Financial support for families with special education or disability needs

Access to work

Access to work funding is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions to support young people and adults with learning difficulties or disabilities into employment.

The funding is for equipment or additional support you may need so you can work.

Find out more about Access to Work and how to apply on GOV.UK

Carer's Allowance

You may be entitled to a Carer's Allowance to help you look after someone with substantial caring needs.

Check if you are eligible and how to apply on GOV.UK

Disability benefits

You may be able to claim:

• Disabled facilities grant – the disabled facilities grant is available for a range of work that will help a disabled person remain in their home
• Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA) on GOV.UK – this can cover some of the extra costs of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payments will be replacing the Disability Living Allowance –  can help you with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you are aged between 16 and 64.

Check if you are eligible and how to apply on GOV.UK.

Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

Employment Support Allowance is for young people who are ill or are disabled. It offers you financial support if you are unable to work, or personalised help so that you can work if you are able to.

Check if you are eligible and how to apply on GOV.UK.

Childcare costs

You could be eligible for 15 to 30 hours of free childcare if you meet the criteria.

For more information, visit Croydon's Local Offer webpage on free childcare.

Personal budgets

If your child or young person has a Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan you can request for a personal budget to receive direct payments for education and health support.

For more information and how to apply, visit Croydon's Local Offer website.

Disability access card

The access card is widely accepted as proof of a disabled person’s needs, and provides access to concessions such as free companion passes and tickets.

Find out who can register and how to apply.