Funding, benefits and discounts for children and young people with ADHD
ADHD is recognised as a condition which qualifies for disability benefits and funding. The following is a summary of the various avenues to explore:
Carer’s Allowance (CA): This is paid to a carer who looks after a child with ADHD for more than 35 hours a week and earns under a certain threshold. www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Cerebra: This is the national charity helping children with brain conditions and their families discover a better life together. www.cerebra.org.uk
Cinema Exhibition Card (CEA): This is a cinema discount card for carers. Any responsible adult, who goes to the cinema with the child who has ADHD, gets in free. www.ceacard.co.uk
Disability Living Allowance (DLA): This helps with the cost of caring for an eligible child with ADHD. www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit
Disabled Person’s Railcard: Valid for one or three years, it entitles the holder to discounts of up to one third off the price of a range of tickets; the same discount also covers tickets purchased by the accompanying adult. www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
Disabled Students Allowance: Support for those going into further education. www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas
Family Fund: Assists families who are raising a disabled (ADHD) or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or under. www.familyfund.org.uk
Free Early Education: UK Government education for 2-year-olds with special education needs (SEN), an education health and care plan, receiving Disability Living Allowance or income support. www.gov.uk/find-free-early-education
Merlin Pass: Provides complimentary carers pass to attractions such as Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, the London Eye, London Dungeons, Madame Tussauds. www.merlinannualpass.co.uk
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): This can help with extra living costs if you have: a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability difficulty doing certain daily tasks. www.gov.uk/pip
Richmond AID: A charity run by and for disabled people in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and surrounding areas. www.richmondaid.org.uk
Richmond Card: This is a card for Richmond borough residents (children and adults) offering various discounts. www.richmond.gov.uk/richmondcard
ZipCard: This gives children free travel on buses, trams & trains.