AskEllie.co.uk

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  • The 2025 DLA Backlog: What Parents Need to Know (And How to Protect Your Child’s Payments)

    Right now, thousands of parents across the UK are stuck in the same stressful situation:
    their child’s DLA award is due to end… but the renewal hasn’t been processed because of the national backlog.

    If you’re waiting on a decision, panicking about payments stopping, or confused about when to submit the forms — you are not alone.
    This blog breaks down exactly what’s happening and what parents can do to protect their child’s support.

    Why the DLA Backlog Is Happening

    According to multiple reports from parents and advisors, the DWP is currently facing:

    • Record-high numbers of new applications
    • A shortage of decision makers
    • Longer assessments for complex needs
    • Spillover delays from the PIP backlog

    Families are reporting delays of 12–16+ weeks for DLA renewals — and for some, even longer.

    This is especially worrying because many children rely on DLA for essential care, transport, equipment, sensory tools and therapies.

    Will My Child’s DLA Payments Stop If Their Award End Date Passes?

    The good news: NO — as long as you submit your renewal on time.

    If the renewal was submitted before the deadline, the DWP will continue payments temporarily until they make a decision.
    This rule exists specifically because backlogs happen.

    If you submitted late, payments can technically stop — but you can still challenge it, especially if:

    • the delay was caused by the DWP
    • you received the form late
    • you have SEND-related caring demands that made submission difficult

    Parents can and do get backdated payments in these cases.

    When Should I Fill Out the DLA Renewal?

    The DWP usually sends renewal forms 6 months before the expiry date.

    Here’s the safest timeline:

    ✔ Fill it in and send it back within 2–4 weeks of receiving it.

    This gives you:

    • enough time to collect evidence
    • time to correct anything
    • a buffer in case the DWP misplaces the form (which does happen)

    On no account leave it until the final deadline.

    The backlog means even small delays can create gaps in payments.

    How Long Are DLA Renewals Taking Right Now?

    Based on parent reports and case-worker estimates:

    • Standard cases: 8–12 weeks
    • Moderate complexity: 12–16 weeks
    • High complexity / ASD / ADHD / medical needs: 16–24 weeks
    • Cases requiring evidence from professionals: longer

    This means your renewal may not be processed before your award technically “ends”—
    but again, payments continue if you submitted on time.

    What About PIP? Will Payments Stop?

    For teenagers transitioning from DLA to PIP:

    • If you send the PIP forms back by the deadline,
    • AND engage with the assessment process,

    your current DLA continues until the PIP decision is made, even with a backlog.

    PIP backlogs are currently very severe, with many young people waiting 6–12 months.

    You will not “lose money” during the wait if you met all deadlines.

    Top Tips for Parents Navigating DLA Right Now

    1. Keep copies of everything.

    Photograph every page before posting.

    2. Send it by tracked post.

    Too many forms go missing — tracking protects you.

    3. Gather evidence early.

    Ask school/SENCO, GP, CAMHS, paediatrician, SALT, OT, or private therapists for letters.

    4. Use real-life examples in your answers.

    The DWP want specifics, not general statements.

    5. If they delay — call.

    They can place a note on your file confirming continuation of payments.

    6. Appeal if needed.

    Nearly 60% of DLA/PIP appeals succeed because the original decision was wrong.

    Why This Matters

    For many families, DLA is the difference between coping and crisis.

    • It pays for transport to school
    • It covers care needs
    • It supports mental health therapies
    • It allows parents to reduce work hours
    • It funds sensory equipment that isn’t provided anywhere else

    In a SEND system already stretched to breaking point, losing DLA — even temporarily — can devastate a family.

    That’s why it’s essential parents know their rights and timelines.

  • A Massive SEND Funding Change Was Hidden in the Budget… And Parents Deserve to Know What It Really Means

    The headlines didn’t mention it.
    Most analysis skipped straight past it.
    But buried deep inside the Budget documents was one of the biggest SEND changes we’ve seen in years — a shift that could completely reshape who funds your child’s support, and who is responsible when things go wrong.

    From 2028–29, the Government plans to move the full cost of SEND provision away from local councils and onto central government departments.

    On paper, that sounds like good news.
    In reality… it’s complicated.
    And for SEND families who’ve been fighting, appealing, chasing and surviving a broken system — you deserve to understand what this shift really means.

    Why this change matters

    Right now, local authorities are responsible for funding SEND support — including EHCP provision, specialist schools, therapies, and alternative placements. But councils across the country are in financial crisis, with SEND overspends reaching billions.

    Some councils have already issued Section 114 bankruptcy notices. Many more are on the brink.

    The Budget states that by moving SEND funding to central government, councils will no longer have the huge SEND deficits that have been driving them into the ground. Westminster will carry the cost instead.

    But here’s what parents need to understand…

    1. This doesn’t fix the SEND crisis that families are living in today

    This change starts in 2028 — four years from now.

    Families are already facing:

    • 12–18 month waits for EHCPs
    • Illegal refusals for assessment
    • No specialist school places
    • Children out of school for months
    • Cuts to provision
    • Overstretched staff
    • Zero accountability

    A funding shift in 2028 does nothing for children who need support now.

    If your child is out of school today, this reform won’t get them a place tomorrow.
    If your EHCP is being ignored, 2028 won’t fix that.

    It’s a future promise, not a present solution.

