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What is it?
If your child gets DLA for personal care at the middle or higher rate you may be able to claim Invalid Care Allowance. It is a weekly cash payment for anyone who spends at least 35 hours a week looking after someone with an illness or disability. If you work full time and someone else cares for your child, they can claim the benefit instead. ICA is taxable, but you can earn up to £50 a week and still claim it.
It is worth claiming ICA even if you are on Income Support, because although ICA is deducted from your Income Support, claiming protects your pension and makes you eligible for a Carer's Premium, which will increase the total benefit. You may also be able to claim Disabled Child's Premium if your child is claiming DLA.
How do you get it?
Ask for a form from your local Benefits Agency Office (Business and Services section of local telephone directory) or from the Benefits Enquiry Line.