Children, young people and their carers
If you care for a child who needs additional support because of long term ill-health or disability you may be able to claim extra benefits and tax credits. This includes families caring for children who have emotional and behavioural problems, long-term illnesses (such as asthma and eczema), developmental delay or other learning disability.
The main benefit you may be able to claim is Disability Living Allowance (DLA). It is a tax-free benefit which can be worth more than £5,000 a year. It is paid to help meet the extra cost of bringing up a child with long-term additional support needs.
If you get DLA, other benefits you receive (such as Income Support, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) may increase. If you do not already receive these benefits, you may become entitled to claim them once DLA has been awarded.
If you are a carer you may also be able to get other benefits such as Carer's Allowance.