BENEFITS
There’s been a few lifeline numbers and information that’s helped me in the last few years. The main ones is access to the correct benefit information. We’re fortunate that Charlie’s conditions and struggles are recognised, and so we are able to access Disability Living Allowance to support him better.
DLA - 0800 121 4600 WEBSITE https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children
If you receive either middle or high rate DLA and care for someone for at least 35 hours then you may be entitled to Carers Allowance
Carers Allowance - 0871 423 0116 WEBSITE: https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Council Tax Support - You may be eligible for a council tax discount if you are caring for a disabled person you can read more here: https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-people #
If you are on tax credits or universal credit, you may be eligible for a disability premium if you are in receipt of disability living allowance. It is worth enquiring. This also goes for housing benefit, get in touch with your local benefits office for more information.
SUPPORT
A great source of support has been the National Autistic Society and as we live in the East Midlands area, there is also Autism East Midlands.
National Autistic Society: 0808 800 4104 WEBSITE; https://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asd.aspx
Autism East Midlands: 0115 924 5887 WEBSITE: https://www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk/
A charity that helps provide equipment, sensory toys, garden play equipment, holidays and some bespoke items is the FAMILY FUND There is a threshold so please check out the website https://www.familyfund.org.uk/ phone number: 01904 550055.
You may also be eligible for a blue badge please check the website here https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
Another charity that has been invaluable is Contact https://www.contact.org.uk/ there is more on their services in the resources section. Phone number: 0808 808 3555.
Young Carers - Young Carers is a scheme that supports children who are helping care for a disabled or vunerable person, you can read more here: https://carers.org/about-us/about-young-carers
For advice and support for you as a carer: https://carers.org/