places like:
- shops
- public transport
- schools or holiday activities
- appointments
- events
This might include quieter times, flexibility, understanding around attendance, or accommodations for sensory needs.
You are not asking for special treatment — you are exercising your rights.
6. You Are Allowed to Say No
This may be the most important entitlement of all.
You are allowed to:
- decline events
- leave early
- keep routines
- simplify Christmas
- prioritise regulation over tradition
Protecting wellbeing is not being difficult or ungrateful — it’s necessary.
7. Emergency and Local Support Still Exists
If things feel tight financially, many areas offer:
- local welfare assistance
- council hardship funds
- food and fuel support
- community grants
These are often poorly advertised, but they do exist — and receiving PIP or DLA can strengthen eligibility.
Final Thought
If Christmas feels harder for your family, that doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means your needs are real — and support should meet you where you are, not disappear when the calendar changes.
If you’re unsure what you’re entitled to, or want help checking support options, there are resources available at AskEllie.co.uk to guide you step by step.
You’re not asking for too much.
You’re asking for what you’re entitled to.
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