    2. Centralising funding could be positive — but only if everything else changes with it

    Taking SEND funding out of local authority budgets might reduce the pressure on councils to cut corners or refuse placements.

    But unless the Government does all of the following:

    • Enforce legal compliance
    • Train mainstream teachers
    • Reduce waiting times
    • Expand specialist school capacity
    • Fund therapies properly
    • Hold LAs accountable
    • Build trauma-informed provision

    …then nothing changes for families on the ground.

    Funding alone doesn’t create support.
    The system needs rebuilding, not just re-budgeting.

    3. Local authorities may become even stricter between now and 2028

    If councils know they only have to “hold on” until 2028, many parents fear what comes next:

    • More refusals to assess
    • More battles at tribunal
    • More unlawful cuts
    • More pressure to “manage within budget”
    • More children forced into unsafe mainstream settings

    We already see this happening.
    LAs are quietly pushing more ND children back into mainstream — calling it “inclusion” — because specialist places cost too much.

    This Budget change might increase that behaviour until responsibilities shift.

    4. The Government still hasn’t explained how the new system will work

    The Budget says central government will pay the full cost — but not how:

    • Will EHCP funding move to the Department for Education?
    • Will health and social care contributions increase?
    • Will councils still manage placements, or will decisions move to national bodies?
    • Will parents have more — or less — power to challenge decisions?

    No answers.
    Just a headline hidden in paragraph 3.28.

    5. The SEND system is already broken — and children can’t wait until 2028

    SEND families don’t need four-year promises.
    They need:

    • legal compliance
    • accountability
    • support
    • specialist places
    • mental-health provision
    • teachers trained in SEND
    • trauma-informed practice
    • early intervention
    • and protection from unlawful decisions

    Right now.
    Not in the next Parliament.
    Not after another review.
    Not after more “consultation”.

    Children are losing education, mental health, trust, and childhood today.

    So what should parents take away from this Budget change?

    This funding shift could be a step in the right direction — if it comes with real reform, real accountability, and real support.

    But parents must be aware:

    • It won’t fix today’s crisis
    • It won’t stop unlawful decisions
    • It won’t create specialist places overnight
    • And local authorities may tighten gatekeeping before 2028

    Families still need to fight — and to know their legal rights.

    That’s exactly why AskEllie exists:
    to help you understand the laws, challenge decisions, and advocate for your child with confidence.

    Need personalised help?

    If you need one-to-one written support, we now offer a new private response service — completely separate from AskEllie’s free AI tool.

    This service exists because of the sheer volume of parents needing urgent help, and every penny goes back into building the AskEllie app to support more families nationally.

    You can request details through the Contact Us page on AskEllie.co.uk.

  • Carer’s Allowance Changes: What Today’s Budget Means for Carers and Families

    Today’s Budget included several changes that will directly affect carers — but the information can be confusing, especially with people mixing up Carer’s Allowance and the Carer’s Element inside Universal Credit.

    This blog post breaks everything down clearly, in simple terms, so you know exactly what’s changing, what isn’t, and what it means for you and your family.

    1. Carer’s Allowance and the Two-Child Cap Are Not Linked

    A lot of people online have been worried that the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap affects Carer’s Allowance.

    It doesn’t.

    The cap only affects the child element of Universal Credit.
    Carer’s Allowance is completely separate and continues as normal.

    2. Carer’s Allowance Is Increasing Slightly

    Carer’s Allowance is going up with the annual benefit uprating.

    This means:

    • The weekly Carer’s Allowance payment will increase by a small amount.
    • The earnings limit (how much a carer can earn before losing the allowance) will also be adjusted in line with inflation.

    Nothing else about Carer’s Allowance is being removed, cut, or changed.
    The rules stay the same.

    If you care for someone for 35 hours or more per week, and the person you care for receives qualifying disability benefits (such as DLA, PIP, or ADP), you should continue to receive Carer’s Allowance in the same way you do now.

    3. The Carer’s Element in Universal Credit Is Also Increasing

    The Carer’s Element is different to Carer’s Allowance.

    It’s an extra amount added to your Universal Credit if:

    • You are a recognised carer,
    • You provide at least 35 hours of care each week, and
    • The person you care for receives DLA, PIP, or another qualifying benefit.

    Carers receiving Universal Credit will see a slight increase in the Carer’s Element due to benefit uprating.

    There is no earnings limit for the Carer’s Element.
    Even if you earn too much to receive Carer’s Allowance, you may still be entitled to the Carer’s Element in UC.

    4. If You Receive Both Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit

    Many carers receive both payments.

    Here’s how it works:

    • Universal Credit subtracts the Carer’s Allowance from your UC.
    • But you still receive the Carer’s Element on top, meaning you don’t lose money overall.
    • In simple terms: your total income stays higher than it would be with UC alone.

    Nothing in the Budget changes this arrangement.

    5. The Two-Child Cap Ending in April 2026 Does Not Reduce Any Carer Payments

    This change only affects families with three or more children who are currently not receiving the standard child element for their third or subsequent children.

    When the cap is lifted in April 2026, these families will get more UC — including carers.

    This does not reduce:

    • Carer’s Allowance
    • Carer’s Element
    • Disabled child elements
    • LCWRA payments
    • Child Benefit

    Carers will not lose anything because of this change.

    6. No Cuts to Carer Support in This Budget

    This is important.

