Being awarded Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be a huge relief for many families. These benefits exist to help cover the additional costs that come with disability or caring for someone with additional needs.
But what many people don’t realise is that DLA or PIP is often just the starting point.
Once these benefits are awarded, they can unlock access to a wider range of financial support, services, and practical help. Unfortunately, a lot of families never hear about these additional entitlements and miss out on support that could make a significant difference.
Here are some of the key things you may be able to claim or access once DLA or PIP has been awarded.
1. Carer’s Allowance
If someone spends 35 hours or more per week caring for a disabled person, they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance.
To qualify, the person being cared for must receive:
- The middle or higher care rate of DLA, or
- Any daily living component of PIP
Carer’s Allowance currently provides weekly financial support for carers and can also help increase other benefits you receive.
Even if you cannot claim the payment itself (for example due to earnings), you may still be entitled to a Carer’s Element within Universal Credit.
2. Universal Credit Disability Elements
If your household receives Universal Credit, a DLA or PIP award can increase the amount you receive.
For example, families with a disabled child may qualify for:
- Disabled Child Element
- Severely Disabled Child Element
These additional elements recognise the extra financial pressures that come with raising a disabled child.
Many families are eligible for these increases but are not aware they need to notify Universal Credit once a DLA award is granted.
3. Blue Badge Parking Scheme
A Blue Badge can make everyday life much easier for people with disabilities and their families.
It allows:
- Parking closer to destinations
- Use of disabled parking bays
- Parking in some restricted areas for longer periods
Many people automatically qualify if they receive certain mobility components of DLA or PIP, but others can still apply through their local authority based on their circumstances.
For parents of children with mobility challenges or safety needs, this can make a significant difference when travelling or attending appointments.
4. Motability Scheme
If the higher rate mobility component of DLA or the enhanced mobility component of PIP is awarded, families may be eligible for the Motability Scheme.
This allows you to exchange the mobility component of the benefit for:
- A car
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles
- Mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs
The scheme often includes insurance, maintenance, servicing, and breakdown cover.
For many families, this can dramatically improve independence and access to education, healthcare, and community activities.
5. Council Tax Reductions
Households where someone receives DLA or PIP may qualify for Council Tax reductions or exemptions.
This can include:
- Disabled Band Reduction Scheme
- Local Council Tax Support schemes
- Exemptions in some circumstances
The rules vary between local authorities, so it is worth contacting your council or checking their website to see what support is available.
6. Disabled Facilities Grants
If adaptations are needed to make a home safer or more accessible, families may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).
This funding can help cover the cost of changes such as:
- Ramps or widened doorways
- Stairlifts
- Accessible bathrooms
- Safety adaptations for children with complex needs
Grants are administered by local authorities and can make a major difference to daily life.
7. Support for Children with SEND
If your child receives DLA, this can also strengthen access to other support systems, including:
- Applications for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Requests for additional school support
- Blue Badge eligibility in some circumstances
- Access to specialist services
While DLA does not automatically guarantee these services, it is often recognised as evidence that a child has significant additional needs.
Why Many Families Miss Out
One of the biggest challenges families face is simply not knowing what support exists.
Government systems and benefits are often fragmented, meaning families have to navigate multiple departments and processes to access the help they are entitled to.
This is why understanding what DLA or PIP can unlock is so important.
For many families, these benefits act as the gateway to wider support.
Final Thoughts
If you or your child have recently been awarded DLA or PIP, it is worth taking the time to explore what additional support may now be available.
These benefits were designed to recognise the extra challenges and costs that come with disability — and the wider support linked to them exists to help families manage those realities.
You should not feel hesitant about accessing the support your family is entitled to.
It exists for a reason.
If you need help understanding SEND rights, EHCP processes, or navigating support systems, AskEllie provides guidance and information to help parents make sense of the system.
You are always welcome to come by and see us.
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