Entitlement
There are a number of benefits and tax credits that you may be entitled to. Some benefits can be paid because your child is disabled while others may be paid to you for other reasons. For example, you may be getting disability living allowance (DLA) for your child and Carer's Allowance as their carer.
Information about Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children - YouTube videos
View the YouTube videos at the bottom of this page for more information about Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.
Universal Credit
Depending on your income and certain other factors, you may also be able to claim Universal Credit.
You can find out more on the Contact website.
Mobility
If your child has medium or long term mobility issues then you may need extra help with the costs getting to and from appointments, If you are using mobility related services you may get help towards additional costs and be eligible for welfare benefits including grants such as
The Department of Work & Pensions
The Department of Work & Pensions website has the up to date information about benefits (link to Browse: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) including:
Support and Advice about Finances and Benefits
Your Jobcentre Plus work coach can tell you about support you can get to help you combine work with looking after children or caring responsibilities.
Peterborough Community Assistance Scheme (PCAS) - Peterborough
- Peterborough’s Community Assistance Scheme (PCAS), links eligible individuals and families to support from a range of agencies. This includes access to low cost re-used and refurbished household items and foodbanks.
Peterborough Community Assistance Scheme (PCAS) - Peterborough
Money fact sheets for family carers
Dosh, an independent organisation who provide financial advocacy, information and advice for adults with learning disabilities have also produced some factsheets (link to Read Dosh factsheets for family carers)
for family carers who are, or will be, involved with managing money for an adult relative. They cover things like benefits, banking and appointeeship. Read The Dosh Guide to Money)
Further Benefits advice and information
There are information sheets about benefits for people of all ages, including about changes that happen as children become adults, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - which are updated on a regular basis.
Disability Cambridgeshire provide information and advice on benefits to people of all ages.
Debt Advice
Turn2Us are a national charity who provide information and support to help you get back on track.
The Citizen’s Advice Bureau can offer advice and practical support too.
Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space
If you are receiving mental health crisis treatment, Breathing Space can help take the pressure off of debts and repayments. An Approved Mental Health Practitioner can provide evidence of debts to a debt advice provider.
The debt advice provider will try to establish (as far as possible) which debts you have, and whether they are eligible for the scheme, before including them in a Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS).
To find out more ask your mental health practitioner.
More information about Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (Gov.UK)