Caring for a child with a disability can be expensive. You may be entitled to some of the benefits listed in this section, which may help to provide necessities and extras to assist in making life more comfortable. If you think you qualify for any assistance, do apply promptly.

What is the Department for Work and Pensions?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for all areas of social security. It is a central government department and produces leaflets detailing benefits and how to claim them. Those of particular relevance are referred to in the following section and are available from your Social Security Office. If you are unable to visit the DWP in your area to discuss your claim, you may be able to request a home visit. The address and telephone number of your local office is listed under “Jobcentre Plus” in the telephone directory.

How do I find out what benefits are available?

Lists of benefits are shown in Leaflets: -

GL23: ‘Benefit Rates’
SD1: ‘Sick or Disabled’ for adults over 16 years of age
SD4: ‘Caring for Someone?’ if you are caring for a relative or friend, young or old, who has a disability that makes life difficult.

Please note that rates are likely to alter each April.

All information can be found on the Department of Work and Pensions website www.direct.gov.uk you can also apply for many of the benefits online. To make a claim for benefit call 0800 055 6688 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday)

Southampton Jobcentre Plus

›	St Cross House, 18 Bernard StreetSouthampton, Hants, SO14 3PJ
	023 8071 3600

Information about benefits is available in nine languages other than English. These are: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu, Vietnamese and Welsh.

Can I get help with filling in forms?

You can ask anyone who knows your child well to help complete claim forms. This may be a Social Worker, Health Visitor or other professional.

Where can I get advice?

Advice on making claims can be obtained from your Social Worker, Health Visitor or local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Disability Alliance

Disability Alliance is committed to breaking the link between disability and poverty. It provides information on benefits through publications (like Disability Rights Handbook - 32nd edition costs £20 and is available from May 2007) free fact sheets and briefings. It campaigns for improvements to the social security system.

(	Office: 020 2747 8776 (10am - 4pm) Minicom available on the above numbers
	office.da@dial.pipex.com
:	www.disabilityalliance.org

Disability Advice and Information Network (DAIN)

Provides independent advice on all aspects of disability including benefits, equipment, holidays, leisure, local and national organisations, self help groups and carers support. Service available to people living within Southampton City.

Open: Mon-Fri,10:00 am - 4:00 pm for appointments only.

›	Disability Advice and Information Network (DAIN)Unity 12, 9 - 19 Rose Road, Southampton, SO14 6TE
(	023 8020 2653 Minicom: 023 8020 2654