Most parents celebrate (and breathe a sigh of relief) when their child is finally awarded Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
But what many don’t know is this:
DLA doesn’t just give you a monthly payment — it unlocks a full list of additional entitlements, financial support, and practical benefits that can make a huge difference to your family.
This guide breaks down everything you may now be entitled to, how to claim it, and what to do next.
1. Carer’s Allowance (if you provide daily care)
If your child receives Middle or High Rate Care DLA, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance — even if you work part-time.
You may be eligible if:
- Your child gets Middle or High Rate Care
- You care for them at least 35 hours per week
- You earn less than the monthly earnings limit
This can be a huge financial help for families who have had to reduce work hours to care for their child.
2. Carer’s Element (Universal Credit top-up)
If you receive Universal Credit, you may qualify for the Carer’s Element, which increases your monthly UC payment.
You don’t need to be receiving Carer’s Allowance to get this — you just need to be caring for a child on DLA.
Many parents miss this entirely.
3. Disabled Child Element (Universal Credit Child Payment)
Once your child receives DLA, you should automatically get the Disabled Child Element added to your UC claim.
This is worth hundreds of pounds per month, depending on the rate of DLA.
If it’s not showing — you need to report the DLA award on your UC journal.
4. Blue Badge (even without mobility DLA)
Most parents believe you can only apply for a Blue Badge if your child gets the mobility component.
That’s not true.
Children with:
- autism
- anxiety
- behavioural needs
- sensory overwhelm
- flight risk
- “unpredictability when walking”
… can qualify under the “hidden disability” criteria.
Apply through your local council.
5. Disabled Facilities Grant (for home adaptations)
If your child needs:
- ramps
- bathroom adaptations
- sensory-safe spaces
- widened doorways
- specialist equipment
…you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant through your local authority.
This is means-tested for adults — but not for children.
6. Tax-Free Motability Car (High Rate Mobility only)
If your child gets High Rate Mobility, you may be able to exchange this for a Motability car, which can massively reduce transport stress.
You also get:
- free car insurance
- breakdown cover
- no MOT costs
- tyre replacement
- and access to WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicles)
7. Road Tax Exemption or Reduction
If your child receives High Rate Mobility, your vehicle may qualify for full exemption on road tax.
Middle-rate mobility children may receive a reduction in some areas.
Always check your eligibility at GOV.UK.
8. Water, Gas, and Electricity Support Schemes
Families receiving DLA may be eligible for:
- Warm Home Discount
- WaterSure
- Priority Service Register
- Cost-of-living disability payments (when announced)
These vary by region and provider, but many parents don’t claim them simply because they don’t know they exist.
9. Cinema, Theme Parks & Entertainment — Carer Goes Free
With a CEA Card, a parent or carer goes free at most UK cinemas.
For theme parks, museums, and attractions, a DLA award often qualifies the child for:
- free carer entry
- reduced price tickets
- fast-track disability lines
Always check the venue’s accessibility policy.
10. Family Fund (grants for essentials)
If your household income is low, you may qualify for Family Fund, which can help with:
- sensory equipment
- white goods
- beds
- clothing
- tablets
- holidays
You can apply once per year if eligible.
11. Help With Boiler Failure or Emergency Repairs
Some councils and charities offer emergency household grants for families with disabled children.
Eligibility varies, but your DLA award often strengthens your case.
You may also qualify for:
- ECO4 boiler replacement schemes
- Local Energy Grants
- Household Support Fund (if your council still offers it)
12. Free School Transport (SEND criteria)
A DLA award alone doesn’t guarantee transport — but children with:
- mobility needs
- sensory needs
- anxiety
- unsafe walking routes
…often qualify for SEND transport support through the council.
Why most parents miss out on these entitlements
The system is not designed to tell you what you’re entitled to — it’s designed to wait for you to ask.
That’s why thousands of families receive only the DLA payment and never access the full support available to them.
Final word — and how AskEllie can help
AskEllie is a modern support tool built to help SEND families understand their rights — with clear, straight-forward answers.
If you want personal help understanding what your child is entitled to after receiving DLA, use the Contact Us form on AskEllie.co.uk.
We’re now offering a new one-to-one response service to help parents who need specific guidance.
All revenue goes directly into building the AskEllie app to help even more families.
Leave a Reply