Family fund - can i use vouchers for something other than what they were awarded for?

Dainty1976

eskimo26 wrote: »

I think you misunderstand the OP is asking 'My question is... what if I just used the vouchers at Argos anyway to get a Wii, Would I get in trouble with FF?

So to clarify she has permission to get a wii as its listed with FF as a form of therapy BUT they only supply them through Comet, the OP has argos vouchers already for the purchase of the previous product and is asking if she will get in trouble for using them to get the wii from a retailer that the FF don't use for that product.

I would say to ask FF, have they said anything along the lines that you'd have to exchange the vouchers to comet ones for the wii? It seems that they do check and they might get miffed if your buying a wii from a retailer that they ordinarily couldn't get vouchers from for that product, it would probably flag up on there system as a bit strange. I'd imagine there obligated to keep certain vouchers to certain products so they might feel its a breach of protocol that could get them in trouble, i really don't know.

I can see the problem argos is cheaper because of deals but the unit price is the same... I recommend you get the accessories you need from comet as well and 1 game should come free (you'll get wii sport regardless as its a basic freebie) i think that would swallow up the allowance alone, for games i recommend secondhand from gamestation, game and cex.

Then trade them in and get money off your next one!

Welcome to the world of game consoling I hope it brings your son much joy.

Thank you so much for this comment!

Annieuk75

I think you need to ask the FF if you can use the money to purchase a Wii. I have worked with children who have autism and ADHD and I must say that I wouldn't use a computer as therapy. It needs to be used with great caution as it can end up causing more problems for the child.

BlueMurder_2

my son has some of the same conditions as your own, plus others. the wii has been a boost for him, it gets him moving and interacting more with the family, building the social bonds that help get us through the darker days.

i can't see why anyone would take offence at you tring to get the best deal and make that money stretch the furthest possible, i would wait for a decision from the FF before buying however. i was wondering if you could tell me a little about the FF, I am in Scotland. i've been on DLA since late 2007 when i became chronically ill and my husband is carer to me and my son now, everything seems to be wearing out at the same time! we kitted out the house when we moved in and had a 2 person working wage coming in, it's 16 years on and everything is worn out or broken, we can't replace all the basic items we need, cooker, beds, washing machine, microwave, sofa, etc with the benefits we have, as it is we are paying out more than we can really manage to mum's club book! finding a little help would be amazing!

sock-knitter

hi bluemurder, how old is your son, i think the family fund help out with awards til the child on dla reaches 18

System

FF award to families with children under 18 with what they decide is severe disabilities

TheBottomLine_2

Get your friend to return the bed for a refund and buy the little fella a console instead, then you can just use the £250 at Argos for a bed and there's no questions.

Strapped

TheBottomLine wrote: »

Get your friend to return the bed for a refund and buy the little fella a console instead, then you can just use the £250 at Argos for a bed and there's no questions.

I would do this ^

You can always return the bed yourself (so as not to offend the friend - they won't know if you replace the exact same bed with your FF vouchers) as Argos will give you a credit note even without the receipt for the bed. You can then spend that on the console. Job done.

Broken_hearted

Dainty1976 wrote: »

You know what - if you feel that hard done by, go spend your time looking for such a fund for yourself and dont waste your time trawling for posts to be spiteful in.

The Family Fund is a charity for Disabled Children! How anyone can begrudge a disabled child is beyond me!

People begrudge money being taken when no longer needed, in this case the money should be given back.

daska

Broken_hearted wrote: »

People begrudge money being taken when no longer needed, in this case the money should be given back.

It doesn't sound to me as if the money isn't needed. Objectively, if FF are happy for the funds to be used for another purpose then it's likely this poor lad needs every penny that can be found from any source to pay for therapeutic items/activities. FF don't just give money out on a whim.

kelpie35

he falls out of normal beds when getting up in the morning and crawls onto normal beds on his hands and knees to go to bed as they are too high for him!

Can you not have just put a matress on the floor and then he would not hurt himself if he falls out.