FAQs

Use our Frequently Asked Questions tool to help you find answers to some of the most common questions we get on our helpline

How to use our FAQs tool

Our FAQs are divided into the most popular topics parents ask about.

Choose the topic you’re interested in, and keep narrowing down until you see a list of questions. Clicking on the question you’re interested in will take you to the section of our site where you’ll find the answer.

Mobile and tablet users

Slide the list of topics across the screen from left to right to find the topic you’re interested in.

I want some advice about…

Benefits & tax credits

Personal Independence Payment & other benefits at 16

Unhappy with a benefits decision

Find out more:

Whether you want to challenge a benefits decision or complain about how a benefits claim has been handled, it is a good idea to try and get help from a local advice service that helps with benefits issues.

You can search for local benefits advisers by using the Turn2Us find an adviser tool.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Changes in circumstances

Universal Credit & what it's replacing

Help with rent, mortgage and council tax

My child's education

Extra help with educational needs

If you live in England

If you live in Scotland

If you live in Northern Ireland

Read our information about education in Northern Ireland.

Find out about the system of support for children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland on the NI Education Authority website or Senac (special educational needs advice centre).

If you live in Wales

Read our information about education in Wales.

To find out more about Additional Learning Needs, including assessments and putting support in place, contact SNAP Cymru; helpline: 0808 801 0608.

The National Youth Advocacy Service helps children and young people make their voices heard about decisions that affect them.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Find out more

If you live in England

If you live in Northern Ireland

Read our information about education in Northern Ireland.

Find out about the system of support for children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland on the NI Education Authority website or Senac (special educational needs advice centre).

If you live in Scotland

Read our information about education in Scotland.

In Scotland, the system of support for children with additional support needs is called additional support for learning. You can read more about it on the Enquire website.

If you live in Wales

Read our information about education in Wales.

To find out more about Additional Learning Needs, including assessments and putting support in place, contact SNAP Cymru; helpline: 0808 801 0608.

The National Youth Advocacy Service helps children and young people make their voices heard about decisions that affect them.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

If you live in England

If you live in Northern Ireland

Read our information about education in Northern Ireland.

Find out about the system of support for children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland on the NI Education Authority website or Senac (special educational needs advice centre).

If you live in Scotland

Read our information about education in Scotland.

In Scotland, the system of support for children with additional support needs is called additional support for learning. You can read more about it on the Enquire website.

If you live in Wales

Read our information about education in Wales.

To find out more about Additional Learning Needs, including assessments and putting support in place, contact SNAP Cymru; helpline: 0808 801 0608.

The National Youth Advocacy Service helps children and young people make their voices heard about decisions that affect them.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Questions about EHC plans (England only)

Behaviour, attendance and equality

If you live in England:

If you live in Northern Ireland

Read our information about education in Northern Ireland.

Find out about the system of support for children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland on the NI Education Authority website or Senac (special educational needs advice centre).

If you live in Scotland

Read our information about education in Scotland.

In Scotland, the system of support for children with additional support needs is called additional support for learning. You can read more about it on the Enquire website.

If you live in Wales

Read our information about education in Wales.

To find out more about Additional Learning Needs, including assessments and putting support in place, contact SNAP Cymru; helpline: 0808 801 0608.

The National Youth Advocacy Service helps children and young people make their voices heard about decisions that affect them.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

    Diagnosis & health services

    Diagnosis

    Support for my family

    Local help

    Care & support services

    Preparing for adult life

    If you live in England:

    If you live in Northern Ireland

    Read our information about education in Northern Ireland.

    Find out about the system of support for children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland on the NI Education Authority website or Senac (special educational needs advice centre).

    If you live in Scotland

    Read our information about education in Scotland.

    In Scotland, the system of support for children with additional support needs is called additional support for learning. You can read more about it on the Enquire website.

    If you live in Wales

    Read our information about education in Wales.

    To find out more about Additional Learning Needs, including assessments and putting support in place, contact SNAP Cymru; helpline: 0808 801 0608.

    The National Youth Advocacy Service helps children and young people make their voices heard about decisions that affect them.

    Can’t find what you’re looking for?

    If you live in England:

    If you live in Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland:

    For information about social care, visit the Money Advice Service for advice in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, or:

    For information about health, visit:

    Scotland: www.nhs24.scot

    Northern Ireland: www.hscni.net

    Wales: www.wales.nhs.uk

    Can’t find what you’re looking for?

    Other financial help, work & childcare