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⚠️ Not financial or medical advice. This guide points to free support services. Read our disclaimer
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Debt & Mental Health: Staying Resilient

When care costs climb, financial stress follows. This guide is for SEND parents who are struggling — and need to know where to turn for free, confidential support.

If you're struggling right now: You're not alone, and you haven't failed. SEND parenting is expensive, relentless, and under-supported. This guide won't judge you — it will point you to people who can actually help.

Why SEND Families Face Financial Pressure

The costs of supporting an autistic child are rarely fully covered by the state. Families often face:

  • Private assessments and therapies not funded by the NHS (SALT, OT, ABA, CAMHS wait times)
  • Specialist equipment (sensory items, adaptive toys, communication devices)
  • Transport costs to specialist provision
  • Reduced working hours or career breaks due to caring responsibilities
  • Legal costs for EHCP appeals
  • Costs arising from school refusal, fixed-term exclusions, or gaps in provision
  • Specialist food, clothing, or home adaptations

It adds up fast — often running into thousands of pounds a year that families simply don't have.

Debt: The Practical Steps First

If you're in debt or struggling to pay essential bills, the most important thing is not to ignore it. Debt doesn't go away — but it can be managed, often better than you think.

Free Debt Advice Services

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StepChange Debt Charity

Free, expert debt advice and a personalised action plan. Over 600,000 people helped a year. They will not judge you.

Website: stepchange.org
Phone: 0800 138 1111 (free, Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm)

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National Debtline

Free debt advice by phone or online. Independent and confidential.

Website: nationaldebtline.org
Phone: 0808 808 4000

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Citizens Advice

Local advisers who can help with debt, benefits, and SEND-related finances.

Website: citizensadvice.org.uk

Breathing Space Scheme

The government's Breathing Space (Debt Respite) scheme gives you 60 days of legal protection from creditor contact and enforcement while you get debt advice. A mental health crisis version gives protection for as long as you're in treatment.

You apply through a free debt advice organisation like StepChange. Learn more at gov.uk.

Mental Health: The Hidden Cost

Caring for an autistic child is one of the highest-stress parenting experiences — and SEND parents have significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout than the general population. That is not a character flaw. It is a predictable consequence of an underfunded system.

Free Mental Health Support

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Mental Health & Money Advice

The only UK service addressing the link between mental health and financial difficulty together. Free guidance for people affected by both.

Website: mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org

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Mind

Mental health charity with an infoline, local groups, and carer support resources.

Website: mind.org.uk
Infoline: 0300 123 3393

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Carers UK

Support, information and peer connection for carers. Includes emotional support and a benefits advice line.

Website: carersuk.org
Helpline: 0808 808 7777

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Samaritans

Free, 24/7 confidential emotional support. You don't have to be suicidal to call — they're there for any distress.

Phone: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Email: jo@samaritans.org

Benefits You May Be Missing

Many SEND families aren't claiming everything they're entitled to. Worth checking:

  • DLA — Disability Living Allowance for children under 16. See our DLA guide.
  • Carer's Allowance — If you spend 35+ hours a week caring, you may qualify. Check at gov.uk.
  • Carer's Credit — Protects your National Insurance record if you can't claim Carer's Allowance.
  • Council Tax Reduction — Your local council may offer a discount if you're on a low income or caring.
  • Free School Meals — Eligibility may be broader than you think.
  • Short Breaks / Respite — Your local authority should offer short breaks for disabled children. Ask your social worker.
  • Disabled Facilities Grant — For home adaptations. Up to £30,000 in England. Check with your council.

Practical Resilience Tips

Beyond emergency support, some practical habits that help:

  • Talk to your GP — Carer burnout is a medical issue, not a personal failure. Your GP can refer you to talking therapies.
  • Find your tribe — Local and online autism parent communities are a lifeline. Kent Autistic Trust and NAS Kent branches both run groups.
  • Annual benefits check — Run a free benefits check every year (Turn2Us, EntitledTo, or Citizens Advice) — the system changes, and new entitlements open up.
  • Document everything — Keep a folder of every letter, report, email with the LA. It matters later.
  • Ask for a Carer's Assessment — You are entitled to one from your local authority. It can unlock support you didn't know existed.

Useful Links

This is not financial or medical advice. This guide signposts to free support services. For advice on your specific financial or mental health situation, please contact the organisations listed above or speak to a qualified professional. Read our full disclaimer.