Below are brief details about some of the state benefits that you and/or your child may be entitled to. To find out whether you and/or your child are eligible for particular benefits you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus. The address and telephone number is listed under ‘Jobcentre Plus’ in the telephone directory.

Carer’s Allowance

A weekly taxable non-means tested allowance. This allowance is for people of working age who cannot work and who do not earn more than a fixed amount each week after allowances because they care for a person for at least 35 hours a week who receives Disability Living Allowance care component (higher or middle rate). Further details and claim form DS700 can be obtained by phoning:

0800 882200

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Weekly benefit for people between 3 months and 65 years, who have a disability or illness and need help with personal care, or getting around, or both. A person must normally have needed help for three months or more. You can claim before the three months are up if you think your child will qualify. The benefit has two parts; the care component and the mobility component. The care component is paid at three different rates and the mobility component at two. The higher rate mobility component can only be paid from the age of 3 years, and the lower rate component from 5 years. The benefit is tax-free and is not related to income. You can apply online at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/ or ask for a ‘Disability Living Allowance for Children’ form from your Jobcentre Plus or phone:

0800 882200

REVIEWS – If you are not happy with the outcome of your application for DLA, you can request a review within one month of the date the decision was sent to you. You can also ask for a review within three months if your child’s condition worsens and you think you may be eligible for a different rate of DLA.

Tax Credits

You can apply for two tax credits, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. The general rule is that to qualify for tax credits you must be aged 16 or over and usually live in the United Kingdom. Couples must make a joint tax credits application. If you are part of a couple, you cannot decide to apply as a single person.

Child Tax Credit is for people who are responsible for at least one child or qualifying young person. Child Tax Credit is paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children. If you are a lone parent you will receive the payment.

Working Tax Credit is for people who are employed or self-employed (either on their own or in a partnership), who usually work 16 hours or more a week, are paid for that work, and expect to work for at least 4 weeks and who are aged 16 or over and responsible for at least one child, or aged 16 or over and disabled, or aged 25 or over and usually work at least 30 hours a week.

Working Tax Credit is paid to the person who is working 16 hours or more a week. Couples, if both of you are working 16 hours or more a week, must choose which one of you will receive it. You cannot receive Working Tax Credit if you are not working.

As part of Working Tax Credit you may qualify for help towards the costs of childcare. If you receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit, this will always be paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children, alongside payments of Child Tax Credit.

The amount of tax credits you receive will depend on your annual income.

For further information and to apply go to www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

Other benefits.

Other benefits, grants and help available – for further information please contact your local Jobcentre Plus or see the DWP website.

Financial Help with Getting Around

This is provided through the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). There are two rates of mobility component; the higher rate mobility component can only be paid from the age of 3 years, and the lower rate component from 5 years. The rates depend on the level of disability.

Help is available to those over 3 who are unable or virtually unable to walk, those who can walk but need someone with them when outdoors, those who are both deaf and blind, and anyone with very severe learning or behavioural problems.

It must be shown, in the case of children, that he/she requires more guidance and supervision than a non-disabled child of the same age.

To apply for help with mobility from DLA, you can get a claim pack from your local Jobcentre Plus, or ring the Benefit Enquiry Line:

	0800 882200

Or apply online at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/

Other Help

All children under 16 get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, sight test and vouchers for glasses, wigs and fabric supports. Young people under 19 and still in full-time education get these facilities free too, and those not in full-time education get some help with dental treatment. Ask at your local Education Welfare office (page 47) for help with children’s clothing and grants for keeping a child at school beyond 16. Households with adaptions for a disabled person living there may be able to receive a reduction in their council tax – contact your local council for details.