DLA and help with transport
Resources
This page summarises the links between Disability Living Allowance and getting help with transport and parking for your child. For further transport information, download our factsheet Help with Transport.
Road tax
If your child is awarded the higher rate of the mobility component and uses the car to get about, you may not have to pay Road Tax on that vehicle.
You can get a VED (vehicle excise duty) exemption form from the Disability Benefits Unit dealing with your child's claim. You will need a Certificate of Exemption from Road Tax as proof that you are entitled to a 'tax exempt disc' from the DVLA.
Technically the car is only exempt while it is being used solely by or for the purposes of your disabled child. However, this doesn't mean your child has to be in the car. In practice, as long as the car is used 'substantially' for your disabled child, you needn't worry.
Blue Badge Scheme
If your child gets the higher rate of the mobility component, they will also be entitled to a 'Blue Badge'. This allows the holder to disregard some parking restrictions, making it much easier to park very close to places you are taking your disabled child.
Only in very exceptional circumstances will Brighton & Hove issue a Blue Badge to a child who doesn't get the higher rate. In these cases, it's worth asking your child's consultant whether they are happy to support your application. It really helps if they can say clearly why they think your child needs a Blue Badge. The Parking Officer will always write to your child's GP. So, to be sure your doctor also has a good grasp of your child's needs, ask that they are copied into this letter from the consultant.
The badge is also available to families with children under two who, because of their medical condition, need to travel with bulky medical equipment or be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment.
If your child has a Blue Badge, take care to stick to the rules about its use. Display the badge round the wrong way, or with the expiry date hidden and you are likely to get a parking ticket. And remember, if your child is not in the car, it is an offence to display the badge, unless you are on your way to pick up your child, or you have just dropped them off.
To get a Blue Badge in Brighton and Hove, contact The Parking Officer, Brighton and Hove City Council, on 01273 296270.
Motability
Motability is a charity, set up to help disabled people and parents of disabled children buy or lease a car. You can also use your child's higher rate of mobility component to buy an electric wheelchair.
To use the scheme your child must have at least 12 months of their DLA award left to run.
For details of the schemes ring Motability on 0845 456 4566 or visit the Motability website.