16.01.19
In this blog we are going to look at Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children (under 16 years of age) with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
DLA is the only benefit specifically available to children with autism. However, once DLA is in payment, it may mean that their parent/carer can claim Carer’s Allowance in respect of the care provided to that child. It may also mean that other means-tested benefits in payment to the parents (such as Child Tax Credit or Housing Benefit) may be increased.
DLA can provide financial help with the extra care and supervision that a child with autism needs, over and above other children of the same age. This means that proving your child needs more care and support than another child without autism is crucial. It is also vital to detail the time spent providing care, support and supervision.
Disability Living Allowance
DLA is a very important and valuable benefit for those under 16 years of age with autism. It is not means-tested (so any income or savings that the child or family members have are irrelevant). Receipt of DLA can also act as a gateway to other benefits and to help access other vital resources within the welfare system. It is paid on top of any other benefits that are in payment.
For a fuller explanation about DLA, look at our May 2018 blog on Disability Living Allowance for Children.
DLA and Autism
What we are focusing on in this blog is how DLA claims can be made effectively for children and young people with autism.
Many parents we speak to have been put off claiming DLA as they have heard it is a complicated and stressful process, and that autism is “not properly understood” and “how can I explain what my child needs – will they even understand?”.
There is no doubt that DLA claim forms are long and require lots of detail, and that the DLA assessors are not always very knowledgeable about autism. However, that is no reason why families caring for a child with autism should not make successful DLA claims. So, here is a list of things to think about when making a DLA claim for a child/young person with autism.
Making that DLA claim – top tips.
- The DLA claim form is the same form for all claimants, and many people say it focuses too heavily on physical disability. Do not be put off if the autism related needs you want to express do not seem to be mentioned. Wherever the form asks ‘what help your child needs’, remember that this does not only refer to physical help, but also non-physical help such as prompting, encouraging, reminding and supervising. It is really important that you mention all these types of support which your child needs. Be really descriptive in what you write. Explain exactly what your child needs. Put examples of things that have happened when prompting, encouragement or supervision was not available, to show how vital and important that support is. Real-life scenarios help the DLA assessor to understand your child and their needs. This is vitally important as the DLA assessor will never meet them.
Helpful examples:
Your child may be physically able to have a shower but will not do it without lots of prompting and reminding, and with you being around to supervise their safety. How long does (this often) repeated prompting / supervision actually take?
Your child may need constant prompting and assistance to eat and drink, or to stop eating, or guidance on what is or isn’t edible. This help will be needed many times a day.
Your child may need aids to support communication. How do they communicate? Do they require 1-1 support at nursery or school?
They may need supervision to keep them safe from hurting themselves or others. How do you manage this? Who provides this support? This could be 24-hour supervision in some cases. Remember, supervision may be just keeping a watchful eye and being aware.
- DLA is based on what support your child requires in respect of personal care and mobility needs. So, it is important that you spell out exactly what those needs are and what support is needed (you can even include needs that are not met).
- Some people say that the DLA form does not have enough space for all the information to be fitted in. Not a problem! Just add some extra sheets of paper – but make sure you add the child’s name, date of birth and NI number to each additional page and number them – just in case they get separated from the claim form.
- Don’t just tick boxes. If you have replied ‘yes’ or ‘sometimes’ to a question, then put an explanation. The DLA assessor may never have even met anyone with autism, so explaining things in specific detail will really help them understand how autism affects your child and ensure the claim is determined correctly.
- It will help your claim if you have a professional diagnosis of autism or autistic spectrum disorder, but your claim can still be sent in if you have not yet had one – just make sure that your supporting evidence is as detailed as possible.
- Keep a diary – this can help show the DLA assessor exactly how much help and support is given to your child, and how long these activities take. Sometimes parents are so used to looking after their child, that they forget they are spending so much longer than another parent whose child does not have autism. The diary also helps the claim to be accurate.
- Attach useful supporting documents which may help the DLA assessor understand your child and their needs. Evidence of diagnosis is important, but so is evidence from anyone involved in the care and support of your child – teachers, grandparents, carers, friends. Also include any evidence from professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Health Visitors, Speech and Language therapists.
- It is a good plan to complete a draft form first, to get the wording exactly right. Then, once you are okay with content, complete the final version.
What help can Renaissance Legal provide?
After these top tips, you are hopefully feeling more confident about completing that DLA claim form. However, if not our benefits specialists are highly experienced in helping with DLA claims. If you would like to discuss any help or support you need with making a DLA claim, please contact us at benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk
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82 Responses to “Benefits for children with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”
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I have 2 children with autism and they also have IEPs from school I’m trying to get some assistance in purchasing a home for us only income I have I these SSI please help
Thank you for your comment. If you are in the UK, we can help you with this benefit enquiry. Please email us directly at benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk. I’m afraid we cannot advise on benefits for people living outside the UK.
