Money Matters

 In June 2008 goverment statisitcs revealed that the risk of living in poverty has increased from 20%-25% for families with a disabled child.  Disabled childen are now at greater risk or living in realtive poverty than non disabled children.  In 2009 the goverment have taken action to help families with disabled children by amending the tax credits system in relation to the childcare element of working tax credit and improving the child trust fund arrangements from April 2010 for families recieving DLA (Disability Living Allowence) for children born after 1st September 2002.

It is important that families recieve accurate and up to date information about benefits they maybe entitled to and help available for parents wishing to return to work.

We have included information in this section on benefits and help available for families of children with additional needs and disabilities.

Carers Allowence

Carer's Allowance is a taxable benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person that you care for

You may be able to get Carer's Allowance if you are aged 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a person who gets Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate for personal care for more information visit www.direct.gov.uk/carers

Citizens Advice Bureaus

The Citizens advice Bereau provides free information and advice on legal and money issues to find your local Citizens Advice Bureaus see the Service Directory, money matters section or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Direct Payments

From April 2003 every local council must offer those who are eligible money, instead of arranging services for them. When a council gives someone money in this way it is know as a direct payment.

A direct payment publication guide is available from:

Department of Health Publications
Tel: 08701 555 455
E-mail: doh@prolog.uk.com

Just quote 31006/ A guide to receiving direct payments from your local council

For local information on direct payments contact the Direct Payment Support Service on 01670 533 010

Disability Living Allowence (DLA)


Disability Living Allowance - sometimes referred to as DLA - is a tax-free benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled.
You may get Disability Living Allowance if:
you have a physical or mental disability, or both
your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or you have walking difficulties, or both
you are under 65 when you claim
Special rules - if you are terminally ill
If you have a progressive disease and you are not expected to live for more than another six months there are special rules for claiming to make sure you get your benefit more quickly and easily.

For more information visit the Directgov websites section on DLA

Downloads

Click on one of the following links to download the relevant document.

For more information on benefits visit the Department of Works and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk

Family Fund

The family Fund provides grants for things that make life easier and more enjoyable for a disabled child and their family; such as washing machines, driving lessons, hospital visiting costs, computers and holidays.

Family Fund
Unit 4
Alpha Court
Monks Cross Drive
Huntington
York
YO32 9WN

Tel: 0845 130 4542
Email: info@familyfund.org.uk
Website: www.familyfund.org.uk


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