Children and young people with SEND, and their families may be entitled to additional support. This might include benefits or allowances provided by the government or help from your local council.

There are also number of national organisations and charities who provide support such as grants or equipment.

Once young people turn 16 they can can claim any benefits and allowances in their own right. Young people might start to earn their own money too, perhaps through an apprenticeship, or starting part-time work.

Help may also be available with things like travel and housing – our living independently pages have lots of information young people may find useful.

Our managing your money page contains useful advice to young adults as they start to live more independently.

Disability benefits

Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance for children (DLA) may help with the extra cost of looking after a child under 16 who has difficulties walking, or needs much more support than a child of the same age without a disability.

DLA is made up of 2 components (parts), the ‘care component’ and the ‘mobility component’. To get DLA your child must be eligible for at least one of the components.

Personal Independence Payments

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are payments made to young people or adults over the age of 16 with a long-term ill-health or disability. Parents can apply for PIP on behalf of a young adult as their appointee, or the young person can apply in their own right.

There are 2 parts to PIP:

• a mobility part – if you need help with getting around
• a daily living part – if you need help with everyday tasks

The national charity Contact has produced a useful guide to Personal Independence Payments.

Benefits if you’re on a low income

Carers Allowance

If you care for someone over the age of 18 for at least 35 hours a week you might be eligible for a Carer’s Allowance.

Employment and support allowance

If you are over 16 you may be able to apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that means you can’t work, or affects how much you can work.

You will need to have worked (or been self-employed) and paid some national insurance contributions (or gained National insurance credits) to be eligible.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment available to eligible people over the age of 18.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be:

• out of work
• working (including self-employed or part time)
• unable to work, for example because of a health condition

If you qualify for Universal Credit you’ll continue getting any other benefits you already receive, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carer’s Allowance.

Health or social care support

Financial support for health needs

A personal health budget is an amount of money granted by your local NHS team to help with your health and wellbeing needs.

Support from Devon County Council

Some children and young people may be eligible for either a personal budget or direct payments to provide the support they need. They may also be able to access out short breaks service.

See our dedicated Personal budgets and direct payments pages to find out more.