My son name is daksh.He is 6.5 years old.how can I applg for DLA form.I want to know more about this. and also I need help on speech resources and materials for speech.He has ASD(autism spectrum disorder).
Thank you for your comment. A member of our specialist team has been in touch with you directly. Kind regards
Need assistance in filing for my 6 yr old who is on the spectrum for autism
Thank you for your question. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further.
Hi
My son have autism and dyslexia
What kind of benefit can he get please thank you?
Thank you for your comment, Marie. Please note that the information contained within this blog is relevant to the UK only and we only provide a chargeable service. We cannot offer tailored advice on this forum, and so if you are interested in becoming a Renaissance client, please do email benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk.
If you would like further information, we recommend referring to the Contact.org.uk website which has excellent DLA and PIP resources, free of charge, as does the National Autistic Society’s website.
hello, I have a child with autism, and I would like to know how I apply for the benefits? I speak Portuguese, would you have someone who speaks Portuguese to help me? I live in London thank you
Thank you for your comment. Please note that the information contained within this blog is relevant to the UK only and we only provide a chargeable service. We cannot offer tailored advice on this forum, and so if you are interested in becoming a Renaissance client, please do email benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk.
If you would like further information, we recommend referring to the Contact.org.uk website which has excellent DLA and PIP resources, free of charge, as does the National Autistic Society’s website.
This is a big help. I am more confident now to apply for the DLA. Thank you for this information.
My son is 17 year old I have been told by the assessment team that my son has Autism he is now on antidepressants Fluoxetine 20 mg and promethazine 1 to be taken at night to help him sleep sleep I’ve put in for personal independent payments they refuse us twice not enough point I’ve lost my child benefit can you please give me some advice thanks
My son has been assed and he has Autism I want to know how I can claim benefit for him he’s on antidepressants and takes a sleeping tablet he is 17 would he be intitled to D L A
Thank you for your two comments, Jaqueline. Please note that the information contained within this blog is relevant to the UK only and we only provide a chargeable service. We cannot offer tailored advice on this forum, and so if you are interested in becoming a Renaissance client, please do email benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk.
If you would like further information, we recommend referring to the Contact.org.uk website which has excellent DLA and PIP resources, free of charge, as does the National Autistic Society’s website.
My now 5yr old was diagnosed with ASD when she was 2 she is also non verbal. I applied for DLA myself in early 2022 but was told she wasn’t entitled. I then found this site and read the above. I resubmitted the claim in Jan 2023 and she has been awarded DLA. As advised I went into great detail. Keeping a diary for 2 weeks prior to filling in the form. I included copies of all documents from SALT, her pediatrician and the autism outreach team. I even got a written statement from her teacher to support my claim. The key is to go into as great a detail as possible and provide as much evidence as possible. Really pleased she’s been awarded it but very upset she missed out on 12 months of the benefit due to my lack of knowledge on filling in the form and sadly they only backdate it to the form claim date of the existing claim, but glad she’s in receipt now. THANK YOU for creating the above guideline and support tools it’s worked wonders for us.
My 16yr old autistic daughter has been left high and dry. She goes to Hillingdon Manor School a School for autistic children and all on either DLA or PIP. She still has 2yrs to go but PIP informed me that they have decided to cut her benefit altogether. I myself have been in hospital with an TBI over Christmas. I have to get back to work against doctors instructions, to sustain Nikki’s personal cost. We have to reinstate Nicole’s Benefits. She has a disability which is recognised in Britain!!
Hi Mark, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further.
Is this applicable in India?
My son in on the pathway of autism I’m just enquiring am I able to apply for dla
Hi Kayleigh, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further.
My son is getting high rate care and low rate mobility.he has been diagnosed with autism recently.I have called DWP about report changes.they are going to send me form for mobility part and I have to fill it up.is there any chance that his award will get reduced or increased.your help will be greatly appreciated.thank you
Hi Musammat, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further.
My name is Nicola, I currently have my 9 year old son on the ASD assessment process awaiting diagnosis, iv currently claiming for DLA child and they have assessed him as lower rate, is the any other benefits I could claim at all as I’m currently on UC ???? Regards Nicola Couch
Hi Nicola, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further.
Need help on how to get a dla form for my son who has autism
Hi Claire, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further.
Hi I was advised to apply for DLA for my severely dyslexic teen daughter 18 months ago (she has an IEP and special message in place) but we were refused. Recently she has been professionally diagnosed with ASD. Can we reply?
Hi Rae, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further.
I have a 15 year old daughter who has recently started self harming. Assessment for mental health took 2 years of waiting and has shown that they believe she is autistic and I am awaiting formal diagnosis.
Due to the self harm she requires 24/7 supervision and has been absent from school a lot.
