Benefits and Grants

In the UK, there are a variety of benefits and grants that may be available to autistic people and their parents or carers. These can help with extra costs, care needs, mobility, education and wider family support.

Benefits and grants illustration

Understanding financial support

Benefits and grants can feel complicated, but they are designed to help people access support where a disability, health condition or caring responsibility creates additional needs or costs. ASD Helping Hands can offer general information, advice and signposting to help people understand where to find support with benefits, grants and related services.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment is a benefit for people aged 16 and over who have a long-term illness, disability or health condition, including autism.

  • Eligibility: People must show that they have difficulty with daily living tasks or mobility because of their condition.
  • Support available: PIP has two components: Daily Living and Mobility. The amount awarded depends on the level of difficulty someone has.
  • Contact: You can apply through the Department for Work and Pensions. Visit the official PIP page or call 0800 917 2222.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

Disability Living Allowance is a benefit for children under 16 who have a disability, including autism. It can help with extra care and mobility needs.

  • Eligibility: Children may qualify if they need more care, support, supervision or help with mobility than a child of the same age without a disability.
  • Support available: DLA has a care component and a mobility component. The amount awarded depends on the child’s needs.
  • Contact: Applications can be made through the DLA for children page or by calling 0800 121 4600.

Carer’s Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is available to some people who care for someone with a disability or health condition, including autism.

  • Eligibility: Carers usually need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying benefit.
  • Support available: Carer’s Allowance provides financial support for people with significant caring responsibilities.
  • Contact: Apply through the Carer’s Allowance page or call 0800 731 0297.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a benefit for people who are on a low income, out of work, unable to work or need help with living costs.

  • Eligibility: Universal Credit may be available to individuals or families depending on income, circumstances and household needs.
  • Support available: The amount depends on income, housing, children, caring responsibilities and whether someone has a disability or health condition.
  • Contact: Visit the Universal Credit page or call 0800 328 5644.

Carer’s Credit

Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit for people who are caring for someone with a disability or health condition.

  • Eligibility: It may help carers who are not earning enough to pay National Insurance contributions.
  • Support available: Carer’s Credit helps protect future entitlement to the State Pension.
  • Contact: Visit the Carer’s Credit page or call 0800 731 0177.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support

Parents and carers of autistic children may also be able to access support through the education system.

  • Eligibility: Children who need extra support at school may be entitled to SEN support or an Education, Health and Care Plan.
  • Support available: This may include additional teaching support, adaptations, therapies or specialist provision.
  • Contact: For further information, contact your local council’s SEN team or visit your local authority website.

Getting further advice

Benefits and grants can change, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances. For the most accurate advice, check the official guidance, contact the relevant benefit service, or seek independent welfare rights advice.

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