Full Guide to Managing Family Finances – Chapter 6
A child with special education needs or disabilities (SEND) needs additional support, and the extent of this will be unique to each family. In this article, Cashfloat uncovers the cost of raising a child with special needs and what help is availble for them.
SCOPE, a disability equality charity, reported in 2023 that a family with disabled children faces average extra costs of £975 a month. A Family Fund survey of more than 1,000 families in July 2022 found that carers were cutting back on meals to meet rising costs, and inflation is having an especially damaging effect, according to this Guardian report.
There are many additional costs when looking after a child with a disability:
- One-to-one care, either paid-for or unpaid, the latter eating up time which would otherwise be for earning.
- Special equipment, and the energy costs of running it. This equipment might be specially equipped beds and chairs; communication equipment; educational toys and resources.
- Extra use of the washing machine and dryer for soiled clothing and bedding etc.
- Therapies.
Education for a disabled child can look very different. Please refer to the current codes of practice and guidance in educational settings.
Which benefits can help me with raising a child with a disability?
Grants and government help is available. The UK government’s Universal Credit offers additional financial support for parents of disabled children. You’ll get:
- £146.31 if your child is disabled
- £414.88 if your child is severely disabled
Much support is at a local level. Also consider:
- All children between the age of 3-4 are entitled to 15 hours of free child care a week. Some children with disabilities are entitled to this from the age of two. Your local council also might be able to help you with paying for child care.
- You may be able to claim a Disability Living Allowance or child tax credits.
- The government give £64.60 to carers who look after a disabled adult or child for more than 35 hours a week and they receive other benefits.
- The government has set up a Motability Scheme. Parents can lease a car if their child is aged 3 or over and is entitled to either a higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance or enhanced mobility components of their Personal Independence Payment.
- You may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant to help with the costs of adapting your home.
Finding support as a working parent with a disabled child
There are many charities within the UK that support families with disabled children. Here are a few:
- The charity Contact highlights the challenges parents face when returning to work and balancing this with the needs of their child, as well as providing resources.
- The London-based Council for Disabled Children provides information and is a starting point for connecting with other relevant organisations.
- The Family Fund, provides grants to help lessen the financial burden for parents with special needs or seriously ill children. They are funded by UK governments and private donations.
There are also many support groups out there for parents and family members. It helps to discuss your struggles with people who are going through similar circumstances. Other parents may help you come up with original resolutions for your struggles.
