Depending on your family’s situation and your child’s needs, you may be able to get help through:
Benefits and Allowances:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - for children under 16 who need extra care or help getting around.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - for young people aged 16+ who have a long-term health condition or disability.
- Carer’s Allowance - for someone who cares for your child for at least 35 hours a week.
- Universal Credit - with extra support if your child has a disability.
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - for young people with SEND who cannot work.
- Child Tax Credit/Working Tax Credit - with disability elements if you’re eligible.
Grants and Local Support:
- Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) - helps cover the cost of changes to your home (like ramps or accessible bathrooms).
- Croydon Welfare Assistance Scheme - emergency support for families facing hardship.
- Children’s Continuing Care and Health Support - for families with children who have complex medical needs.
- SEND Travel Assistance - for help getting your child to school or college.
- Free school meals and clothing grants - depending on income or benefit status.
Personal Budgets:
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may be able to request a Personal Budget to give you more choice and control over how certain services are arranged and delivered.
This could help with:
- Short breaks
- Specialist activities
- Support workers or personal assistants
Your EHCP caseworker or the SEND team can talk you through this option.