| Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
The rules about who can get DLA change at age 16. From age 16, you no longer have to show that your child needs more care or supervision than another person of the same age.
This change may mean that they're entitled to a higher rate of DLA than before, or that they can receive DLA for the first time. If they are already entitled to DLA before turning 16, their claim is likely to be looked at again around sometime before their 16th birthday.
When your child turns 16, benefits are normally payable to them directly rather than you as their carer. If you feel they are not capable of managing their own affairs you need to indicate this with the DLA claim forms which are sent before your child‟s 16th Birthday, and request to be their appointee. A representative from DWP will contact you to arrange a home visit which is usually straightforward and shouldn‟t delay your claim.
If your child was not entitled to DLA before age 16, you should make a new claim when they turn 16 if you think they may be entitled to DLA as an adult. To claim DLA you should phone the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.
Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
If your child is over 16 and has an illness or disability which affects their ability to work, they may be able to apply for Employment and Support Allowance in Youth.
This benefit is paid even if your child remains in full time education (as long as the course would not be suitable for someone the same age without a disability). So, a young person with a disability who is in special education, on a course specially tailored to suit their needs, or who receives extra tuition because of their disability will be likely to qualify for ESA in Youth.
Further details are available from Contact A Family‟s excellent guide http://www.cafamily.org.uk/pdfs/money_when_your_child_reaches_16.pdf which you can download for free or request from their helpline on 0808 808 3555.
Please note: If your child lives with you, their entitlement to Employment and Support Allowance may affect any benefits you claim, such as Child Benefit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit. To claim ESA you should phone Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 66 88
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