When a child or adult is awarded Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), many families assume that’s the end of the process.

It isn’t.

In fact, receiving DLA or PIP can open the door to a range of other benefits and support that many people simply aren’t told about.

Here are five of the most important.

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1. Carer’s Allowance or the Carer Element of Universal Credit

If you provide 35 hours or more of care each week, you may be entitled to additional financial support.

Depending on your circumstances, this could be through:

• Carer’s Allowance
• The Carer Element of Universal Credit

Many parents only discover this months—or even years—after their child’s DLA has been awarded.

Some families have gone on to receive significant back payments, although this depends on individual circumstances and eligibility.

If you’re caring for a disabled child or adult, it’s always worth checking what you’re entitled to.

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2. Blue Badge and Free Vehicle Tax

If your child receives the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA, you may also qualify for:

• A Blue Badge
• 100% free vehicle tax for one vehicle used for your child’s benefit.

A Blue Badge can make everyday life much easier if your child struggles with mobility, safety, sensory overwhelm or walking long distances.

Many families know about one of these benefits but not both.

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3. Free School Meals

From the 2026/27 school year in England, all children whose parents receive Universal Credit are expected to become eligible for free school meals under the government’s expanded eligibility criteria.

If your family receives Universal Credit, it’s worth checking with your local authority or your child’s school to make sure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.

Free school meals can also unlock additional funding for schools through the Pupil Premium, helping schools provide extra support.

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4. Disabled Child Element of Universal Credit

If your child receives DLA and you claim Universal Credit, you may also qualify for the Disabled Child Element.

This can significantly increase the amount of Universal Credit your family receives each month.

One important point:

Many parents don’t realise they need to tell Universal Credit when their child is awarded DLA.

If you don’t report the award, you may miss out on additional support.

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5. Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

If your child’s disability means adaptations are needed at home, you may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Depending on your circumstances, this funding can help pay for things such as:

• Accessible bathrooms.
• Ramps.
• Wider doorways.
• Safe spaces.
• Specialist equipment.
• Other adaptations that help your child live safely at home.

Many families have never heard of the Disabled Facilities Grant until someone tells them.

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Don’t Assume You’ll Automatically Receive Everything

One of the biggest myths is that once DLA or PIP is awarded, every other benefit will automatically follow.

Unfortunately, that’s often not the case.

Many benefits require you to:

• Tell Universal Credit about your award.
• Make separate applications.
• Request additional assessments.
• Contact your local authority.

That’s why understanding the wider support available is so important.

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Final Thoughts

Every week I hear from parents who say:

“I wish I’d known this sooner.”

The benefits system can feel incredibly complicated, especially when you’re already caring for a disabled child or managing your own health.

The good news is that help is available—but sometimes you have to know where to look.

If you think you might be entitled to one of the benefits mentioned above, don’t assume the answer is “no.”

Ask.

Check.

And get advice if you’re unsure.

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Need Help?

At AskEllie, we help families understand disability benefits, EHCPs, SEND law and the wider support they may be entitled to.

Visit AskEllie.co.uk for practical guidance and personalised support.