    Carers have been worried about cuts to disability benefits or the Carer’s Allowance system.

    But the Budget contains:

    • No cuts to Carer’s Allowance
    • No cuts to the Carer’s Element
    • No changes to eligibility
    • No changes to the care hours requirement
    • No changes to LCWRA for carers who are also unable to work

    Both payments are being uprated, meaning they’re increasing — not decreasing.

    7. What Carers Should Do Now

    You don’t need to report anything to DWP for these increases to apply.

    Here’s all you need to do:

    • Make sure the person you care for is correctly listed on your UC claim.
    • Make sure your caring role is recorded (this is usually already in the system).
    • Keep providing 35+ hours of care per week.
    • If you earn, stay within the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit to keep receiving both payments.
    • Watch for updated DWP rates in the coming months.

    Other than that, everything should adjust automatically.

    8. Final Summary

    Here’s what today’s Budget means for carers:

    Carer’s Allowance:

    ✔ Increasing slightly
    ✔ No cuts
    ✔ No rule changes
    ✔ No link to the two-child cap

    Carer’s Element (Universal Credit):

    ✔ Increasing slightly
    ✔ No reduction
    ✔ No change in eligibility

    Two-child cap removal:

    ✔ Helps families with 3+ children from April 2026
    ✔ Does not affect carer payments

    Overall:

    Carers will not lose anything under this Budget, and most will gain a little more through uprating.

  • You Could Be Owed £100s by Your Energy Company — Here’s the 30-Second Check Every Family Should Do

    With the cost of living still squeezing families across the UK, many people don’t realise they might be sitting on £100s of unused credit in their energy accounts. And the best part?
    It takes less than 30 seconds to check.

    If you pay monthly for gas or electricity — whether by direct debit or through a smart meter — your supplier might be holding onto money that actually belongs to you. This blog explains why it happens, how to check for credit, and how to request a refund safely.

    Why So Many Families Are in Energy Credit Right Now

    Most suppliers set your monthly payment high enough to “smooth out” usage throughout the year — meaning you overpay in summer and use the credit in winter.

    But this year:

    • Prices have dropped from their peak.
    • Many households reduced energy use because bills were too high.
    • A mild start to the winter means heating hasn’t been used as much.
    • Smart meters provide more accurate readings than ever before.

    All of this means millions of families are now overpaid on their gas/electric, sometimes by £50, £150, or even £300+.

    That credit sits in your energy account unless you ask for it back.

    The 30-Second Check

    Here’s the quick check you should do today:

    1. Log in to your online energy account (or app).
    2. Look for your balance — it will show either in credit or in debt.
    3. If it shows credit, that’s your money.

    If your credit is more than one month’s worth of energy usage, you can usually request a refund immediately.

    Are You Guaranteed a Refund?

    In most cases, yes.
    Energy companies must refund your credit unless they have a reasonable cause not to.

    They may delay or refuse repayment if:

    • You haven’t submitted a meter reading in a long time.
    • Your usage pattern suggests you’ll use the credit soon.
    • Your direct debit is already set too low or too high.

    If they refuse without explanation, you can challenge it — suppliers must justify their decision.

    How to Request a Refund

    Most suppliers allow you to do this in-app or through your account.
    If not, you can use this message:

    “Hello, I’ve checked my account and I am in credit. Please can you arrange a refund of the excess balance? My meter readings are up to date. Thank you.”

    You’ll normally receive the refund to your bank account within 3–10 working days.

    Why This Matters for SEND and Low-Income Families

    Many families we support are dealing with:

    • Universal Credit fluctuations
    • High fuel costs for travelling to appointments
    • Specialist equipment needing electricity
    • Extra laundry and heating for sensory or medical needs
    • Reduced income due to caring responsibilities

    A £100–£300 refund can make a real difference.

    This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get money back into your household budget.

    Final Tip: Do This Every Season

    Energy usage changes throughout the year.
    You should check your account:

    • Going into winter
    • Halfway through winter
    • At the start of spring

    It prevents you from overpaying and ensures you’re not leaving money sitting with your supplier.

    Conclusion

    It takes just 30 seconds to check your energy balance — and it could put £100s straight back into your pocket.

    With bills rising and family budgets under pressure, every small win helps.

    If you want help asking your supplier for a refund or want me to check how much credit is reasonable, send your details and I’ll walk you through it.

  • How The Budget Will Affect Universal Credit: A Clear Guide for Families, Carers and Working Parents

    The Government has announced major changes to Universal Credit in the latest Budget, with a particular focus on families with more than two children, carers, and low-income working households.

    This post explains exactly what is changing, what isn’t, how your monthly award may be affected, and — critically — when families will actually see the new payments.

    No jargon. No politics. Just the facts families need to plan ahead.

    1. The Two-Child Benefit Cap Has Been Scrapped — Effective April 2026

    This is the biggest policy change of the entire Budget.

    Since 2017, the two-child limit prevented families on Universal Credit or Tax Credits from receiving support for their third or subsequent children (unless they met rare exemptions).

    The Budget confirms the cap will be abolished.

    Who benefits most?

    • Families with three or more children
    • Working parents whose wages don’t cover rising costs
    • SEND families, who face higher expenses and limited work options
    • Single parents
    • Families with high childcare or transport costs

    Important: The change is NOT immediate

    The Government has now confirmed:

    The two-child cap will be removed from April 2026.

