Family Fund

The Family Fund is the UK’s largest provider of grants to families living on the lowest incomes.

It gives grants to families who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child aged 17 and under.

The Fund’s grants bring practical and essential help that is often a lifeline to a family such as washing machines, fridges, bedding, specialist toys and much-needed family breaks. It has also provided grants for computers and tablets.

Family breaks are usually booked through holiday providers such as Haven and the Inspire travel company.  They are able to help with breaks around the UK and abroad.

With limited funding it tries to help as many families as it can. It uses its own eligibility criteria to ensure that it only helps families in the most need.

If you can say ‘Yes’ to the following, the Fund may be able to help you and your family.

• I am a permanent resident in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
• I have a current legal residency in the UK and have lived in the UK for the last 6 months, and I am eligible to work and apply for public funds.
• I am the parent or carer of a disabled or seriously ill child or young person (aged 17 or under) who lives at home.
• I am eligible for, and I can send evidence of my entitlement to, one of the following tax credits or benefits: Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Income related Employment Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit.
• The grant I am asking for is related to the needs of the child or young person in my care.

If you don’t receive any of the benefits listed you can still apply but the Fund will still require details of your household income.  Evidence will be required.

The disabled child or young person must require a high level of support in three or more of the following areas:

• Personal Care 
• Education
• Communication
• Access to social activities
• Supervision and vigilance
• Medical or therapeutic treatment
• Physical environment and specialist resources

The child or young person does not have to be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.  In the absence of these a medical report or educational report may be sufficient.

Their condition must be long-lasting (over 12 months) or life-limiting.

How to apply to the Family Fund

Before making an application check the eligibility criteria and when you can next apply.

If you are new to the Family Fund complete the online application form for the area you live in on the Family Fund website.

If you are offered a grant you may apply for another grant at a later date. Submit your Family Fund number and postcode to find out when you can reapply on the "next Apply Date" page. The Fund may need to confirm that your child is still eligible for support.

Previous applicants in England, Northern Ireland or Wales, are usually able to reapply 24 months from the date you last applied. Families in Scotland can apply 18 months from the date you last applied. 

Please note: Applications from Wales are currently closed.

The charity may arrange for an independent assessor to speak to you on the telephone or through a video call. 

A young adult aged 16 years+ living on their own can apply independently.

Grant Programmes

Family Fund Mobility Support

This programme provides support to families raising a disable dor seriously ill child under 3 years old with significant mobility needs.

It provides a car leasing package for a limited period until the age of three when the national Mobility scheme starts.

Support for Families with Disabled Children (SFDC)

Grants for families living in England with lovw income who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person.  This is funded by the Department of Education and managed by the Family Fund.

Scotland Programme

Grants for families living in Scotland with a disabled or seriously ill child aged 17 years or younger.

Eligibility and items funded as above in the main section.

Wales Programme

Currently closed due to funding availability.

You can still apply for a Your Opportunity grant or Family Fund Mobility Support if you are eligible. Just contact us at info@familyfund.org.uk 

Northern Ireland Programme

Grants for families living in Scotland with a disabled or seriously ill child aged 17 years or younger.

Eligibility and items funded as above in the main section.

Take a Break Scotland

Take a Break is Scotland’s short break grant scheme parent carers (unpaid carers and eligible kinship carers) of disabled children and young people, aged 0-20 years who have complex additional support needs.

This programme is currently closed.

The Marian Elizabeth Trust Programme

The Marian Elizabeth Trust Programme provides grant support to low income families raising children and young adults (upo to 21 years) with multiple complex needs.

This programme is only available to those living in specific locations across Birmingham, Liverpool, Chester, Leicester, Peterborough and surrounding areas.

To apply for this programme you need to apply for a Family Fund grant first.  Then as part of the application process an assessment will be made whether an additional grant can be made.

Your Opportunity:  Help for 18 - 24 year olds

iPads and Tablets

Family Fund run a series of iPad and tablet workshops.  This helps families with disabled children develop their digital skills and to get the most out of their iPads or Android tablets through training.

It is able to offer grants for computers and tablets.