7. What will happen to my child's benefits when they reach 16?

Most young people have a renewal of their Disability Living Allowance when they reach 16. Yes, unfortunately, this means filling in the form again. The form will be different as it is the adult form. But if your child's needs haven't changed, they should continue to get the same amount of DLA.

They can also claim other benefits in their own right. Most young people with Down's syndrome can get:

• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

ESA replaced Incapacity benefit from 27th October 08. Those already receiving Incapacity Benefit will remain on it for the time being.

However, if they claim Employment and Support Allowance, please note that you will stop getting Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit for them. If the whole family is on benefit (Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance, for example), you may be better off NOT claiming Incapacity Benefit/Income Support for your child with Down's syndrome. Check if you are in this situation. See Benefits at 16 or contact the Benefits advisers at the DSA.