I am a single parent that has a mortgage and have always worked full time. I am currently off work 4 weeks now to provide the constant care as I have no family support.
The situation is becoming worse rather than better and I see no way of returning to my job.
Can I claim any benefits without the formal diagnosis as I do not know how long this will take and apparently intervention has a long waiting list.
Is there help I can get for my mortgage? I fear we are going to lose everything.
Dear Maxine, thank you for your comment. We are so sorry that this is such a difficult time for you and your daughter. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further.
My son was diagnosed with ASD when he was 5 and is now 14, I didn’t know I could get benefits to help, could I still apply for them now. I only found out as my grandson has just been diagnosed and my daughter applied for DLA
Dear Cathrine, thank you for your comment. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
My 6 year old daughter is autistic with learning disability but I am confused on which benefits I can apply for and if she will be accepted
Dear Sara, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
I’ve son ages 13 ASD, he have DLA. Myself and step dad are working, myself working 25 hour
Can apply for UC or tax for my child ?
Dear Nicola, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
One of my grandsons has autism, he is 7 years old and cannot be left alone as he has no sense of danger, my daughter while out with him has to put him in a pushchair or hold his hand firmly, as he has a tenancy to dart off. the other week her car had a blow out on the motorway, she had to park on the hard shoulder and wait for me to come quickly to help, she could not leave the car with my grandson, this put her and her 2 boys in great danger staying in the car, but with all the traffic passing by, she could not chance taking her boys out as she was scared she might lose his grip and he would dart onto the motorway with the busy traffic as he is very strong at the age of 7. she has tried to apply for a motability car to help knowing that there is constant support from the scheme if the car got into any trouble and I wasn’t available to get there to help. she was told he can walk so he is not eligible for a car?? is this correct as she worries a lot after that incident when going out, we live about 50 miles from her so I cannot always get there quick plus I work full time.
Dear Wayne, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your grandson’s personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
Hello I have a son who is 8 now he got diagnosed 2 years ago with ASD. Can I get Amy help please with DLA?
Dear Alexandra, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
I have a 4yrs old son who has autism I’m looking to get all the help I can get with him
Dear Ebony, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
Need assistance in filing for my 11 yr old who is on the spectrum for autism
Dear Brittany, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
Hi there, we have recently moved here to Virginia Beach. We have an 8 year old who has autism. We need more information please, thank yoi
Hi there. Thank you for your comment. We are a UK-based law firm and can only advise in relation to the jurisdiction of England and Wales.
My daughter works from home remotely, her son is 17 …18 in November, she has to be with him 24 hours a day, he is high functioning Autistic, he has a history of self harm so cannot be left alone, she is a lone parent, she applied for working tax credits,housing benefits but was told she couldn’t claim anything, she has applied for P.I.P please can you advise if there is anything else she can claim, she is in a shared ownership house and her rent is almost £700 a month, besides other Bill’s, her son will only eat certain foods which are high in protein
Dear Jennifer, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your daughter and son’s personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
I have a 5 year old son with autism and he also have IEPs from school I’m trying to get some assistance in purchasing a home for us only income I have I these SSI please help
Dear Riana, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your son’s personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
Hi. My son is 6 years old and attends a mainstream setting. He us diagnosed with Austism. He receives daily 1:1 support in school by his support teacher. At home I am his care provider and would like to know how I can get additional support and help for him. Look forward to speaking with you
Dear Shazia, thank you for your comment. We can offer you advice on your son’s personal circumstances, but offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
I am writing to seek advice regarding my son’s situation. He is currently 15 years old and his disability living allowance was recently halted due to my hospitalization. As I have now recovered and returned home, I need to restart the claim for his allowance. Additionally, my partner, who is his father, has been acting as his carer throughout his school years, receiving carer’s allowance.
In light of these circumstances, I would appreciate guidance on the following matters:
1. Restarting the Disability Living Allowance Claim: this has been redone waiting a reply
2. Carer’s Allowance: Given that my partner has been caring for our son, I would like to understand the eligibility criteria and application process for carer’s allowance. Are there any additional requirements or supporting documents we need to provide?
3. Other Benefits: I am curious to know if there are any other benefits or financial assistance programs available that I may be entitled to claim for the benefit of my son. If so, could you outline the options and provide details on how to apply?
I greatly appreciate any advice or guidance you can offer on these matters. Thank you for your assistance in advance.
Sincerely,
Leah Lazarus
Thank you for your comment. Our expert team has been in contact with you directly. Kind regards.
