Caring for a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) can be rewarding, but it can also bring extra pressures, responsibilities, and financial challenges. There is support available to help. This section provides clear, straightforward information about the benefits, financial help, and practical support that parents and carers may be entitled to.
Whether you are new to the SEND system or looking to understand what additional help you could access, this guide will walk you through the key benefits, how to apply, and where to find further advice. Our aim is to make the process easier to navigate so you can focus on what matters most – supporting your child.
Carer's Allowance is a benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
Eligibility rules apply, including earnings limits.
For more information see the Carer's Allowance page on the GOV.UK web site.
Carer's Allowance Unit
Phone 0800 731 0297
Carer's Allowance is a benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
Eligibility rules apply, including earnings limits.
For more information see the Carer's Allowance page on the GOV.UK web site.
Carer's Allowance Unit
Phone 0800 731 0297
Carer's Credit helps protect your National Insurance record if you are providing care and are unable to work.
Carer's Credit helps protect your National Insurance record if you are providing care and are unable to work.
You may be able to get help with your Council Tax depending on your income and circumstances.
Some households may also qualify for reductions linked to disability adaptations or specific caring arrangements.
See further information about Council Tax / Rate relief from Carers UK.
You may be able to get help with your Council Tax depending on your income and circumstances.
Some households may also qualify for reductions linked to disability adaptations or specific caring arrangements.
See further information about Council Tax / Rate relief from Carers UK.
Many families caring for a disabled child may be entitled to Universal Credit.
Additional amounts may be included where a child has a disability and if you receive Universal Credit and care for a disabled child or adult for at least 35 hours a week, you may be able to receive an additional Carer Element as part of your Universal Credit award.
You do not need to receive Carer's Allowance to qualify, although specific rules apply.
Many families caring for a disabled child may be entitled to Universal Credit.
Additional amounts may be included where a child has a disability and if you receive Universal Credit and care for a disabled child or adult for at least 35 hours a week, you may be able to receive an additional Carer Element as part of your Universal Credit award.
You do not need to receive Carer's Allowance to qualify, although specific rules apply.
Families of disabled children often face higher energy bills.
You may be able to access:
Families of disabled children often face higher energy bills.
You may be able to access:
Some charities offer grants towards:
Some charities offer grants towards:
Benefits can be complicated and everyone's circumstances are different.
A free benefits check can help identify support you may be missing.
Useful organisations include:
Benefits can be complicated and everyone's circumstances are different.
A free benefits check can help identify support you may be missing.
Useful organisations include: