Launch of the Support for Families with Disabled Children (SFDC) programme

Funded by the Department for Education and managed by Family Fund, the SFDC programme serves as the primary grant initiative for families living in England, who are caring for a disabled or seriously ill child or young person and are living on a low income. It replaces our previous programme in England, which was also supported by the Department.

Through the SFDC programme, parents and carers can apply for grants to enhance the day-to-day quality of life for disabled or seriously ill children or young people aged 17 or younger. A wide range of grant items are available. Including: clothing, play equipment, household and technology items, as well as opportunities for days out and family breaks.

For more detailed information about the programme, please visit SFDC programme page.

To apply for the SFDC programme, the quickest and easiest way is to use Family Fund’s online application form. The online application form functionality has been improved in preparation for the programme’s launch. If you prefer a paper application, that option is available as well. Additionally, we offer application support for individuals whose first language is not English or who have specific accessibility needs. Learn more about this on our application page.

Cheryl Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Family Fund, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Family Fund has been chosen by the Department for Education to deliver this important programme to families in England. For many years, the Department has been providing support to families raising a disabled child through Family Fund, and this new programme will be in place for the next two and a half years.

“We’ve done lots of work behind the scenes to improve our online application and enhanced our grant-making process ready for the launch day on 2 October. Our grants team are raring to go. We know that simple things like a day away, or an efficient new washing machine to help with the family’s laundry, make a huge difference to quality of life. And that is what the SFDC programme will provide. We’re looking forward to opening to applications in England again and getting vital support out to families who need it.”