One of the biggest things many SEND families discover too late is this:
DLA is often only the beginning.
A huge number of parents receive Disability Living Allowance for their child but have no idea they may also qualify for additional financial help, discounts, concessions, or practical support linked to that award.
And honestly, when SEND parenting already affects:
- work
- finances
- transport
- emotional wellbeing
- family life
- and day-to-day routines
…every bit of support can make a genuine difference.
Why So Many Families Miss Out
Many parents are never actually told what DLA can connect to.
They receive the award letter, focus on surviving daily life, and understandably assume that is the end of the process.
But depending on:
- your child’s rate of DLA
- whether they receive care and/or mobility
- your household circumstances
- your income
- and your child’s age
…there may be additional support available too.
1. Carer’s Allowance
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for your child and meet the earnings rules, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance.
Many SEND parents reduce work hours or leave employment entirely because of caring responsibilities, so this can become important financial support.
Even if you cannot receive the payment itself because of other income or benefits, you may still qualify for underlying entitlement, which can increase other benefits.
2. Blue Badge
If your child has significant mobility difficulties, overwhelming psychological distress, or safety risks linked to disability, they may qualify for a Blue Badge.
This can make:
- school runs
- appointments
- hospital visits
- shopping
- and community access
far less stressful.
Many autistic children qualify even without physical disabilities.
3. Motability Scheme
Children receiving the higher rate mobility component of DLA may qualify for the Motability Scheme.
This allows families to lease:
- cars
- WAVs (wheelchair accessible vehicles)
- scooters
- or powered wheelchairs
using the mobility component.
For many families, this becomes life-changing.
4. Disability Railcards
Many children receiving DLA qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard.
This can reduce travel costs for both the child and accompanying adult.
Useful for:
- hospital appointments
- family trips
- school travel
- or simply making days out more affordable.
5. Cinema Companion Tickets
A lot of cinemas offer free companion tickets for disabled children.
This means a parent or carer can attend without paying an additional ticket cost.
Some attractions also offer:
- queue adjustments
- sensory screenings
- quieter sessions
- and accessibility support.
6. Council Tax Reductions
Some families may qualify for council tax reductions or discounts where disability significantly impacts the home environment.
This can depend on:
- adaptations
- extra rooms
- specialist equipment
- or local authority schemes.
7. Universal Credit Disability Elements
If your child receives DLA, this can increase the amount of Universal Credit your household receives.
Many parents do not realise this needs to be updated separately.
8. National Disability Cards & Discount Schemes
There are also various disability cards and concession schemes that can help with:
- restaurants
- leisure activities
- attractions
- holidays
- shopping
- transport
- and family outings.
The savings can add up far more than people realise.
Why This Matters So Much
SEND parenting often comes with hidden costs:
- sensory items
- replacement technology
- specialist food
- transport
- lost earnings
- therapies
- appointments
- increased fuel costs
- emotional burnout
And many families are already stretched to breaking point financially.
That is why understanding the wider support available matters.
Not because families are “looking for handouts.”
But because raising a disabled or neurodivergent child often comes with significantly increased demands and expenses.
A Final Thought
One of the hardest parts of navigating the SEND world is that parents often have to discover everything themselves.
Most people are not handed a clear guide.
They learn through:
- exhaustion
- Facebook groups
- tribunals
- other parents
- late-night Googling
- and survival mode.
So if your child already receives DLA, it is genuinely worth checking what additional support you may also qualify for.
Because sometimes knowing your rights changes more than people realise.
For more SEND support, EHCP guidance, autism information and benefit help, visit AskEllie.co.uk
Leave a Reply