    This means:

    • No payments will change before April 2026
    • Households will only see the increased support after that date
    • Each person’s Universal Credit will update as their assessment period ends after April 2026

    So families will receive the uplift at different times, depending on their UC cycle.

    2. When Will Families See the Extra Money? (Fully Updated)

    Many early reports suggested the change would show within one or two assessment periods — but the official guidance is now clear:

    Payments will only begin to change after April 2026.

    Here’s how it works:

    1. The Government removes the cap in April 2026
    2. DWP updates the Universal Credit system
    3. Each family’s new amount is processed when their monthly assessment period ends
    4. Payments rise accordingly

    So:

    • Some families will see the increase shortly after April 2026
    • Some will see it a month later
    • Others may wait longer depending on their assessment period dates

    No one will receive the uplift immediately.

    3. Carer’s Element Will Increase — But Not Everyone Will See Extra Money

    If you care for a disabled child or adult for 35+ hours per week, you may receive the Carer’s Element inside Universal Credit.

    The Budget confirms that the UC Carer’s Element will rise as part of the standard annual uprating of benefits.

    What this means:

    • If you already get the Carer’s Element → your UC calculation will increase
    • If you provide 35+ hours but haven’t claimed it → you may be eligible and should report it in your UC journal

    However — Transitional Protection matters

    If you receive Transitional Protection because you migrated from legacy benefits:

    • Any increase to the Carer’s Element
    • OR the child elements
    • OR removal of the two-child cap

    …may be absorbed by a reduction in your Transitional Protection.

    This means:

    Your total monthly UC payment may not increase immediately, even though your elements technically rise.

    This is normal under TP and prevents sudden drops in entitlement.

    4. Why Your Monthly Payment May Still Change Based on Work Hours

    Many people assume Universal Credit simply “adds more money,” but UC is a tapered benefit, which means:

    • You can work
    • You can earn
    • But as your income rises, UC gradually reduces

    The taper rate:

    For every £1 you earn above your Work Allowance, your UC is reduced by 55p.

    This means that:

    • Higher child elements
    • Higher Carer’s Element
    • Removal of the two-child cap

    …may still result in different outcomes depending on your earnings.

    What this means for families:

    • Some will see a clear increase
    • Some will see little change
    • A few may see their UC drop slightly, but overall income rise if they work more
    • Anyone on TP may see no immediate increase

    Every household’s calculation is unique.

    5. Common Backlash: “Just Don’t Have More Kids” — The Reality

    Whenever benefit changes happen, this argument appears.

    But the real situation is:

    • The vast majority of affected parents already have their children
    • Many were hit by the cap retrospectively, not by choice
    • Most affected households contain working parents
    • SEND families have higher living costs and reduced ability to work
    • The cap didn’t prevent births — it just pushed children into poverty

    **Scrapping the cap doesn’t reward people for having more children.

    It stops punishing the ones already here.**

    6. Summary: What Today’s Budget Means for Families on Universal Credit

    Good news

    • The two-child cap will be abolished from April 2026
    • Child elements will rise for larger families
    • Carer’s Element uprated
    • Helps working families, single parents, carers and SEND households

    Challenging news

    • Payments won’t increase until after April 2026
    • UC taper means earnings still reduce support
    • Frozen tax thresholds may reduce take-home pay
    • Transitional Protection may absorb increases temporarily
    • No major improvements to SEND services, local authority budgets, or social care
    • Disability assessments expected to tighten

    Final Thought

    For many families, today’s Budget offers meaningful financial relief — but delayed until 2026.
    For others, it helps, but doesn’t address the wider issues affecting household stability: rising costs, childcare, SEND support, and pressure on public services.

    As the DWP releases more details — including updated payment rates and rollout timelines — AskEllie will continue to break down exactly what each change means for parents and carers.

  • Budget 2025: What Today’s Announcements Really Mean for SEND Families

    The 2025 Budget has now been announced, alongside the early release of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts. Together, they paint a clear picture of what SEND families can expect over the coming years.

    Some changes offer welcome relief. Others point to deeper challenges ahead — especially for parents relying on EHCPs, disability benefits, social care, or local authority support.

    This post breaks down exactly what has changed, what hasn’t, and what SEND families need to prepare for now.

    1. Two-Child Benefit Cap Scrapped — Immediate Relief for Many Families

    The biggest headline for families is the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

    This means:

    • Parents with three or more children will once again receive the child element of Universal Credit or Tax Credits for every child.
    • Families can expect substantial increases in support, depending on household size.
    • SEND families — who often face higher living costs, reduced ability to work, and additional caring responsibilities — benefit significantly from this change.

    The cap disproportionately harmed families with disabled children, who often have higher financial demands and less capacity to offset cuts. Its removal restores critical financial support.

    Impact:
    More stability, less pressure, and better ability to manage the extra costs associated with raising a SEND child.

    2. Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance and Disability Elements Will Increase — But With Tighter Assessments

    The Budget confirms an inflation-linked uprating of key benefits, including:

    • Universal Credit
    • Carer’s Allowance
    • Child disability elements
    • Limited Capability for Work-related Activity (LCWRA)
    • PIP and DLA rates

    This is positive — especially for parents who have had to reduce work hours or leave employment entirely due to caring responsibilities.

