Each item says which UK nations it’s for.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
A tax-free payment towards the extra costs of looking after a disabled child under 16.
Where: England, Wales
Who it’s for: Children under 16 living in England or Wales who need much more looking after than other children their age, or who have walking difficulties. The needs must have lasted 3 months and be expected to last at least 6 more. The care part can be paid from birth; the mobility part from age 3 (higher rate) or 5 (lower rate).
DLA for children on GOV.UK →
Read: Our guide to applying for DLA
Sources: GOV.UK: DLA for children – eligibility · checked 1 Nov 2026
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
Northern Ireland's version of DLA for disabled children under 16, claimed through nidirect.
Where: Northern Ireland
Who it’s for: Children under 16 in Northern Ireland who need much more looking after than other children their age, or who have walking difficulties. The rules are very like DLA in England and Wales.
DLA for children on nidirect →
Read: Our guide to applying for DLA
Sources: nidirect: DLA for children · checked 1 Nov 2026
Child Disability Payment
Scotland's payment towards the extra costs of a disabled child under 16. It replaced DLA for children in Scotland.
Where: Scotland
Who it’s for: Children under 16 in Scotland with extra care or mobility needs. You don't need a diagnosis. The care part can start from 3 months old; the mobility part from age 3 (higher rate) or 5 (lower rate). In 2026–27 the care part is £30.30, £76.70 or £114.60 a week.
Child Disability Payment on mygov.scot →
Read: Our DLA guide (much of it applies to CDP)
Sources: mygov.scot: Child Disability Payment · checked 1 Nov 2026
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The disability benefit for people aged 16 and over, with a daily living part and a mobility part.
Where: England, Wales, Northern Ireland
England, Wales: People aged 16 or over (usually under State Pension age) in England or Wales with a long-term condition expected to last at least 12 months. Anyone over 16 must apply for PIP rather than DLA.
Northern Ireland: People aged 16 to State Pension age in Northern Ireland with a long-term condition or disability expected to last 12 months or more.
PIP on GOV.UK →
PIP on nidirect →
Sources: GOV.UK: PIP eligibility · nidirect: PIP · GOV.UK: DLA for children – over 16s apply for PIP · checked 1 Nov 2026
Adult Disability Payment
Scotland's disability benefit for people aged 16 and over, with a daily living part and a mobility part.
Where: Scotland
Who it’s for: People in Scotland aged 16 or over (and under State Pension age) with a long-term condition or disability. Ask Social Security Scotland when your young person should move from Child Disability Payment.
Adult Disability Payment on mygov.scot →
Sources: mygov.scot: Adult Disability Payment · checked 1 Nov 2026
Carer's Allowance
A weekly payment (£86.45 in 2026–27) if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
Where: England, Wales, Northern Ireland
England, Wales: Carers aged 16 or over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring, earn £204 a week or less (after tax, National Insurance and expenses) and aren't in full-time education. The person you care for must get a qualifying benefit, such as the middle or highest care rate of DLA, or the daily living part of PIP.
Northern Ireland: Carers in Northern Ireland aged 16 or over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring and earn £204 a week or less, where the person cared for gets a qualifying benefit like DLA (middle or highest care) or PIP daily living.
Carer's Allowance on GOV.UK →
Carer's Allowance on nidirect →
Read: Our guide to Carer's Allowance and Carer's Credit
Sources: GOV.UK: Carer's Allowance eligibility · nidirect: Carer's Allowance · checked 1 Nov 2026
Carer Support Payment
Scotland's weekly carer payment (up to £86.45 in 2026–27). It replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland.
Where: Scotland
Who it’s for: Carers in Scotland aged 16 or over who care for at least 35 hours a week and earn £204 a week or less, where the person cared for gets a qualifying benefit such as Child Disability Payment (middle or highest care). It can come with the Scottish Carer Supplement. Only one carer can get it for the same person.
Carer Support Payment on mygov.scot →
Read: Our guide to carers' benefits
Sources: mygov.scot: Carer Support Payment · mygov.scot: who can apply · checked 1 Nov 2026
Carer's Credit
National Insurance credits that protect your State Pension while you're caring. It isn't a cash payment.
Where: All UK nations
Who it’s for: Carers aged 16 or over (and under State Pension age) who care for 20 hours or more a week for someone getting a qualifying benefit, such as DLA (middle or highest care), Child Disability Payment (middle or highest care), PIP daily living or Adult Disability Payment. Worth checking if you can't get Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment.
Carer's Credit on GOV.UK →
Carer's Credit on nidirect →
Read: Our guide to Carer's Allowance and Carer's Credit
Sources: GOV.UK: Carer's Credit eligibility · nidirect: Carer's Credit · checked 1 Nov 2026
Scottish Child Payment
A weekly payment for each child under 16 in families getting Universal Credit or certain other benefits.
