There are a range of benefits available to families with children, and some benefits which are paid for children with disabilities in particular. This information is for parents of children aged under 16. 

We also have information about benefits for autistic adults, and information about benefits for young autistic people (aged 16-20).
 

Disability Living Allowance 

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can be claimed for children who have additional care needs or difficulty with walking which are caused by a disability or health condition. DLA is a non-diagnosis specific benefit, so having a diagnosis of autism will not automatically lead to an award, but many children on the autism spectrum do qualify for the benefit. It is also entirely non-means-tested, so your income and savings are not taken into account. DLA can be awarded at several different rates depending on the level of additional care that the child requires.  

To apply for DLA, you will need to complete a detailed application form. You can order a form by ringing the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 121 4600 or 0800 220674 in Northern Ireland. You can also download the application form online. 

Carer’s Allowance 

If you are awarded DLA for your child, you may also be able to claim Carer’s Allowance for yourself. Carer’s Allowance is a benefit that is paid to carers who care for a child who has been awarded DLA at the middle or high rate (there are other qualifying benefits if you care for an adult). The carer must not be earning over £128 per week and must be spending at least 35 hours a week caring. Claims for Carer’s Allowance are made on form DS700. 

In England, Wales and Scotland, you can download a claim form or get one by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0345 608 4321. 

In Northern Ireland, you can download a claim form or get one by calling the Disability and Carers Service on 028 9090 6186. 

For more details, see our information about Carer's Allowance. 

Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit 

Tax Credits can be paid to parents of children and to people who are working. 

If DLA is awarded for your child, you can get additional amounts of Child Tax Credits. To claim Tax Credits, call the Tax Credits Helpline on 0345 300 3900. 

Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits are being replaced by Universal Credit. 

Housing Benefit and help with Council Tax or Rates 

If you pay rent and have a low income and savings of under £16,000, you may be entitled to claim Housing Benefit. Some people on a very low income get all their rent paid. Some people who are working or have some savings get some money towards the cost of their rent. 

There are various schemes that can reduce the amount of Council Tax that you have to pay. Council Tax Support is a means-tested reduction of your bill. Council Tax discounts are reductions that are not means-tested and depend on who is living in the property. The Disability Reduction Scheme can reduce the bill where the home has been adapted for a disabled person. 

In Northern Ireland, you can get means-tested help to pay your rates, and it is also possible to qualify for a non-means-tested disability reduction for adapted properties. 

Housing Benefit and Council Tax are administered by local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland. There is more information on the Government's website. You will need to contact your local authority to apply. In Northern Ireland, it’s the Housing Executive and Land and Property Services. Visit the nidirect website or call the Land and Property Services helpline on 0300 200 7802.  

Income Support 

Income Support is a means-tested benefit that can be paid to people who have a low income and meet certain criteria. Carers and lone parents of children aged under five can claim Income Support if their income and savings are low enough. To claim Income Support, call 0800 0556688, or in Northern Ireland, contact your local social security office. 

Income Support is being replaced by Universal Credit. 

For more details, see the income support pages on the Government's website  

Universal Credit 

Universal Credit is replacing the following means-tested benefits: 

Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. 

These are now referred to as ‘legacy benefits’ and new claims can only be made in limited circumstances, for example if you get a Severe Disability Premium on your current benefits.  

Most people who need to make a new claim, or have a change of circumstances that trigger a new claim, will need to claim Universal Credit. 

Universal Credit has a child amount and has disabled child additions. 

To get help, you can ring the UC helpline on 0800 328 5644. You can also use the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service on 0800 144 8 444. 

Challenging benefit decisions 

If you disagree with a decision about your benefit, you have the right to challenge the decision. There are strict time limits which apply. For more information, see our information on benefit appeals and reconsiderations. 

More information

• The Government-run website www.gov.uk (or https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/ for Northern Ireland) provides details of most benefits. 
• Advicelocal has information on local advice services throughout the UK.
• Citizens Advice has information about benefits and details of local Citizens Advice bureau. 
• Working families has a free helpline for families offering information on benefits and employment rights.
• Gingerbread's website and helpline offer information on benefits for lone parents.