    However, the OBR forecasts also confirm:

    • Government plans to reduce long-term spending on disability benefits
    • Expectation of stricter assessments, more reviews, and lower award rates
    • Increased scrutiny around PIP and health-related UC claims

    Impact:
    SEND families may receive higher rates on paper, but could face more difficulty securing or keeping these awards.

    3. No New Funding for SEND Services, Schools or Local Authorities

    Despite widespread pressure and a national SEND system crisis, the Budget does not include:

    • New ring-fenced SEND funding
    • Resources to cut EHCP delays
    • Funding to tackle local authority SEND deficits
    • Money to expand specialist school capacity
    • Additional funding for therapy provision
    • Support for children with EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance)
    • Increased funding for Alternative Provision or specialist teaching staffing

    This is one of the most important takeaways.

    While household income may increase from benefit changes, SEND families will continue to face:

    • long delays
    • overstretched schools
    • lack of provision
    • refusals to assess
    • poor-quality EHCPs
    • battles over placement
    • rising tribunal cases

    The system remains under significant strain.

    Impact:
    Financial support improves, but access to services and education remains extremely challenging.

    4. Pressure on Local Authority Budgets Will Get Worse

    The OBR’s updated forecasts show that the UK economy will grow more slowly than previously expected. That means:

    • councils will have less funding in real terms
    • SEND departments will continue operating in crisis conditions
    • more parents may be pushed into mediation or Tribunal
    • stricter thresholds may be applied during assessments
    • more unlawful delays and refusals are likely

    The Budget does nothing to address the SEND deficit recovery plans many councils are operating under, meaning families may experience:

    • reduced transport support
    • reduced respite and social care
    • increased pressure to accept unsuitable mainstream placements

    Impact:
    SEND support services remain fragile and underfunded nationwide.

    5. Transport, Social Care and Support Services Remain at Risk

    With no new funding allocated to children’s social care or SEND transport, councils will continue to:

    • scrutinise transport eligibility
    • limit or remove travel assistance
    • reduce respite provision
    • raise thresholds for social care
    • push families toward “informal support”
    • resist out-of-area specialist placements

    These pressures increase parental stress and can cause escalation into crisis.

    Impact:
    SEND families will need to be prepared to challenge transport and care decisions.

    6. EHCP Backlogs and Delays Will Continue

    Nothing in the Budget deals with the root causes of the SEND crisis:

    • national EHCP backlogs
    • shortage of Educational Psychologists
    • overwhelmed SEND officers
    • lack of training for mainstream staff
    • shortage of specialist placements
    • insufficient mental-health provision
    • high EBSA cases
    • long-term underfunding of SEN support

    Parents should expect:

    • delays well beyond the legal 20-week deadline
    • pushback on assessments
    • late annual reviews
    • poor-quality plans
    • provision not delivered
    • increased pressure to accept mainstream settings regardless of need

    Impact:
    The legal rights stay the same, but the system remains overwhelmed.

    Parents will need to be legally informed and prepared to challenge unlawful practices.

    7. Summary: What Today’s Budget Really Means for SEND Families

    Positive changes:

    • Removal of the two-child cap
    • Uprating of UC, PIP, Carer’s Allowance and disability elements
    • Increased financial support for many low-income families
    • Improved stability for larger families

    Negative or concerning realities:

    • No additional SEND funding
    • No fixes to the EHCP crisis
    • No support for SEND transport or social care
    • Tighter disability assessments expected
    • Local authority pressures will increase
    • Schools remain under-resourced
    • Children with anxiety/EBSA remain unsupported
    • More families may be pushed into Tribunal

    In short:

    Budgets improve benefit payments — but not services.
    SEND families may be financially better off, yet practically no further forward.

    What Parents Should Do Next

    • Check your UC journal to ensure all children are listed.
    • Use benefit calculators to estimate new entitlement.
    • Document your child’s needs clearly for upcoming assessments.
    • Be prepared to challenge EHCP or benefit decisions.
    • Follow AskEllie for updated guidance as new details emerge.

  • Two-Child Benefit Cap Scrapped: What This Means for Parents and SEND Families

    The government has confirmed that the two-child benefit cap has been scrapped, marking one of the most significant welfare changes in recent years. For thousands of families across the UK, this decision brings long-awaited relief — financially, practically and emotionally.

    The change also has major implications for families raising children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), many of whom were disproportionately impacted by the cap.

    This article explains what the two-child cap was, why its removal matters, and what parents can expect next.

    What Was the Two-Child Cap?

    Introduced in April 2017, the two-child limit restricted the child element of Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit to the first two children in a family.

    Any third or subsequent child born after the rule came into force did not receive financial support through these benefits, unless the family qualified for a limited number of exemptions (such as the controversial “non-consensual conception” clause).

    For many households, this meant losing around £3,000 per year per child — a significant financial burden at a time when the cost of living has risen sharply.

    Why Has the Cap Been Scrapped?

    The cap has long been criticised by economists, children’s charities and independent organisations such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation for directly increasing child poverty.

    Removing it is expected to:

    • reduce child poverty rates nationwide
    • increase support for low-income families
    • restore fairness to the benefits system
    • support long-term outcomes for children in education and health

    The OBR has estimated that scrapping the cap will cost the government around £3–3.5 billion by 2029/30, but the social and economic benefits of lifting families out of poverty could outweigh this cost in the long term.

