Parents with autistic and ADHD children can get £16,157 in benefits and extra help

The Sun

3 days ago

RAISING kids can cost parents thousands of pounds a year putting big pressure on budgets.
Children with disabilities such as autism and ADHD can require extra support that piles on extra financial strain.
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Fortunately, there are extra financial resources available to parents of children with added needs.
Here's how you can get cash to help with everything from childcare to holidays...
Disability living allowance (DLA) - £9,700
Depending on the level of extra care you need to give your child, you could qualify for the child disability payment.
The rate is up to £187.45 a week rated on the level of help the child needs.
To qualify for the allowance, your child's condition must mean that they need much more looking after than a child of the same age without disability, or they have difficulty getting about.
At the lowest rate you'll get £29.20 a week for care, this is when they need help for some of the day.
At a middle rate, you'll receive £73.90 where a child needs frequent help or constant supervision during the day.
And at the highest rate, the child will need help or supervision throughout both day and night with a rate of £110.40.
There is a separate part if your child has mobility issues which can top the amount up to as much as £187.45 or more than £9,700 a year.
You'll need to show that the difficulties have been in place for at least three months and are expected to last for at least six months.
There are separate criteria for the mobility element of the DLA.
You can apply for the benefit by calling 0800 121 4600.
Carers Allowance - £4,331
If your child is on the middle or highest rate of the Disability Living Allowance payment you could then qualify for a carers allowance which is worth £83.30 a week or £4,331 a year.
You'll need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for your child to get the allowance.
Your earnings will also need to come in at £196 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
It's also worth noting that when you claim Carer's Allowance your other benefit payments may change.
For example, you're Universal Credit could be reduced by the amount you're receiving from the Carers Allowance.
You can apply online and will need information such as your National Insurance number and employment details.
Extra tax-free childcare - £2,000
If your child gets the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you also get extra in tax-free childcare.
The government gives working parents £2 for every £8 paid into a tax-free childcare account, up to £2,000 a year.
But for disabled children, the limit is £4,000 a year.
The account can be used to pay for nursery fees, childminders, as well as summer holiday camps.
Apply online at gov.uk/tax-free-childcare.
A third off train travel - £126
The Disabled Persons Railcard offers a third off rail fares in Britain, saving regular users around £126 a year.
The card costs £14.50 a year for young persons aged five to 15.
The card doesn't offer discounts on child fares, but it will allow one person travelling with the cardholder to get a third off most rail fares meaning a parent can get the savings.
Family fund
If you are raising a disabled child and on a low income, you could apply for a grant from charity Family Fund.
A grant is money that doesn't have to be paid back.
The organisation provides grants for family breaks, clothing, days out, computers and tablet, furniture, and toys among other items to support with your child's upbringing.
To be eligible, a child or young person will need to show they require a high level of support in at least three out of seven key area including social activities, education, communication, and personal care.
You will need to show your household income is low, either through receiving selected benefits or providing proof of earnings.
You can apply online at familyfund.org.uk.
Other grants
A range of organisations including the government and local charity's offer financial help if you are in need that doesn't need to be paid back.
These can have quite niche criteria for qualifying.
For example, there are grants available for people working specifically in the education sector and experiencing financial hardship.
It means that if you are a parent working in this sector and have a with a child living with ADHD or autism, you could get help.
What help is available to parents for childcare costs?
CHILDCARE can be a costly business. Here is how you can get help.
30 hours of free childcare - Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours of free childcare a week.
To qualify you must work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year.
Tax credits - For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs.
Tax-free childcare - Available to working families and the self-employed, for every £8 you put in the government will add an extra £2.