Where: Scotland
Who it’s for: Families in Scotland where you or your partner get Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or (if named on it yourself) Pension Credit, Income Support or income-related ESA, and you're the main person looking after a child under 16. Child Benefit on its own doesn't count.
Scottish Child Payment on mygov.scot →
Sources: mygov.scot: who should apply · checked 1 Nov 2026
Child Winter Heating Payment
A yearly payment (£265.50) to help with heating costs, usually paid automatically.
Where: Scotland
Who it’s for: Children and young people in Scotland under 19 who get the highest care rate of Child Disability Payment or DLA, or the enhanced daily living part of PIP or Adult Disability Payment, in the qualifying week in September. You usually don't need to apply.
Child Winter Heating Payment on mygov.scot →
Sources: mygov.scot: Child Winter Heating Payment · checked 1 Nov 2026
Young Carer Grant (for brothers and sisters who help care)
A yearly payment (£405.10) for young carers in Scotland aged 16 to 19.
Where: Scotland
Who it’s for: Young people aged 16, 17, 18 or 19 who have cared for someone, such as a brother or sister, for an average of 16 hours a week over the last 3 months. They can't get it if they already get Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance.
Young Carer Grant on mygov.scot →
Sources: mygov.scot: Young Carer Grant · checked 1 Nov 2026
Family Fund grants
Grants for things like equipment, white goods, tablets and family breaks, for families on a low income.
Where: All UK nations
Who it’s for: Families on a low income raising a disabled or seriously ill child aged 17 or under, with high support needs, who've lived in the UK for at least 6 months. Programmes differ by nation and change through the year: in England, the current programme is for first-time applicants only until March 2027. Check Family Fund's eligibility page before you apply.
Family Fund: are we eligible? →
Sources: Family Fund: eligibility · checked 1 Nov 2026
Motability Scheme (leasing a car)
Use the higher mobility rate of a disability benefit to lease a car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
Where: All UK nations
Who it’s for: Children aged 3 or over who get the higher rate mobility part of DLA or Child Disability Payment, and people getting the enhanced mobility part of PIP or Adult Disability Payment. A parent can drive on the child's behalf. You usually need at least 12 months left on the award.
Motability for a disabled child (GOV.UK) →
Sources: GOV.UK: Motability scheme · Motability Foundation: who can join · checked 1 Nov 2026
Free or cheaper vehicle tax
You may be able to stop paying vehicle tax on a car used for a disabled child or adult.
Where: All UK nations
Who it’s for: If your child gets the higher rate mobility part of DLA or Child Disability Payment (or someone gets enhanced PIP or ADP mobility), you can apply for a vehicle tax exemption for a vehicle used for them.
Vehicles and transport (GOV.UK) →
Sources: GOV.UK: vehicle tax exemption · checked 1 Nov 2026
Blue Badge (parking)
A parking permit that lets you park closer to where you're going. It usually lasts up to 3 years.
Where: All UK nations
Who it’s for: Some people qualify automatically, for example if they get the higher rate mobility part of DLA. Others can apply if they can't walk or find walking very difficult. Children under 3 may qualify if they must travel with bulky medical equipment or stay close to a vehicle for emergency treatment.
England: In England it costs up to £10. Apply through GOV.UK.
Wales: In Wales it's free. Apply through GOV.UK.
Scotland: In Scotland most councils charge £20. Apply through mygov.scot.
Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland, apply through nidirect. The badge costs £10.
Apply for a Blue Badge (GOV.UK) →
Blue Badge on mygov.scot →
Blue Badge eligibility on nidirect →
Sources: GOV.UK: apply for a Blue Badge · GOV.UK: who can get a Blue Badge · mygov.scot: who can get one · nidirect: eligibility · checked 1 Nov 2026
Help to adapt your home
Grants or council help for adaptations like ramps, wider doors, stairlifts or an accessible bathroom.
Where: All UK nations
England: In England, a Disabled Facilities Grant of up to £30,000 from your council. For a disabled child under 18, your income isn't taken into account. Don't start work before the council approves it.
Wales: In Wales, a Disabled Facilities Grant of up to £36,000 from your council. For a disabled child under 18, your income isn't taken into account. Don't start work before the council approves it.
Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland, a Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £25,000) through the Housing Executive, usually after an occupational therapist's assessment from your Health and Social Care Trust.
Scotland: Scotland doesn't have Disabled Facilities Grants. Instead, your council's social care department can arrange care equipment or changes to your home. Ask them for an assessment.
