Now your child gets DLA or PIP
Getting DLA or PIP can mean you or your child are entitled to other benefits and services. These are sometimes called passported benefits. Some are available to everyone getting certain rates of DLA or PIP, some only if you are also on a low income. We explain these here to help make sure your family does not miss out.
Carers Allowance
If you are not working or work but earn less than £196 per week after tax, it is likely you can claim Carers Allowance. We explain more about Carers Allowance here.
As a start, call the Carers Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 for a claim pack. You can also apply for Carers Allowance online.
Universal Credit
If you are claiming, be sure to say that your child gets DLA or PIP as you may well be entitled to extra money.
The Family Fund
The Family Fund is a charity that makes grants to families on low incomes with disabled children aged 17 and under. Grants can be given for things that make family life easier but must directly relate to your child’s needs. This could be special toys, a washing machine, fridge, money for day trips and holidays. To apply, families must be in receipt of, or prove entitlement to a low-income benefit. You can apply every 24 months.
Help with childcare costs
Getting DLA for your child or Carers Allowance for yourself can affect how much free childcare your children can get or at what age. It is worth checking this carefully. Read our web page about childcare.
The Childcare Choices website has a national eligibility check tool and or you can call the government helpline on 0300 1234 097.
Help with bills and the cost of living
There are schemes to help people who are facing financial hardship and having a person in the household who gets a disability benefit is an added factor for some of these. For example, you may be able to get help with energy costs or water bills. Find out more on our detailed page on the cost of living.
Leisure discounts
The Compass Card is a register and free leisure discount card for children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs living or studying in Brighton & Hove. Amaze manages the Compass Card for Brighton & Hove City Council. Find out more and apply for a Compass Card here.
i-go is a register and free leisure discount card for children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs living or studying in East Sussex. For more information visit: i-go | Discover the East Sussex i-go scheme
Other leisure discounts: you may be able to get a free carers ticket or discount when accompanying your child to places and events. Carry proof that they get DLA or PIP with you and always ask. Sometimes you may need to apply in advance or get a card. There may be a small admin fee. For example the CEA Card can be used at most UK cinemas.
Carers Card: Both Brighton & Hove and East Sussex also have carers’ cards. To find out more visit our Carers Card page.
Travel
Buses
If your child is aged 5 or over they may be entitled to a free Disabled Persons Bus pass. This gives free off peak travel on buses anywhere in England. Apply through your local council
Trains
If your child is over 5, and receiving DLA at the middle or higher rate for personal care or either mobility rate, or if they receive PIP, they may be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard. There is a charge for this, but it is likely to save you money. Check whether a Family and Friends Railcard may be a better option depending on your family circumstances. Find out more about railcards here.
Motability
If your child receives the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA or the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months of their award left to run, you can use this part of their award to lease a vehicle or electric wheelchair. Get details of the Motability scheme and how to apply here. Or call 0300 4564566.
Blue Badges
The Blue Badge scheme makes it easier for disabled people to park closer to their destination. You can use it in anybody’s car, but it belongs to the disabled child or young person and is there to help them rather than the rest of the family. They are issued by your local council. Eligibility is a bit complex. Your child will qualify automatically if they get the higher rate of the mobility part of DLA. The local authority also has some discretion to issue a Blue Badge if your child is autistic and has behaviour that challenges, but does not qualify for the higher rate mobility of DLA.
Children under three may be entitled to a Blue Badge if they have medical needs which require you to carry bulky equipment or if your child needs ready access to a vehicle for treatment.
Young people will also qualify automatically if they score 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of PIP, or score 10 points on the ‘planning a journey’ activity of PIP on the grounds that they are unable to undertake any journey as it would cause overwhelming psychological distress or they are registered blind.
Young people getting PIP may also be entitled to a Blue Badge if they put themselves or others at significant risk by walking or using public transport.
Contact your local council to apply:
