Money and benefits
Find out more about the financial support available for deaf children and young people.
An overview of how disability benefits can support deaf children and young people and their families in British Sign Language.
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Thinking about money or trying to understand the financial support available may not be your top priority when navigating childhood deafness or hearing loss. However, it’s important to get the right information about the financial support available to you to ensure you don’t miss out.
Financial support for deaf children and young people
The main financial support for deaf children and young people are disability benefits. Disability benefits are payments from the government to help meet the extra costs of living with a disability or raising a disabled child.
Is deafness a disability?
Not all deaf people or families of deaf children see deafness as a disability. However, even if you don't view it that way, you may still be entitled to disability benefits.
Who disability benefits are for
Disability benefits are a contribution towards the extra costs of living with a disability or raising a disabled child. Deaf children and young people with any level of deafness may be eligible. A formal diagnosis is not required for eligibility. It is your child’s or young person’s needs that are assessed. It also doesn't matter if they use hearing devices, can lip-read, or use sign language.
Disability benefits are not means tested. It doesn’t matter if you are in work, how much you’re paid or whether you have savings, your deaf child or a deaf young person could still qualify. The amount you are awarded is based on the level of disability and not your current financial situation.
How disability benefits can help
If you are awarded a disability benefit, there are no rules on what the money should be spent on. Each family and deaf young person will use this money in their own way.
For example, you could use the money for:
- communication support
- sensory toys
- travel costs
- extra tuition
- computers or other technology
- internet access
- social activities
Gateway to other support or benefits
Getting disability benefits can also help you access other support. For example, depending on the benefit, you might also qualify for:
- additional benefits or extra money for benefits you already get, like Carer's Allowance
- free early education
- help with heating costs
- discounts for days out and travel, such as a Disabled Persons Railcard
- access passes for certain attractions and amusement parks.
Louise's story
When Louise took her 2-year-old son George to CBeebies Land, she used their disability benefit to get discounted entry.
Read Louise's experience going to CBeebies Land.
Explore your options
Explore the different financial support options available for deaf children and young people.
Disability benefits in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
A disability benefit for children under 16 years old living in England, Northern Ireland or Wales.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
A disability benefit for young people aged 16 and over living in England, Northern Ireland or Wales.
Challenging a disability benefit decision
Challenge or appeal a disability benefit decision in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Disability benefits in Scotland
Child Disability Payment (CDP)
A disability benefit for children under 16 years old living in Scotland.
Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
A disability benefit for young people aged 16 and over living in Scotland.
Challenging a disability benefit determination in Scotland
Challenge or appeal a disability benefit determination in Scotland.
Employment
Universal Credit
A benefit for working-aged people who are on low income or out of work. People with a disability may be able to get extra money. Students with disabilities may also be able to claim.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
A benefit for young people aged 16 or older who find it harder to work because of illness or a disability.
Access to Work
A government scheme providing grants and support to disabled people aged 16 and over who are in paid work.
Other financial support
Carer's Allowance
A benefit for people with low-income who care for someone who gets certain benefits.
Grants
Grants are funding or goods and services provided by grant-giving organisations to those who need support, like deaf young people or families of deaf children.