Benefits & Adult SEND Hub

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

DLA for children is for under-16s who need substantially more care, supervision or help getting around than other children of the same age. It is not means-tested and does not depend on a diagnosis.

• Two components: care (lower, middle or higher rate) and mobility (lower or higher rate).
• The test is extra care and supervision compared with a child of the same age — including at night and in public.
• Describe your worst days as well as typical days, with real examples and how long tasks take.
• Supporting evidence helps: reports from school, therapists, paediatricians, and your own diary.
• In Scotland, Child Disability Payment has replaced DLA for children.
• DLA can open doors to other help, such as Carer's Allowance and the disability element of Universal Credit.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age who need help with daily living or getting around. It is based on how your condition affects you, not on the condition itself.

• Two components — daily living and mobility — each paid at a standard or enhanced rate.
• Points are scored across activities such as preparing food, communicating, managing medication and planning journeys.
• You must be able to do an activity safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard and in a reasonable time — otherwise you cannot do it.
• Mental health, autism, ADHD and learning disability needs count fully; describe prompting and supervision.
• Keep a copy of everything you send, and note dates of calls and assessments.
• In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment has replaced PIP.

Carer's Allowance & Other Support

Disability benefits often unlock other help for the household. It is worth doing a full benefits check rather than claiming one thing at a time.

• Carer's Allowance may be payable if you care for someone for 35+ hours a week and they receive a qualifying benefit.
• Universal Credit can include extra amounts for disabled children and for limited capability for work.
• Councils may offer council tax reductions, disabled facilities grants and short breaks.
• The Blue Badge scheme, Motability and the Disabled Persons Railcard support getting around.
• A free benefits calculator or local advice service can identify anything you are missing.

Access To Work

Access to Work is a government grant that pays for practical support at work — it is separate from benefits and is not means-tested. You can apply if you are employed, self-employed or have a job starting soon.

• It can fund assistive technology, coaching, a support worker, travel to work and mental health support.
• You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply, and your employer does not have to fund the grant itself.
• An assessment looks at the barriers you face and recommends specific support.
• Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 sit alongside Access to Work, not instead of it.
• Apply early — awards can take time and are reviewed periodically.

Adult Social Care & Independent Living

Adults with care and support needs have a right to a free assessment from their local authority under the Care Act 2014 — whatever their income or savings.

• Ask your council for a Care Act assessment; carers can request a separate carer's assessment.
• Eligible needs lead to a support plan and a personal budget, which can be taken as a direct payment.
• Direct payments let you choose your own personal assistants and services.
• Support can cover daily living, community access, employment, housing and short breaks.
• Supported living, shared lives and adapted housing are all routes to greater independence.
• Charging is means-tested, but the assessment and the plan are not.

Transition To Adult Services

Turning 16 and 18 changes who decides, who pays and which services are involved. Planning early keeps support continuous rather than starting again.

• At 16, young people usually claim PIP in their own name and can make their own decisions where they have capacity.
• Mental Capacity Act principles apply from 16: assume capacity and support decision-making before anyone decides for someone.
• EHCPs can continue to 25 in education or training; adult social care should be involved from Year 9 reviews.
• Check how benefits change when education ends — Child Benefit, Universal Credit and DLA to PIP transfers all shift.
• Explore supported internships, apprenticeships and travel training before the final year of college.

Challenging A Decision

A refusal or a low award is not the final word. A large share of benefit decisions are changed when they are challenged, so it is usually worth going further.

• Ask for a mandatory reconsideration first, normally within one month of the decision letter.
• Request the assessment report and compare it with what you actually said — point out specific errors.
• If reconsideration fails, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
• For social care, use the council's complaints process and then the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
• Get help: welfare rights services, advocacy organisations and local charities do this every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need a diagnosis to claim DLA or PIP?

No. Both are based on the help a person needs, not on a diagnosis. Evidence of day-to-day impact — from you, school, therapists or health professionals — matters more than a label.

Are DLA and PIP means-tested?

No. Neither is affected by income or savings, and they are not taxed. They can also increase entitlement to other benefits.

What is different in Scotland?

Child Disability Payment has replaced DLA for children and Adult Disability Payment has replaced PIP. The principles are similar but the process is run by Social Security Scotland.

Can I get Access to Work if I am self-employed?

Yes. Access to Work is available to employed and self-employed people, and to those about to start a job.

Who pays for adult social care?

The assessment is free. Any care that follows is means-tested, but you should never be refused an assessment because of your income or savings.

How long do I have to challenge a decision?

Usually one month from the date of the decision letter for a mandatory reconsideration. Late requests can sometimes be accepted with a good reason, so ask rather than assuming it is too late.