Raising a family, caring for someone or living with a disability brings extra
costs, and there’s a wide range of support designed to help with them. Much of
it isn’t means-tested, so it’s worth checking even if you’re working or have
savings.
For families and children
Child Benefit is paid to most people responsible for a child
(a tax charge applies at higher incomes, but it’s still usually worth claiming
to protect your National Insurance record). Help with childcare costs can come
through Tax-Free Childcare, government-funded childcare
hours, and the childcare element of Universal Credit. Lower-income families
expecting a baby or with young children may qualify for
Healthy Start, which gives a prepaid card for milk, fruit,
vegetables and vitamins.
For disabled people and carers
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps adults with the
extra costs of a long-term condition or disability; for children it’s
Disability Living Allowance. If you care for someone for 35
hours a week or more, you may be able to claim
Carer’s Allowance. And if you’re in work,
Access to Work can fund practical support and equipment to
help you stay in your job.
Adapting your home
If a disability means your home needs changes — a ramp, a downstairs bathroom,
a stairlift — a Disabled Facilities Grant from your council
can pay towards the work, up to £30,000 in England. Your
council arranges an assessment of what’s needed.
What to do next
Run a free benefits calculator to see the full picture (see
benefits and entitlements), and explore home-adaptation and other help on our
Grants and funding hub. Charities like Turn2us and
Scope also offer tailored advice.
Sources
GOV.UK (Child Benefit, PIP, DLA, Carer’s Allowance, Tax-Free Childcare,
Healthy Start, Disabled Facilities Grants, Access to Work); Citizens Advice.
Reviewed: 3 September 2026.