    What This Means for Families Immediately

    With the cap removed, all children in a household will once again be counted when calculating the child element of Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit.

    Parents with three or more children can expect to see a notable increase in their benefits as payments adjust to include every child.

    This change applies to:

    • families currently receiving Universal Credit
    • families receiving Tax Credits
    • families who previously weren’t receiving support for later-born children
    • families with children born after 2017 who were excluded by the cap

    For many, this will mean hundreds of pounds more each month, depending on the size of the household and the benefits they’re eligible for.

    Why This Matters Even More for SEND Families

    SEND households face some of the highest financial pressures in the country. Many experience:

    • reduced ability to work due to caring responsibilities
    • higher weekly costs for care, transport and therapies
    • additional spending on equipment, clothing and sensory items
    • long waiting lists for support that force parents to pay privately
    • periods of crisis when schools cannot meet their child’s needs

    A large proportion of SEND families have three or more children — often because the first signs of a child’s disability may not be visible until later, or because family planning decisions were made long before diagnoses.

    The two-child cap disproportionately harmed these families by reducing the support available to siblings of disabled children and forcing parents into deeper financial stress.

    Its removal will provide:

    • essential breathing room in stretched budgets
    • improved quality of life for children and carers
    • better ability to cover rising SEND-related costs
    • reduced reliance on food banks and emergency support
    • greater stability for families already under strain

    While it won’t fix systemic issues in SEND provision, it does help protect families from the worst financial impacts during a period of national funding pressure.

    What Parents Should Do Now

    1. Check your Universal Credit journal
      Payments should adjust automatically, but you may receive messages asking for confirmation of your household details.
    2. Update any changes to your children’s information
      Make sure all children are listed correctly on your claim.
    3. If you’re on Tax Credits, HMRC will notify you when the additional support has been applied.
    4. Use benefit calculators (Turn2Us, EntitledTo) to estimate what your new payments will be.
    5. If you’ve avoided claiming before, now is the time to check if you’re eligible. Many families who thought they would receive little to nothing may now qualify for substantial support.

    Conclusion

    Scrapping the two-child benefit cap is a major shift in UK welfare policy — and an important step towards supporting families fairly. For SEND families, the change couldn’t be more significant. It restores essential financial support at a time when household costs, service delays and educational barriers continue to rise.

    While the Budget leaves many unanswered questions about the future of SEND funding, this reform brings meaningful relief to families who need it most.

    AskEllie will continue to monitor all Budget changes and break down exactly how they affect parents, carers and children with SEND.

  • Why SEND Children Are Being Pushed Back Into Mainstream — And Why Parents Should Be Worried

    Across the country, SEND families are watching something deeply worrying unfold — and most people outside this community have absolutely no idea it’s happening.

    A BBC report revealed that Oxfordshire is now moving increasing numbers of SEND children back into mainstream schools, not because the provision is appropriate…
    but because specialist settings are full and the council can’t afford more places.

    They are calling this “inclusion.”
    But parents know exactly what this is:

    Cost-cutting dressed up as progress.

    And it immediately rings alarm bells, because many of us have lived it.

    For years, councils have quietly tried to move children out of specialist placements — even when those placements were life-changing — and push them back into the very environments that broke them in the first place.

    And yes…
    It might explain why they tried to push Joshua back into mainstream too.

    Not because it was right for him.
    Not because it was safe.
    But because the system is now under so much pressure that children are being moved like pieces on a spreadsheet instead of human beings with needs.

    The “Inclusion” They’re Talking About Isn’t Real Inclusion

    Real inclusion means:

    • trained staff
    • sensory adaptations
    • trauma-informed practice
    • smaller classes
    • emotional support
    • reduced overwhelm
    • stable routines
    • predictable environments

    None of that is being put in place.

    What Oxfordshire is proposing — and what many other LAs are quietly planning — is simply moving neurodivergent children into mainstream buildings and hoping they cope.

    That isn’t inclusion.
    It’s abandonment with a positive label.

    And every SEND parent knows what this leads to:

    • EBSA
    • school refusal
    • meltdowns
    • anxiety
    • broken self-esteem
    • exclusions
    • “behaviour” labels
    • trauma
    • parents blamed
    • families punished
    • children lost in the system

    This is not new…
    But the volume is increasing.

    The SEN-Between Children Are at the Highest Risk

    These are the children the government never talks about:

    Too complex for mainstream.
    Not “severe enough” for traditional specialist schools.
    Stuck in the middle.
    Invisible.

    The SEN-between children.

    The ones who mask.
    The ones who meltdown at home.
    The ones school say “cope fine” because they don’t understand distress.
    The ones who deteriorate fastest when the environment isn’t right.

    They are the children most likely to be forced back into mainstream under these new policies.

    And they are the ones who get hurt first.

    Why Joshua Got Caught in This Wave

    When the LA argued that Joshua could attend a mainstream school — even when he clearly couldn’t — it wasn’t based on his actual needs.

    It was based on:

    • capacity issues
    • budget pressures
    • a shortage of specialist places
    • policies pushing for reintegration
    • the belief that “mainstream is the default”

    This is happening everywhere.

    Parents are made to feel like they’re asking for something excessive when they request the only provision that will actually keep their child safe.

    But families see the truth:

    It’s not about inclusion.
    It’s about numbers.