Disabled Facilities Grants (GOV.UK) →
Housing Executive: Disabled Facilities Grant →
Care equipment and adapting your home (mygov.scot) →
Sources: GOV.UK: DFG – what you'll get · GOV.UK: DFG eligibility · Housing Executive: DFG · mygov.scot: adapting your home · checked 1 Nov 2026
Lower Council Tax (or rates) for an adapted home
If your home has an extra room, bathroom or wheelchair space because of a disability, your bill may be reduced.
Where: All UK nations
England: England's Disabled Band Reduction Scheme: your bill is charged one band lower (or 17% off in Band A) if you need a bigger home because someone who lives there is disabled, child or adult. Apply to your council.
Wales: Wales's disabled band reduction: if your home has been adapted for a disabled person, you may pay Council Tax based on the next band down. Apply to your council.
Scotland: In Scotland, if your home is adapted for disability you may pay the rate for the band below. Apply to your council.
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland has rates instead of Council Tax. Disabled Persons Allowance takes 25% off domestic rates if your home has qualifying adaptations, like an extra bathroom or enough space to use a wheelchair inside. It isn't means-tested.
Council Tax discounts for disabled people (GOV.UK) →
Council Tax reductions (GOV.WALES) →
Council Tax reductions (mygov.scot) →
Disabled Persons Allowance (nidirect) →
Sources: GOV.UK: discounts for disabled people · GOV.WALES: reductions · mygov.scot: reductions · nidirect: Disabled Persons Allowance · checked 1 Nov 2026
No VAT on disability equipment
You shouldn't be charged VAT on many products designed or adapted for a disabled person's own use.
Where: All UK nations
Who it’s for: Things like adjustable beds, stair lifts, wheelchairs and some building work (ramps, widening doors) can be VAT-free if they're for a disabled person's personal or domestic use. You'll usually sign a short form from the supplier to confirm eligibility.
VAT relief for disabled people (GOV.UK) →
Sources: GOV.UK: VAT relief · checked 1 Nov 2026
Free prescriptions in England
Prescriptions are free under 16 and for 16 to 18 year olds in full-time education. After that, a medical exemption certificate may help.
Where: England
Who it’s for: In England, prescriptions are free for anyone under 16, and for 16, 17 and 18 year olds in full-time education. Older young people may be able to get a medical exemption certificate, for example for epilepsy that needs continuous anti-seizure treatment, or a continuing physical disability that means they can't go out without help. Ask the GP for the form.
Medical exemption certificates (NHSBSA) →
Sources: NHSBSA: medical exemption certificates · NHS: who can get free prescriptions · checked 1 Nov 2026
Prescriptions are free
Prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so there's nothing to claim.
Where: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Wales: In Wales, prescriptions are free if you're registered with a Welsh GP and collect them from a Welsh pharmacy.
Scotland: In Scotland, NHS prescriptions are free.
Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland, all prescriptions are free of charge for everyone.
Free prescriptions (GOV.WALES) →
Help with health costs (NHS inform) →
Help with health costs (nidirect) →
Sources: GOV.WALES: free prescriptions · NHS inform: health costs · nidirect: help with health costs · checked 1 Nov 2026
Help with travel to hospital
If you're on certain benefits or a low income, you may be able to claim back the cost of getting to hospital appointments.
Where: All UK nations
England: England's Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme: you may be able to claim if you get a qualifying benefit (such as Universal Credit, if you meet the criteria) or qualify through the NHS Low Income Scheme, and your child has been referred for specialist care. Claim within 3 months. Your council may also help with hospital travel costs for a disabled child.
Wales: In Wales, you may be able to claim help with travel to hospital for specialist treatment if you get qualifying benefits or have a low income. Keep your receipts.
Scotland: In Scotland, you may be able to get help with transport costs for NHS treatment if you get qualifying benefits or a low income, or live in parts of the Highlands and Islands.
Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland, if you're on a low income you may be able to get help with travel costs to hospital.
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (NHS) →
Help with NHS travel costs (GOV.WALES) →
Help with transport costs (NHS inform) →
Help with health costs (nidirect) →
Sources: NHS: HTCS · GOV.UK: help if you have a disabled child · GOV.WALES: travel costs · NHS inform: transport costs · nidirect: health costs · checked 1 Nov 2026
Short breaks and help from your council
Your council can provide short breaks, play schemes, care at home and some equipment for a disabled child.
Where: England
Who it’s for: In England, councils have a duty under the Children Act 1989 to provide services for disabled children, such as short breaks, holiday play schemes and care at home. Contact your council's social services team and ask for a needs assessment. As a carer, you can also ask for a carer's assessment.
Help if you have a disabled child (GOV.UK) →
Sources: GOV.UK: help if you have a disabled child · NHS: carer's assessments · checked 1 Nov 2026