DLA- any benefits to child, beyond extra money

[MySerenity]

I am thinking of applying for DLA for my child with chronic illnesses. I

We are very fortunate to be OK financially, as we are both still (just) juggling part time jobs around her care. This may change though.

I was wondering if DLA opens doors to any other benefits, eg in terms of childcare, education, extra support?

No it doesn't unfortunately. I've been receiving it for my child for the last 6yrs. It's "just" the money. If you don't need it you could always save most of it for an in case situation - if anything were to worsen or a family crisis and one of you needed to reduce hours further or come out of work altogether it could be a back up.

It helps with people realising that your child has extra needs and allows you to apply for things like CEA, carers spaces etc.

Makes some things easier (we're in a similar position and DS gets HRC) it's opened up cinema card, access card, Hynt card, carers tickets at attractions etc. Some is possible without DLA but it makes it all easier.

Despite the fact we are comfortable, it also pays for things he needs, the £50 a fortnight for music therapy because mainstream music is closed to him, OT, the £65 a month for SEND forest school, the one to one support he needs to access Beavers, the £30 a week childcare for our other child so we can accompany him to swimming lessons. Disability is very expensive. We're fortunate we can spend it on this and not basic living costs.

2 year olds in receipt of DLA are entitled to 15hours free childcare.

Early years providers are entitled to Disability Access Funding for any 3&4 year olds who attend that in receipt of DLA.

Some things such as CEA card and disabled person’s railcard use DLA as evidence.

Some LAs have DLA as one of the ways of qualifying for short breaks.

The London taxicard scheme uses high rate mobility as one of the ways of qualifying for a taxicard.

Some places use DLA as evidence for free carer tickets.

If in receipt of high rare mobility, DC automatically qualify for a blue badge. If no or low rate mobility you can still apply for a blue badge and be assessed.

As well as receiving the DLA money, if you receiving UC, there is an extra element and another one for the carer. It also removes the benefit cap and can remove the bedroom tax depending on rate/number of bedrooms.

There isn't a standardised list persay but yes lots of what is mentioned above may be attainable.

The application process is time-consuming and drawn out. You will need plenty of evidence that the child in question has significant needs beyond similar aged peers.
Good luck.

It also means you can apply for carers allowance. This and the DLA has helped when I have unable to work.
The DLA has also meant I have been able to take her places/to things as I get a free or reduced ticket.

Well if you were on a low income it gives you things like the disability element in universal credit which is about £450 a month on top of your usual payment, and mid / high rate dla also gives you the option to apply for carers allowance and carers element - two separate things. If someone is eligible for carers allowance they should always claim it even if it’s taken back via UC (complex) as it means you get national insurance credits towards your state pension if you don’t work. (All these things are in addition to the dla payment itself).

which is about £450 a month on top of your usual payment

It is only £487.58 if eligible for the severely disabled child element. The disabled child element is £156.11.

It depends on the support. DS has ADHD and his art therapist accepted child benefit as a ‘benefit’ to allow us to keep receiving discounted sessions. But this was a private provider so they could set their own rules. It doesn’t entitle you to anything else.

Yes - sorry, we get the severely disabled child element.

If you're entitled to it but don't need it, take it and save it. Your circumstances may change or you may find that your child could use it for something in the future.

As well as the disabled child element on UC you are also entitled to the carers element (£198 pm) of UC.

Thank you all for the advice. It's all new to us. I'll definitely apply, as the money can be put towards extra activities or purchases for managing her illnesses.

That depends on the level of DLA awarded. Only if the award includes MRC or HRC.