What You Need to Know About the Disability Access Fund (DAF)
If your child has a disability, it’s important they receive the support they need to take part in early education confidently and comfortably. That’s where the Disability Access Fund (DAF) comes in.
This government grant helps early years providers create a more inclusive environment and ensures that children with disabilities aren’t left behind.
What Is the Disability Access Fund?
If your child has a disability, their early years provider could receive £938 per year to help support their education and access to learning.
This funding is paid directly to the childcare provider (not to parents) and can be used to:
- Make reasonable adjustments to improve accessibility.
- Purchase specialist equipment or resources.
- Support your child’s inclusion in the setting.
The goal is to help children with disabilities get the most out of their early education, without any additional cost to families. This funding is not based on household income. If your child receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA), they may qualify, regardless of your financial situation.
Who Can Get DAF?
To qualify for DAF, your child must:
- Be receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- Be registered for funded early years childcare through one of the following offers:
- Universal 15 hours for all 3- and 4-year-olds.
- 15 hours for disadvantaged 2-year-olds.
- 15 hours for children aged 9 months to 2 years, if the parent is eligible for the working parent entitlement.
Your child does not need to take up the full 15 hours per week to be eligible, being registered for one of the schemes is sufficient. Children attending a school reception class are not eligible for DAF.
How to Apply
The process is straightforward:
- Let your childcare provider know that your child receives DLA.
- They will apply for the DAF on your behalf.
- You may be asked to provide a copy of your child’s DLA award letter as proof.
If your child’s DLA status changes or they move to a new setting, make sure to inform your provider to keep records up to date.
Why DAF Matters
Every child deserves the chance to flourish in their early years, regardless of ability. The Disability Access Fund helps ensure children with disabilities are fully included in early learning environments.
Whether your child needs special equipment, a more accessible space, or extra staff support, DAF helps providers make meaningful changes that benefit your child’s education and development.
Final Advice for Parents
- Let your childcare provider know if your child receives DLA, they may not be aware unless you tell them.
- Ask how the funding will be used to support your child’s individual needs.
- Keep your provider informed if your child’s DLA status or childcare arrangements change.
- Contact your local council if you have questions or need help with the process.
Don’t Forget
While you’re checking your eligibility for the Disability Access Fund (DAF), it’s worth knowing that this could also open the door to other types of support you might not be aware of. For example, households that qualify for DAF may also be eligible for free insulation or heating upgrades through government schemes such as ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
These programmes are designed to help households on low incomes, those receiving certain benefits, or where someone has a disability. They can make your home warmer, more energy efficient, and cheaper to run. You can use our Eligibility Checker to see if your property qualifies based on its energy rating. It only takes a couple of minutes and could help you find extra support to make your home more comfortable and affordable.
People Also Asked
What is the Disability Access Fund (DAF)?
The Disability Access Fund (DAF) supports early years providers in England to make reasonable adjustments for children with disabilities or special educational needs who receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and attend a funded early education place.
How much funding does the Disability Access Fund provide?
The DAF pays a fixed annual amount of £938 per eligible child (as of April 2024 and confirmed for 2025/26) to the nominated childcare provider. This is not based on hours attended and is a lump sum paid once per calendar year. The Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales is a separate scheme and not related to DAF.
Who is eligible for the Disability Access Card?
The Disability Access (Access) Card is available to people whose long-term physical or mental impairment has a significant impact on daily activities. Eligibility depends on access needs with supporting evidence such as DLA, PIP, or medical documentation, not the diagnosis itself.
What can you spend DAF funding on?
Providers use DAF funding for reasonable adjustments such as accessibility improvements, specialist equipment, or training staff to meet the needs of children with disabilities.
Can parents apply for the Disability Access Fund directly?
No, DAF funding is paid directly to the childcare provider and not to parents. Parents should inform the provider if their child receives DLA, so the provider can apply on their behalf.
How do childcare providers apply for the DAF?
Providers apply for DAF through their local authority, usually using an online portal or form. They must supply evidence of the child’s DLA and confirmation of the funded place.
Can DAF funding be transferred if a child changes providers?
No, DAF funding cannot be transferred if a child changes providers. The original provider keeps the payment for that financial year, and the new provider can only claim it in the next annual cycle. Parents must nominate the main setting if a child attends more than one provider.
Is the Disability Access Fund means-tested?
No, DAF is not means-tested. Eligibility depends only on receiving DLA and attending a funded early education place
Does DAF funding affect other benefits or funding?
Receiving DAF does not impact other benefits or entitlements, including SEN Inclusion Funding or Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
What’s the difference between DAF and SEN Inclusion Funding?
DAF is a fixed, one-off annual payment per eligible child, regardless of individual needs. SEN Inclusion Funding is allocated based on assessments of special educational needs and can vary in amount and purpose.
Useful Resources:
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available:
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