Eligibility for DAF

Part of: Disability Access Fund (DAF)

Contents

A child is eligible for the Disability Access Fund if they receive Disability Living Allowance and take up funded early education hours. Children do not need to take up their full entitlement to receive the Disability Access Fund.

Four-year-olds in reception classes are not eligible for the Disability Access Fund.

Children can qualify when they receive any of these funded entitlements:

  • Funded two-year-old place for disadvantaged children
  • Universally funded hours for three and four-year-olds
  • Working parent entitlement for children aged two and under

Children do not need to take up all of their funded hours to receive the Disability Access Fund. They only need to take up some hours and receive Disability Living Allowance.

Four-year-olds in reception classes are not eligible for the Disability Access Fund.

Checking if a child is eligible

Providers are responsible for checking with parents if a child receives Disability Living Allowance. 

You should ask the parent or carer to confirm that their child receives Disability Living Allowance and request a copy of the award letter. You must keep a copy of this evidence in your records.

Families who are unsure about Disability Living Allowance or how to apply can get advice from the Trafford Family Information Service. Email FIS@trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 912 1053.

How many providers can get DAF

Only one provider can receive the payment for a child in a financial year. The funding cannot be shared between providers or transferred to a new provider if a child moves during the year. 

When a child attends more than one setting, the parent chooses which provider receives the payment. It is usually the setting where the child takes most of their funded hours.