Benefits, entitlements and funding

Disability Living Allowance for children

In England, DLA can help with additional costs for a child under 16 who meets the eligibility rules and needs substantially more care or supervision than a child of the same age, or has qualifying mobility difficulties.

Deafness does not automatically result in an award. Describe the extra help needed across the day and night, with examples. Include communication, supervision and safety needs where relevant.

Rates and rules can change. Use the official DLA guide for current amounts, eligibility and the claim process.

Check the official DLA guidance.

Gather useful evidence

• Keep a short diary of additional support, including easier and harder days.
• Explain what happens without the help, and how often help is needed.
• Gather relevant professional letters, reports and school information.
• Keep copies of forms and decisions, and note deadlines.

Ask an experienced benefits adviser for help with a claim or challenge. Do not assume an award or a particular rate from another family’s experience.

Birkdale Trust grants

The Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired Ltd supports children and young people in the UK, up to their mid twenties, and related organisations. Its guidance includes specialist equipment, courses, tuition, therapy and certain educational support costs.

Applications now begin through the website and its secure portal. For an applicant under 18, a parent or guardian completes the application.

• Read the April 2026 guidance before applying.
• Apply before the cost is incurred: grants cannot be retrospective.
• Use formal supplier quotations and relevant professional evidence.
• For a BSL course, apply in the deaf person’s name even if someone else will attend.
• An application does not guarantee full or partial funding.

Open the official Birkdale application route · Read the current guidance PDF.

Other financial support

Depending on your circumstances, other routes may include benefits for carers, disability related additions to other benefits, charitable grants or support with education and equipment.

First ask who is responsible for meeting an assessed need. A charitable grant should not be treated as the only route where a public service has a responsibility.

The external NDCS grant guide can help identify further options. One Stockport Family Hubs and the Stockport SEND Local Offer can help you find local money advice.

When your child approaches 16

Check the current process for moving from child benefits to the appropriate adult disability benefit. The rules and evidence differ. Start reading the official guidance before the change is due.

Read about preparing for adulthood.