Hi, we live in Canada and have a child who is 5 yrs and is diagnosed with ASD. I am contemplating to relocate to UK for job search. What kind of assistance I can expect from UK gov’t regarding his ongoing treatment. We receive some funding here in Canada, but job scenario here is really bad. It would be great if you could shed some light. Thanks
Hi there. We can assist you with this, however we offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
We have 3 children 1 boy age 10 who has an diagnoses for autism, my 2 daughters who are 13&15they are both under camhs and being assessed for autism the 13yo is showing more signs for autism and adhd. We are divorced but living in the same house can we both claim carers allowance I am working part time healthcare assistant on nights please advise. Regards stuart& Claire
I have 1 child with Autism and another teenager waiting for referral and has been for 4 years . My question is my youngest who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 is now going for a review which I don’t understand as not much has changed. Does autism fo away ? My daughter is in mainstream school and they have all her support needs in place and most definitely is autistic why are they reviewing her claim ?
Thank you for your comment, Karen. A member of our specialist team has been in contact with you directly.
My 12 year old has Autism what can you guys do for me
Hi there. We can assist you, however we offer a chargeable service, and so you would need to register as a Renaissance Legal client. Our benefits advisers are highly experienced, please do email us on benefits@renaissancelegal.co.uk if you would like to take this further, we’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about your circumstances.
Hi
I have a question
I suspect my 16-year-old has autism. What can I do to help her?
I need extra support for my son he has autism thank you
Hi, my son is autistic and lives with me, seeing his dad 6 days a month at most. However his dad applied for the DLA and has been claiming for 6 years, though I’ve ask many times over the years to split it or sign it to me, he’s refused or told me if he changes it he might loose it etc… my sons school have asked me why I don’t have access to the other support and when I told them I don’t get the DLA they were very concerned and urged me to follow up on this. My son is nearly 12 now, at a specialist school, needs a lot of support and I am a lone parent
Have I any alternative to reporting his dad for claiming falsely? The school welfare team thought not, any advice would be great.
In the 8 years I have been raising and protecting my son, I have never had a single penny of help or moment of support outside of school hours, and I don’t know how I go about it. and I think this is why the school are urging me to pursue this
Many thanks for your comment, Emma. Our expert team has made contact with you separately with help on this question.
Hi my my daughter just got referred to sunshine house to be tested for autism and adhd, I’m just wondering how soon I can apply for dla do I have to wait for a diagnosis or at least after the first appointment with the people I was referred to
Many thanks for your comment, Kimberley. Our expert team has made contact with you separately with help on this question.
How can I apply DLA for my child with autism and where can I get the forms please.
Dear Caroline, you may find this website helpful in terms of your application: https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/#how-do-i-claim-dla
My son is 4.5 years old, we are being diagnosed with autism, we are currently receiving DLA, but at the middle rate, can I submit a new application for a higher rate? My son does not speak at all, after the last SEND report his intellectual development was determined to be at the age of 12-18 months, he is not independent, he cannot do any activity on his own, I have to make sure that the doors and windows are closed at home because he runs away, we have problems with going for a walk with he won’t go any other way home than the one he wants, or he won’t go at all.
Thank you for your question, Angelika. Our expert Welfare Benefits Team has been in contact with you directly on this issue.
My 8 yo sun diagnosed with autism, because of this my mrs can’t work as she is in constant contact with school in case he needs to come back home.
What can I do to get DLA to support all this.
Hello Farid, and thank you for getting in touch. We can certainly help with a DLA application, and we have a great deal of experience with DLA claims. We offer a chargeable service, and you would need to register as a Renaissance client, which is a very straightforward process.
Please contact us at benefits@renaissanelegal.co.uk if you would like more information about our fees and services.
Hi my name is Maria Millan and I would like if it’s possible to get help how to apply for my son which has DLA he is autistic but I have revived any benefits for him because he is my 3 child, and the government he is not supporting me. Please let me know or advice me how to ask for any support 07380484864 ????????
Thank you for getting in touch Maria. We can certainly help with your family’s circumstances. We offer a chargeable service, and you would need to register as a Renaissance client, which is a very straightforward process.
Please contact us at benefits@renaissanelegal.co.uk if you would like more information about our fees and services.
Hi my son is severely autistic he is leaving education what benefits could he claim he gets pip
Many thanks for your comment, Viki. Our expert team has contacted you directly about this question.
I have two kids one non verbal and the other hasn’t have a full diagnosis as of yet he is waiting on an assessment,he has been assessed by education physccoligist with major concerns of asd spectrum,we are in Ireland but wish to move to UK asap what will I be entitled to for my kids in UK and how do I go about it
Many thanks for your question, Florence. Our expert team has contacted you directly about this question.
Hello I have a 4 year old daughter who who’s diagnosed just from the child development centre whit autism spectrum disorders I apply last year on October for DLA and no one contact me since I send the form what I can do ?
Many thanks for your question. Our expert team has contacted you directly about this question.
Hi thanks for information above as in process of completing dla forms for 14 y daughter