Help for your child, without the jargon.
Plain-English guides for UK parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities — Disability Living Allowance, Education, Health and Care Plans, government-funded help, and the NHS and private routes to an autism or ADHD assessment.
Where to start
Every family's journey is different, but most parents tell us these three steps help:
- Check DLA (Disability Living Allowance). It's a tax-free benefit for children under 16 with extra care or mobility needs — it's not means-tested, and it opens the door to other support like Carer's Allowance and Motability.
- Understand school support and the EHCP. Most children start with SEN support at school. If that isn't enough, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can secure legal, funded provision.
- Find extra help and community. From grants to short breaks, there are more government-funded programmes than most parents realise — and other parents' stories are often the best guide.
Explore the guides
DLA Guide
Who's eligible, the 2026/27 rates, how to apply, evidence tips, and what to do if you're refused.
Read the guide →EHCP Guide
The Education, Health and Care Plan explained: the 20-week process, what goes in the plan, and your rights of appeal.
Read the guide →Government Programmes
Carer's Allowance, Family Fund, Free School Meals, short breaks, Blue Badge, Motability and more — who they're for and how to apply.
See the list →Assessment Routes
The NHS path via your GP, Right to Choose in England, and links to reputable private ASD and ADHD assessment providers.
Compare the routes →Stories & Advice
A space for parents to share experiences, tips and encouragement — read what's helped other families, or add your own.
Visit the community →Key facts at a glance
| Topic | Quick fact |
|---|---|
| DLA (children under 16) | Up to £194.60 a week (2026/27) — tax-free and not means-tested. Usually paid every 4 weeks on a Tuesday. |
| EHCP (England) | The whole process — from assessment request to final plan — must take no more than 20 weeks by law. |
| Carer's Allowance | £86.45 a week (2026/27) if you care for your child 35+ hours a week and they get the middle or highest care rate of DLA. |
| Child Benefit | £27.05 a week for your eldest or only child (2026/27), plus £17.90 for each additional child. |
| Scotland, Wales & NI | Rules differ outside England — DLA is replaced by Child Disability Payment in Scotland, and EHCPs are replaced by IDPs in Wales and Statements in Northern Ireland. |
Important
This website is an independent, plain-English guide — it is not the official GOV.UK service and not legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and rates change (benefits are normally uprated each April), so always check the official sources linked on each page before acting.