Support can be expensive — but there's more help available than many families realise. The main thing to remember: most of these are based on your child's needs, not on having a diagnosis. Below is a plain-English map of the main options.
Benefits (based on need)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)Under 16
The main benefit for children needing extra care or help getting around. It's tax-free and not means-tested, and can act as a gateway to other help.
The main benefit for children needing extra care or help getting around. It's tax-free and not means-tested, and can act as a gateway to other help.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)16+
Replaces DLA at 16. Focuses on the impact on daily living and independence.
Replaces DLA at 16. Focuses on the impact on daily living and independence.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)University
Funds specialist equipment, software and mentors for students in higher education.
Funds specialist equipment, software and mentors for students in higher education.
Access to WorkEmployment
A government grant for workplace adaptations, assistive software or a job coach (gov.uk/access-to-work).
A government grant for workplace adaptations, assistive software or a job coach (gov.uk/access-to-work).
Universal Credit (LCWRA element)Adults
Extra support where a condition severely limits the ability to work.
Extra support where a condition severely limits the ability to work.
️Through your local authority
Personal budgets & direct payments
If your child has an EHC Plan (or a social care assessment), you can ask to receive some funding as a direct payment, so you can arrange and buy your own therapies or support (see Chapter 3, Section J).
If your child has an EHC Plan (or a social care assessment), you can ask to receive some funding as a direct payment, so you can arrange and buy your own therapies or support (see Chapter 3, Section J).
Disabled Facilities Grants
Council funding towards essential home adaptations — for example a low-sensory safe space or a ramp.
Council funding towards essential home adaptations — for example a low-sensory safe space or a ramp.
EHCP / high-needs funding
Funding attached to the support in a child's EHC Plan, passed to the school or provision to pay for it.
Funding attached to the support in a child's EHC Plan, passed to the school or provision to pay for it.
Charitable grants
Family Fund
Grants for lower-income families raising a disabled or seriously ill child — often for sensory toys, tablets/computers, furniture and family breaks.
Grants for lower-income families raising a disabled or seriously ill child — often for sensory toys, tablets/computers, furniture and family breaks.
Glasspool Charity & Family Action
Small, one-off welfare grants towards essential household items, educational equipment or short-term crises.
Small, one-off welfare grants towards essential household items, educational equipment or short-term crises.
Local networks & your Local Offer
Every local authority publishes a Local Offer listing services for children with SEN and disabilities in the area (see Chapter 1). Because Warlingham sits right on the Surrey–Croydon border, families here can often draw on both the Surrey and Croydon Local Offers.
Local support usually includes parent-carer forums, SEND youth groups and social clubs, "buddy" and social-companion schemes, and carers' drop-ins. These are the single most valuable source of on-the-ground tips and emotional support.
⚠️ Benefit rules, grants and local groups change often, and eligibility varies. Always check current details and eligibility before relying on any of the above — search your council's Local Offer, or ask PawSteps to help you find what's available near you.