There are a number of alternative sources of funding which working parents of disabled children and young people can use to assist with the cost of childcare.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
These are not means tested and therefore not impacted by income or savings. For young people there are two benefits that might apply.
Disability Living Allowance for children
Claimed by children from birth to 16. It is made up of two component parts, Care and Mobility.
Learn more at Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Eligibility (GOV.UK)
Personal Independence Payment
Claimed by people between 16 and pensionable age. There are two component parts, Daily Living and Mobility.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Eligibility (GOV.UK)
Get advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance by contacting the Disability Service Centre helpline (GOV.UK).
Receiving PIP when DLA recipient reaches age 16
When a young person receiving DLA reaches 16, they will be invited to apply for PIP. Remember, this is not an automatic transfer. The person or their appointee will be expected to contact the DWP to start the claim process.
Help with childcare costs
Some 2-year olds from families in receipt of certain benefits are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare.
Find out more on the 2 year old funding for families receiving some additional forms of Government support page [LINK to 2 year funded childcare page]
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded education for 38 weeks of the year.
Find out more on the 15 hours funding for 3 and 4 year olds page. [LINK to 15 hours for 3&4 page]
Some children aged from 9 months to school age from working families are entitled to receive up to 30 hours of funded education and childcare per week, up to a maximum of 38 weeks.
Read more on the 30 hours funding for working families page.
Tax credits and childcare
It is no longer possible for someone to apply for Tax Credits for the first time. Instead, they will need to claim Universal Credit. This is done online.
Go to How to claim Universal Credit: step by step (GOV.UK)
A full list of financial help for parents can be found at Financial help if you have children (GOV.UK).
Welfare rights support
Nottinghamshire County Council
Nottinghamshire County Council's Benefits Team can offer information and advice about benefits you are entitled to or direct you to other organisations that can help.
Go to Benefits advice and information (Nottinghamshire County Council)
If you require any further guidance or support, you can contact the Nottinghamshire County Council’s Customer Service Centre
In addition, find lists organisations which can provide advice on benefits:
View directory listings in Money and finance, benefits [LINK to directory category listings]
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice also have information on benefits that can help.
Go to Benefits (Citizens Advice)
To find your nearest Citizens Advice centre, you can contact Citizens Advice.