    Where This Leaves Parents

    This is the part that hurts the most:

    SEND parents are being made to feel guilty, dramatic, or “difficult” for refusing placements that are clearly unsafe.

    But here’s the reality:

    • You are not imagining it.
    • You are not overreacting.
    • You are not obstructive.
    • You are protecting your child from harm.

    Because the government’s version of “inclusion” does not match the lived experience of neurodivergent children.

    And unless the Prime Minister and local authorities start listening to parents — the real experts — thousands of children will be pushed back into environments that will traumatically fail them.

    What Needs to Change

    If the government is serious about inclusion, this is what real reform looks like:

    1. Specialist training for every teacher.

    You cannot include children successfully if the staff have not been trained to support them.

    2. Smaller classes — not larger ones.

    Overwhelmed teachers cannot meet complex needs.

    3. Trauma-informed environments across all schools.

    4. Real sensory adaptations — not lip service.

    5. Proper funding for the schools that are already drowning.

    6. More specialist places — not fewer.

    7. Respect for parental expertise.

    Parents know when mainstream will break their child.
    They must not be ignored.

    For Joshua, and Every Other SEN-Between Child

    Parents like us are not difficult.
    We are not obstructive.
    We are not “holding our children back.”

    We are doing what the system sometimes refuses to do:

    Keeping our children safe.

    And if this is the direction national SEND policy is heading, then now is the moment parents need to speak up louder than ever before.

    Our children do not have the luxury of waiting for change.

    Their mental health, future, and identity depend on the decisions made today.

  • The Hidden Rule That Can Keep Your Child Out of School for Months — And What Parents Need to Know

    Most parents have never heard of it.
    Schools rarely mention it.
    Local authorities almost never explain it properly.

    But this one rule — Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 — is the difference between a child suffering at home with zero support, and a child receiving legal entitlement to education when they cannot attend school.

    And right now, thousands of families are being failed simply because nobody told them this law exists.

    What Is Section 19?

    Section 19 places a legal duty on every Local Authority in England:

    If a child cannot attend school because of illness, anxiety, SEN, disability, or any other lawful reason, the LA must provide suitable alternative education from day 15 of absence.

    This is not optional.
    This is not a “maybe”.
    This is not dependent on a diagnosis or an EHCP.

    If your child cannot attend school, the Local Authority must step in.

    Yet 99% of parents are never told.

    Why This Law Matters So Much

    Families dealing with:

    • EBSA (school anxiety)
    • Autism
    • ADHD
    • Trauma
    • Sensory overwhelm
    • Meltdowns
    • Mental-health crises
    • Unsafe school environments
    • Failed EHCP support
    • Specialist schools being “full”
    • Long waits for diagnosis

    …are often left in limbo — terrified of fines, pressured by attendance teams, blamed for their child’s distress, and forced to keep sending their child back into an environment that is actively harming them.

    Section 19 exists to prevent this exact situation.

    But without knowing your rights, it becomes a loophole Local Authorities exploit by simply… saying nothing.

    What Counts as ‘Unable to Attend’?

    Contrary to what some schools claim:

    • Your child does not need a formal diagnosis.
    • You do not need CAMHS involvement.
    • You do not need an EHCP in place.
    • You do not need hospital letters.

    The threshold is simple:

    If attending school is causing significant distress, deterioration, or risk to your child’s wellbeing, they meet the legal criteria.

    Section 19 is specifically designed to include:

    • Anxiety
    • Emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA)
    • SEN-related barriers
    • Mental health
    • Medical uncertainty
    • Trauma
    • Unsafe or unmet needs

    Schools cannot override this.

    What Happens Once Section 19 Is Triggered?

    The Local Authority must arrange “suitable, full-time education” such as:

    • Online learning
    • Home tuition
    • Small-group provision
    • Temporary alternative provision
    • Hybrid arrangements
    • Shortened timetables with safeguarding oversight

    And crucially:

    Education must be based on your child’s needs — not LA “preference”.

    Why Parents Aren’t Told

    Because once a child triggers Section 19:

    • Fines stop
    • Attendance pressure stops
    • Blame stops
    • Local authority responsibility begins

    And responsibility costs money.

    So instead of following the law, many families are pushed into:

    • Daily battles
    • Threats
    • Persistent absence labels
    • Blame for “parental weakness”
    • Mental-health deterioration for the child
    • Punishments instead of support

    It’s easier — and cheaper — for the system to pretend Section 19 doesn’t exist.

    How to Use Section 19 to Protect Your Child

    You can make the request yourself, directly to your Local Authority.
    You do not need the headteacher’s permission.

    Here’s a simple summary of what to say:

    “My child is medically/unable to attend school due to anxiety/SEN/mental health.
    Under Section 19 of the Education Act, the Local Authority now has a duty to provide suitable education.
    Please confirm in writing what provision will be put in place.”

    If you need help with the exact wording, AskEllie has templates — or you can contact us directly for private one-to-one guidance through our new paid service.
    (Use the Contact Us form to enquire.)

    Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

    The SEND system is overwhelmed.
    Schools are underfunded.
    Attendance policies are becoming more aggressive.
    And children with anxiety, trauma, sensory needs and unmet SEN support are being punished instead of protected.

    Knowing Section 19 stops the system from breaking your child while you wait for assessments, EHCPs, or a more suitable placement.

    It gives parents breathing space.
    It gives children safety.
    It gives families rights — not fear.

