Where to Get Help

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

  This is available to help children under the age of 16 who have difficulties walking or who need much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.

  You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply for DLA as it is based on an assessment of needs. Some parents might be put off applying as they don't feel their child's condition is as serious as some other disabilities. However, if you have to spend a lot of time helping your child to do everyday tasks, such as having a shower or going to bed, you could be eligible.

  How to claim DLA

  The DLA form is quite long and can seem daunting, so this free step-by-step guide should help make it easier:

  DLA guide 

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  When your child turns 16, the Disability Living Allowance is replaced by the Personal Independence Payment or PIP.

  PIP can help with extra living costs if you have both: 

  • A long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
  • Difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition

  You can get PIP even if you're working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

  How to claim PIP

• Carer's Allowance

  If you receive a Disability Living Allowance at the middle or higher rate, you can also claim Carer's Allowance.

  You cannot claim if you earn more than a set amount, but you may be able to claim Carer's Credit instead.

  Claiming Carer's Allowance

• Theme Parks/Theatre Trips/Days Out

  If you're planning a day out, check the website of where you're going to see if they provide free adult carer tickets. You may also be able to get a pass allowing you to avoid queues if this is something your child struggles with.

• Disabled Facilities Grant

  This can be applied via your local authority to help with the cost of making adaptations to your home. The adaptations must make it easier for you to care for your disabled child or increase their level of independence at home.

  Disabled Facilities Grants factsheet

• Family Fund

  A charity that provides grants to low-income families with disabled or seriously ill children, to help pay for items such as sensory equipment, days out, holidays and technology.

  Apply for a Family Fund grant

• Foodbanks

  Foodbanks provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship.

  Most food banks will provide three days' of emergency food and support to those in need. To use some foodbanks you will need a voucher from a local support agency. Once you have a voucher, it can be taken to a nearby foodbank, to be swapped for a food parcel.

  More about foodbanks

• Short Breaks

  Every local authority runs Short Breaks schemes to provide activities for disabled children and respite care for families with disabled children.

  Short Breaks in Norfolk

• Other Services to Support You

  CEA Card - entitles you to a free adult carer cinema ticket, when you purchase a ticket for your child.

  Access Card - provides evidence of your child's disabilities, so that venues can provide accessibility to the needs of their visitors.

  Disability Aids - Better Mobility has listed a variety of charities that you can apply to for help with disability aids, therapy and sensory equipment.

  Discounts for Carers - an online shopping discount scheme for carers.

  The Handicapped Children's Action Group - provides specialist equipment for children with disabilities, learning difficulties and other special needs.

• Preparing For Adult Life

  As your young person grows they may need more independence over their finances. Starting to support your child with financial independence early on can help to build healthy habits and avoid risk later in life. 
  
  Young people with additional needs can be more likely to experience vulnerabilities like online scams, financial exploitation and debt. This can be due to:

  • Levels of empathy and trusting tendencies
  • Differences with information processing and communication
  • Inability to plan, or organise themselves
  • Potential for risk-taking and impulsivity

  Topics to consider exploring with your child include:

  • Online banking apps and safety tips to manage finances
  • Apps to manage passwords and logins
  • Apps to consolidate pension pots into one place to make planning for the future easier
  • Having a buddy who your child trusts, which could be a family member or close friend who can help support your child with technology, or money management
  • Setting up notifications to serve as a reminder of how much money they have spent, or have left. 

  Protecting your child from scams

  Money management tips for young people