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These tips have been contributed by other parents, carers and professionals. We hope they will give you some ideas to try, but if you need further help why not post a question on our forums or take a look at our Financial info pack
PIP Guide
Contact a Family has published the latest in its range of benefits guides for families with disabled children to coincide with the launch of personal independence payments (PIP).
PIP will replace disability living allowance (DLA) for those aged 16 plus.
Initially PIP will only apply to those making a brand new claim. Then, from October 2013 DLA claimants whose existing award ends, or who report a change of circumstances, or who turn 16 will be re-assessed under the PIP system.
At first glance the new PIP may seem very similar to DLA. Like DLA it is not means tested and has two components - a mobility component and a daily living component which considers the need for care and assistance. However, PIP uses entirely new rules to decide whether you qualify for the benefit. There will also be a new way of assessing claims, normally involving a face-to-face meeting with a health professional.
If you are a parent of a disabled child and are worried about benefit and welfare issues or to get a copy of Personal independence payment and other benefits at 16, please ring Contact a Family’s freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555, email [email protected]
or visit their website www.cafamily.org.uk.
Cerebra wills/trusts grant
Cerebra offer a grant of £350 towards the legal costs in writing a will or setting up a discretionary trust for your disabled child of any age. Cerebra help with wills and trusts
Finacare
Finacare is an online financial recording service for vulnerable adults, their families, care homes and social funding authorities. It offers transparency between care homes and vulnerable adults regarding financial safeguarding. http://www.finacare.co.uk/
Making money easier
United Response have brought out a free guide to help people with learning disabilities make informed financial decisions. Making money easier
Benefits Advisor service
The Benefits Advisor is a new service giving people online advice on which benefits, pensions and credits they may be entitled to, with an estimate of the amount of benefit they may get. You can input 'what if' scenarios for advice on what happens if your situation changes. www.direct.gov.uk
Disability grants website
I've created a website to help other parents of disabled children and adults find grants. I'm the mum of a son with cerebral palsy and I worked with young people with learning difficulties for a number of years. www.disability-grants.org
DLA Guide
Filling in the dreaded DLA form? This guide by Cerebra was sent to me, and was the BEST tip ever. It helped me get the correct wording and, as a first time applicant, I was thrilled when the claim was approved. I couldn't have done it without this site. DLA Guide
Keep copies
Always photocopy and keep electronic copies of complete forms before sending them in so you can refer to them next time round.
Attach a photo
You can attach a passport photograph of claimant when submitting forms. Can only help when whoever is processing them sees a person rather than a piece of paper.
Directly on the net
Where application forms are available electronically on the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) or any other website use them. This can save endless hours as you can cut and copy from other documents and just update it when it needs reviewing instead spending hours handwriting a huge form that can be very disheartening as well.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) forms
First of all, your child may be entitled to this, sometimes you aren't told this until later on. Go to DLA for details and ages for applying.
Secondly, always write down what happens on a bad day for your child even if they do not have a bad day every day. This is the reason you need help. Always paint the worst possible picture of the condition in order to access the benefits or grant you are entitled to. It’s easy to lose perspective when you are dealing with it every day but the professionals need to be told.
Home insulation
Families with disabled children can be eligible to free home insulation, council tax rebates etc.
Carers allowance
Don’t miss out on claiming for carers allowance. Unfortunately you cannot get it back dated. www.dwp.gov.uk/carersallowance
Netbuddy info pack
Remember to look at Netbuddy’s Financial information pack for more in-depth advice and information.
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