Child Disability Payment (CDP) is a benefit available to families in Scotland. It is very similar to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

 

We know that many deaf people and families of deaf children do not consider deafness to be a disability. However, they may still be eligible for disability benefits such as CDP. This isn’t means tested, it is based on a child’s care and supervision needs, and it may allow a family to receive additional benefits/support. 

 We have information about CPD  including whether your child is eligible, how to make a claim and what to do if you disagree with a decision.

 

To claim CDP, you need to show that the child’s needs are significantly greater than a child of the same age without a disability or illness. These care and supervision needs may take place during the day, at night, or both. 

 

It’s important to include supporting information to strengthen your claim and help to give Social Security Scotland (SSS) a full understanding of your child’s needs.

 Here are some examples:

 

  • medical reports such as hearing test results, audiograms, discharge letters from hospitals
  • current symptoms, their severity, and the effect they have 
  • a daily diary of the additional care and attention your child requires because of their deafness.
  • care or treatment plans, and therapies or adaptations
  • social care assessments 


 You can also ask professionals to provide supporting evidence for your child, such as:

  • Audiologist
  • Teacher of the Deaf (ToD)
  • Speech and language therapist
  • Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist
  • GP
  • Teacher
  • Social worker
     

We have information on how to apply for CDP which explains the different ways to apply.

I hope this information is useful. If you have further questions or would like support with the process of applying, please let us know.