Financial Support
- Financial support for parents
- Changes to benefits at 16 - find out how your child's benefit may change at 16
- Direct Payments - instead of receiving services from the Council you may choose to receive direct payments which allows you to arrange your own care and services for your child
- Additional grants
Financial support for parents
As a parent, you may be entitled to financial support depending on your child's needs. Often families aren't aware of their entitlements and may not be claiming all the financial support they are entitled to. Below are the main sources of financial support:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
This is often the first benefit claimed by parents. If your child needs extra help because of their additional need or disability then you can make a claim
If your child gets the middle or higher rate DLA for personal care then you may also be able to claim Carer's Allowance
Child tax credits are tax credits to help families with dependant children. If you are eligible and have a child who gets DLA you may also be able to claim tax credits including an extra disabled child element
You may be entitled to Direct Payments from the Council. This enables you to choose, arrange and pay for the care and services that your child needs yourself rather than having it organised by the Council
There are a range of benefits and tax credits that can help towards the cost of childcare for working parents
A disabled Facilities Grant is a local council grant to help towards the cost of adapting your home to enable you to continue to live there. A grant is paid when the council considers that changes are necessary to meet your needs, and that the work is reasonable and practical
You may be able to claim a discount if you (or someone who lives with you) are disabled and your home has one or more of the following features, to meet the needs of the disabled person:
- A room (other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet) used mainly by the disabled person
- An additional bathroom or kitchen for the use of the disabled person
- Extra space inside to allow the use of a wheelchair
The Social Fund makes Community Care Grants, Budgeting Loans or Crisis Loans for needs that are hard to meet from weekly benefits. If you are on Income Support, you may be able to get a loan or grant towards the cost of a specific item of household equipment or furniture.
In practice it can be very hard to get money from the Social Fund; there is no legal entitlement, payments are discretionary and the budget is limited. You should always apply for a grant rather than a loan if you think you may be eligible. Loans are interest free, but even so, budgeting for repayments can be tricky.
You can find out more from your local Jobcentre Plus. Contact Solihull Jobcentre Plus on 0121 480 4099
Fares to hospital
Getting to and from hospital can be expensive, especially when children need frequent treatment or are not able to travel by train or bus.
You can get help with fares to hospital if you're on Income Support, or sometimes if your income is very low. Most hospitals have someone who deals with reimbursing fares on the spot.
Your hospital social worker or the consultant's secretary should be able to help you find out whether your child can get an ambulance, hospital car transport, or help with taxi fares
Carers Concession Card
A carers concession card can be used to get discounts or free entry at the theatre, swimming and museums, etc. Most concessions are dependant on you accompanying the person you are caring for.
To apply for a card you can contact Solihull Carers Centre on 0121 788 1143
Free nappies
If your child gets to four years old and still needs nappies throughout the day because of his or her additional needs, you may be able to get them free from your health visitor. School-age children can get them through the school nurse and you are usually allowed up to six nappies per day. The Continence Service may also be able to help. You can contact them through your health visitor
Free Bus Pass
Children over five who have a disability may be eligible for a free bus pass. To check eligibility and to request an application pack contact Centro on 0121 214 7878
Contact your energy provider to see if they have a scheme to support people who have a health need and are on a low income
You may be entitled to a Warm Front Grant to help pay for heating and insulation improvements in your privately owned or rented home
Price reductions
There may be price reductions on buses and trains for people with a disability and their carers. Many places such as theme parks, theatres and cinemas offer a reduction in price, or allow a carer to attend at a reduced price or free of charge. It is always worth asking whether there are any reductions when you book.
See information on additional grants you can apply for
Would you like to know what's happening in Solihull for children and families? Then join our Parents' Network for regular information
Contact us
Request information by completing our online enquiry form
Email us on familyinfo@solihull.gov.uk
Call us on 0800 389 8667 (free from landlines) or 0121 248 7656
Useful links
Government website with information for parents on a range of topics
Online support and advice for parents
Lots of useful information for parents on a variety of topics