Useful sources of information about benefits
A list of organisations who can provide information and advice about benefits

It can be difficult for families looking after a child with serious health needs to work out what benefits they are entitled to, and it can be confusing to know what each type of benefit means. The organisations listed below are great sources of information and advice about benefits.
Contact
Contact, a charity for families with disabled children, have a wealth of information about each type of benefit you may be eligible for. The information is specifically designed for parents who look after a child with a disability. Their website contains information about what each benefit means, for example Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Universal Credit. Visit contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/benefits-and-tax-credits/
Contact also have information about benefits for families living in Scotland here >>
Turn2Us benefits calculator
The Turn2Us benefits calculator is a useful tool that can help you find out what means-tested benefits you are entitled to. You will need to enter information about yourself, your current housing situation, your child and their disability. For a full list of the information you will need to complete a benefits calculation, visit turn2us.org.uk/get-support/Benefits-Calculator/Information-for-a-benefits-calculation
To start using the benefits calculator to find out what you are entitled to, visit benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou
Citizen’s Advice
The Citizen’s Advice Bureau can provide you with advice about what benefits you are entitled to, as well as how to manage debt and other financial issues. They have useful information on their website here: citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits
You can find your local Citizen’s Advice and find out how you can speak to an advisor here citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us
Other helpful organisations
Working Families – For information about benefits for parents and carers of disabled children: workingfamilies.org.uk/article-categories/benefits-for-parents-and-carers-of-disabled-children
Carers UK – for information about benefits for carers: carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support
Gingerbread – for information about benefits for single parents: gingerbread.org.uk/what-we-do/advice_and_support_for_single_parents
Callum Campbell, Family Information Officer
callumcampbell@wellchild.org.uk
First published 17 May 2021
Last reviewed 18 May 2022
Next review due July 2022