The Children with Disabilities Service is responsible for supporting children and young people with disabilities up until the age of 18. After that the responsibility passes to adult social care services if the young person meets the eligibility criteria for social care services.
Young people and their families already receiving social care support from children’s services should receive support to link between the two services.
For many young people with a disability or additional need however, the main concern is about the support they will need in further education. All young people should, from year 9 onwards, have an advisor from the Connexions Service. This support continues up to the age of 25 for young people with disabilities and additional needs. The Connexions Service will work with further education and training providers to make sure the young person gets the support gets they need.
Checking your benefits
Note that awards of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and young people often end on the person’s 16th birthday. This does not mean that the benefit will necessarily stop- it’s just that you must re-apply because the benefits system treats people with disabilities differently from the age of 16. Young people with disabilities can claim DLA in their own right from that age – although parents can still continue to act as their appointee where appropriate. Young people may also be able to claim other benefits in their own right - but do take advice from the Council’s Benefits Shop as this is not always the best option for the family as a whole.
DirectGov has lots more information and there is a benefits calculator for children and young people with disabilities and their families on the Contact a Family website.
Information for carers
Parents/carers of young people with disabilities may find the support for carers pages useful.
