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Children, Financial Benefits

Children, Financial Benefits

Last updated: April 2025

England and Wales have the same benefits as outlined in the tabs below.

Scotland – most benefits are as in the tabs below. However, there are some important differences:

See: Contact – guide to benefits in Scotland >

Northern Ireland – most benefits are as in the tabs below, but there are some differences.

See: NIDirect >

This is the main benefit for children who have SMA. DLA helps to meet the extra costs that you might have because of your child’s disability. It is paid regardless of whether you are working or not. It is not means-tested so it does not matter what level of income or savings you have. Your child will also have to meet certain rules linked to their immigration status and the length of time they have lived in the UK.

DLA is made up of two components:

  • Care component 

This can be paid from age 3 months (or if a child is terminally ill, from birth). If your child needs a lot of extra watching over or help with personal care, they should qualify for the care component of DLA. It is paid at one of three different rates –lowest, middle and highest – depending on how much extra care your child needs.

  • Mobility component

The lower mobility component can be paid from the age of five. This is for children who need extra guidance or supervision out of doors.

The higher rate of the mobility component can be paid from the age of three. This is for those with severe walking difficulties.

Contact for Families with Disabled Children:

MDUK:

This is the main benefit for carers. You may qualify for this benefit if you provide your child with  at least 35 hours of care per week. They must receive the care component of Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate.

Read more >

The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme provides assistance with travel costs for hospital visits for people on low incomes. It only covers travel for treatment, not to visit patients. You can find out more for:

If you are travelling to access an assessment or for a drug treatment, you may be able to obtain additional assistance. Ask your clinical team.

SMA UK may be able to assist with a FlexiGrant1

You may be entitled to other benefits, for example to help with your income while you are seeking employment or if you have any childcare and housing costs. As it is very complicated to work out what you and your partner / informal carer (unpaid) is entitled to, it is well worth seeking specialist advice. You may want to start by looking at one of these links:

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