    Final Thought

    The system may not tell you your rights.
    Schools may not explain the law.
    Local Authorities may not volunteer their responsibilities.

    But the law is still the law.

    And Section 19 exists to make sure no child is left without education when school becomes unsafe or unmanageable.

    If you need guidance, templates, or personalised support with your situation, you can reach out via the AskEllie Contact Form — all proceeds go towards building the AskEllie app to support even more families.

    Your child deserves safety.
    Your family deserves support.
    And you deserve to know the law that protects you.

  • What an Illegal EHCP Looks Like (And How to Spot One)

    Most parents assume that once their child has an EHCP, that plan is secure. They think any change to it will be backed by evidence, professional reports, and a proper legal process.

    Unfortunately, that isn’t always what happens.

    Across the country, some local authorities are issuing unlawful amendments, stripping out support, and rewriting plans without following the rules. Many parents don’t know the signs, which leaves them vulnerable to illegal changes that can dramatically affect their child’s education and wellbeing.

    This guide explains what an illegal EHCP looks like, the red flags to watch for, and why the law is firmly on the side of parents when plans are altered without evidence.

    1. When an EHCP Is Amended Without a Needs Assessment or Evidence

    The law is clear:
    An EHCP can only be changed if the local authority has new professional evidence to justify that change.

    If provision is removed or watered down without input from:

    • Educational psychology
    • Speech and language therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Medical professionals
    • The school
    • Or any updated assessment

    …then the amendment is unlawful.

    Common example:
    Parents receive an amendment notice out of the blue, but no updated reports have been gathered. Section F suddenly changes without evidence behind it.

    If there’s no assessment, no new evidence, and no professional justification, the LA cannot legally amend anything.

    2. When the LA Removes or Weakens Section F Provision

    Section F — the provision section — is the heart of the EHCP.
    It must specify:

    • What support is provided
    • How often
    • Where
    • By whom
    • And what training staff must have

    If provision suddenly becomes vague, disappears, or transforms into phrases like “access to,” “as required,” or “where appropriate,” that’s a red flag.

    ILLEGAL examples include:

    • Replacing “1:1 support for 20 hours per week” with “access to adult support”
    • Removing speech therapy, OT, or medical care without evidence
    • Taking out sensory regulation support
    • Removing personal care or toileting assistance
    • Changing specialist placement to mainstream without assessment

    EHCPs must be specific and quantified. Vague wording = unlawful.

    3. When the LA Issues an Amendment Notice Without Sending a Draft First

    The legal process for amending an EHCP is:

    1. Notify parent
    2. Issue a draft EHCP
    3. Parent comments
    4. Final EHCP is issued

    If you received:

    • Only an amendment notice
    • NO draft
    • NO chance to comment
    • NO consultation

    …that’s an illegal amendment.

    4. When the LA Removes the Named School Without Consultation

    The school named in Section I cannot be changed unless:

    • The LA consults the school
    • You are informed
    • Evidence is gathered
    • You have an opportunity to respond

    If the school simply disappears, or changes from specialist to mainstream without explanation, that is unlawful.

    5. When Provision Is Removed While Your Child Is Out of Education

    If a child is:

    • Out of school
    • Unable to attend due to anxiety, SEN or medical needs
    • Or waiting for a placement

    …the LA has a legal duty to increase support, not remove it.

    Stripping an EHCP during a period of non-attendance is one of the clearest signs of an illegal process.

    6. When the LA Cannot Produce the Evidence Behind the Change

    If you request:

    • the assessment reports
    • the professional advice
    • the decision-making documents
    • the evidence for each amendment

    …and the LA cannot provide it, that is another red flag.

    A simple Subject Access Request (SAR) often exposes that no evidence existed, and the EHCP was altered unlawfully.

    7. When the Plan Has Been Altered for Cost-Cutting Reasons

    The law is explicit:
    Support cannot be removed because it is expensive.

    Yet this is often the real reason behind illegal amendments.

    Signs of this include:

    • Therapy cut due to “budget constraints”
    • Specialist placement removed because “mainstream is cheaper”
    • 1:1 support downgraded to generic “classroom support”

    Cost can never justify a reduction in provision.

    8. When You Were Misled, Rushed or Pressured

    Another form of unlawful practice:

    • Short deadlines
    • No explanation
    • Being told you “must sign” immediately
    • Being told the plan cannot be challenged
    • Being told the changes “aren’t appealable”

    You always have a right to appeal once a final EHCP is issued — this cannot be taken away from you.

    Real-Life Example of an Illegal EHCP

    A parent asked their LA for the information held on record about their child.
    Instead of answering, the LA issued an amendment notice and stripped the plan bare:

    • Medical needs deleted
    • Toileting support removed
    • All Section F provision wiped
    • Named school removed
    • No draft
    • No consultation
    • No new evidence
    • No needs assessment

    This is the textbook definition of an illegal EHCP amendment.

    The parent froze the process with a SAR, and once the LA was forced to disclose documents, it became clear there was no evidence supporting the changes.

    What To Do If You Suspect Your EHCP Has Been Altered Illegally

    • Ask for all evidence behind every amendment
    • Submit a Subject Access Request
    • Request all reports used to justify changes
    • Keep everything in writing
    • Do not agree to vague wording
    • Appeal the final EHCP if needed

    You are not powerless.
    The law is on your side — not the LA’s.