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This website is only one part of the Local Offer; we also have a directory which you can visit at 1space.eastsussex.gov.uk/localoffer

Housing, Income and Benefits

Two adults and two children stood outside a house. One child has two walking sticks and the other child is holding a green book.

Housing and Accommodation

The main East Sussex County Council website has pages on housing. It includes temporary accommodation, supported housing and housing with round-the-clock care. This is for disabled adults and those who are vulnerable.

My family, Our Needs has a web page that provides information on all the different types of housing for people with a disability.

Income and Benefits

Benefits change as a young person becomes an adult. There are adult welfare benefits that young people and their family may be entitled to. Parents and legal guardians receive child benefit for every child they are responsible for who is under the age of 16. This changes to under the age of 20 if they are in approved education or training. This means they are on a college or a recognised training course.

The Government website also provides information about benefits calculators. These allow you to check what you could be entitled to:

You may also find it helpful to read the guidance held on Contact. Contact is a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) information website. They have a page specifically on 16+ benefits:

Parents and legal guardians can also claim tax credits. There are ‘top-up’ amounts for these benefits if the child or young person has a disability and meet the eligibility criteria.

Families might be eligible to claim Carer's Allowance but it is means tested on your weekly income. The main government website provides more information:


Disability Payments

The main benefits for adults with a disability are Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). DLA and PIP are benefits paid to cover the extra costs of a person’s disability or health needs. They are both split into two components: 

DLA is available to children under 16. PIP is available for anyone aged 16-64 with a disability. The Government website has more information on both DLA and PIP:


Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

ESA gives you:

The main Government website provides more information:


Personal Budgets

A Personal Budget means that someone who requires extra support or adaptations to their home is allocated some money. This allows them to choose and pay for the care and support they want. 

These funds might be available through:

There are different ways you can take and manage a Personal Budget:

Young people can receive direct payments from the age of 16.

You can discuss your Personal Budget with whoever supports you from Children's Disability Service, or the NHS.


Disabled Facilities Grants

Disabled Facilities Grants are funded by your local borough council. This includes Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother or Wealden. This grant can support adaptations in the home to make it more suitable for disabilities. Access to this grant is only via a needs assessment carried out by Adult Social Care at East Sussex County Council.

The main government website provides more information:  


Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or unable to work.

Your monthly payment is based on your circumstances. For example, your earnings or household income, housing costs and any health condition or disability you may have. The government website outlines how universal credit works:   

Additional Help and Support

Amaze SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service)

Amaze SENDIASS are a local charity. They can provide income and benefits advice on their local helpline. They can refer to their benefits service where required. Contact Amaze SENDIASS by:

Visit the Amaze SENDIASS web page.

Amaze also have a web page sharing tips for helping young people with additional needs understand money: 


Preparing for Adulthood (PfA)

PfA have created a guide called ‘Better off in Work’. The guide includes advice about universal credits and work:

You can also visit the PfA web page, on the NDTi website:


East Sussex Local Offer directory of services

You can visit our SEND-specific online directory, hosted on East Sussex 1Space. The directory lists many different services both throughout the county and online. Services cover many topics, including:

Visit the East Sussex Local Offer directory.


Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms

We explain some of the terms used on this website on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.

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