Benefits & Entitlements
As with a lot of things, we found out about benefits that we were entitled to much later than we needed to. I remember a conversation with our Portage worker who said “I am not supposed to be telling you this but have you applied for Disability Living Allowance?” as though she were committing a crime in helping me! As for Carers Allowance, we found out about that a year after we could have been claiming it. In a way we do find it weird that in effect we are being paid to look after our own children, but even simple things like driving to endless appointments is an added expense that most parents do not have. Benefits are there for a reason so if you are entitled to them then claim them – every little helps.A word of warning though. These forms are very tedious and you do find that you end up writing the same thing over and over again. Also, it can be quite upsetting putting into black and white the problems that your child has – it seems much more real somehow. Do ask for help if you need it and if it gets too much, put it down, have a cup of tea and do it again another day when you are feeling stronger. Good Luck!
List of Benefits
Disability Living Allowance
Disability living allowance is paid when your child needs more care and attention than their mainstream peers.
Carers Allowance
If your child receives the middle or higher rate of the disability living allowance and you care for them for more than 35 hours a week then carers allowance may be available.
Blue Badge Scheme
This scheme provides parking concessions primarily for people with walking difficulties who are travelling either as passengers or drivers. If you are applying for your child then you may only use it when they are in the car with you.
Child Tax Credits Disabled Child Element
Child tax credits are payable to any family with children but are dependent on level of income. The disabled child element increases the potential benefit for any family with at least one disabled child.
Direct Payments
Direct Payments are a benefit where Social Services provide financial aid towards employing your own helpers.
Home Care
Home Care is provided by the Community Support Service and gives help and support within the home. You may be entitled if you have a need for extra help around the home.
Warm Front
Warm Front is a grant scheme that provides a package of heating and insulation home improvements for people on certain benefits.
Disabled Person's Railcard
The Disabled Persons Railcard provides discounted rail fares for disabled travellers and carers.
Useful contacts
Benefits Enquiry Line - 0800 882200 (Minicom 0800 243355) Open 8:30 – 6:30 Mon to Fri and 9:00 – 1:00 Sat
Citizens Advice Bureau – www.adviceguide.org
Directgov – www.direct.gov.uk
Disability Living Allowance Helpline – 08457 123 456 (text phone 08457 22 44 33) Open 7:30 – 6:30 Mon to Fri
Disability Alliance UK - www.disabilityalliance.org - excellent site for information on disability benefits