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Paying for childcare

Parents with a disability or special needs

If you have a disability or special need and want to do some training or find a job, there is some support to help with childcare costs.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

DLA is the main source of financial support available for the additional costs of living with a disability. You may qualify for DLA if you:

  • have a physical, sensory, learning disability or mental health issue; and
  • are under 65-years-old; and
  • have long-term care or supervision needs, or long-term touble walking.

You can get a claim pack for DLA by contacting the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 (textphone 0800 24 33 55)

 Working Tax Credit

If you are eligible for Disability Living Allowance and you have a disability that puts you at a disadvantage of getting a job and you work for 16 hours or more per week, you may be able to claim Working Tax Credit, including the disability element.

If you have a partner who works 16 hours or more per week, and you don't work but are considered incapacitated, you may also be eligible for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit.

You are considered to be incapacitated if you receive:

  • Disability Living Allowance;
  • Incapacity Benefit at the short term higher rate or long term rate;
  • Employment and Support Allowance for at least 28 weeks;
  • Statutory Sick Pay followed by followed by Employment and Support Allowance for a combined period of at least 28 weeks;
  • Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit with Disability Premium;
  • Attendance Allowance;
  • Severe Disablement Allowance; or
  • Industrial Injuries Benefit with Constant Attendance Allowance.

Call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0345 300 3900 for more information.

Direct payments

If you have had an assessment from social services and have a care/ support plan that includes childcare support, you may be able to use direct payments to pay for the childcare of your choice.

Order our free parent booklet, 'A guide for disabled parents: Choosing and paying for childcare' for more information and tips about getting through the assessment process.