Benefits Available.

Help Available - Obtaining Benefits
Children and young people under 16 with disabilities or chronic illnesses may be eligible to certain benefits, but you must show that your child needs much more attention or supervision than another child of the same age. You as a carer may also be entitled to certain benefits. 

The benefits system can seem complex. Many people do not realise that they are entitled to claim. The main benefit for children with disabilities is DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (D.L.A.). This is made up of two parts:

The CARE Component has 3 different rates depending on how much extra care the child needs, and can be paid from the age of three months.

The higher rate of the MOBILITY component can be paid from the age of three, while the lower rate is available from the age of five.
Your child may qualify for either or both of these components. If your child gets the CARE component at the middle rate you may be entitled to Carers Allowance (CA) for looking after your child.
Make sure you ask for form DLA1 when claiming for a child. Remember to include as much information as possible and don’t be afraid of repeating yourself. Information from your doctor or any professional involved with your child may help your claim. If you are not successful in your application you can ask for a review within 1 month. Sometimes this is successful by wording the application differently. 
If you don’t know whether you are entitled to benefits, contact the benefits Enquiry Line (0800 88 22 00) - they will send you a form. The Carers Centre (01224 646677) and Aberdeen Welfare Rights (01224 648247) are also able to give you advice in completing the forms.

A very good link on the web entitled Claiming disability living allowance for children with ADHD is at www.rightsnet.org.uk and follow the links in “Whats New”

Other Benefits & Sources of Financial Help 
  • Council Tax disability reduction - if you need extra space in your house because of your child’s disability. 
  • Carer premium - if you receive Carers Allowance and are on income support, housing benefit or Council Tax benefit. 
  • Disabled Child’s Premium - if your child receives DLA and you are on income support, housing benefit or Council Tax benefit. 
  • Help with NHS costs (if you have a low income) 
  • Help with hospital fares (if you have a low income) 
  • Community Care Grant from the Social Fund if you receive income support and need help paying for something relevant you can’t afford out of your weekly benefit. 
  • Money from the Family Fund Trust - this can pay for specific items to help relieve the stress arising from the care of a child under 16 with a severe mental or physical disability.

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