DLA / tax credits for child on SEN register

JimmyTheWig

Hi,

Our daughter has recently been put on the SEN register. She is in Reception, soon to be 5.

We've just heard that because of this we can claim disability living allowance, plus get extra tax credits.

Obviously there are costs involved in her care (e.g. travel to appointments, specific aids to help her at school and elsewhere) but I don't really see this is enough to warrant getting a benefit.
But there is no question that the money wouldn't come in handy and could improve her quality of life (e.g. we could then afford for her to have hot dinners at school).

It seems a bit too good to be true.
Does everyone with a child on the SEN register qualify for this?
Is it means tested?
Anything else we should know before filling out the form?


Thanks,
Jim

JimmyTheWig

A friend whose son is on the register told us we could claim.

As I said in my OP, I don't really see that just being on the register is enough to get a benefit. Which is why I thought I'd ask before going ahead.

merlin68

What is the matter with her if you don't mind me asking. DLA is done on care and mobility needs. My DD gets high rate care but is working at reception level, even though she is nearly 13, she also has bad speech, due to a cleft palette when born. even after 5 ops. She also attends a special school.

JimmyTheWig

Hi Merlin,

They're not totally sure what DD's problem is. It's looking like Selective Mutism, but there's also talk of her being of having an ASD.

There are no mobility issues (though she does fall over more than most her age!). Not quite sure what "care" means in this instance. In terms of "looking after herself" she's pretty normal for her age.
There are some things that she needs in order to cope with her problems. For example at school she has little cards which she can show to a teacher to say that she needs to go to the toilet. But so far school has provided these things.

I just don't really see how any of this fits in with receiving a benefit. Either there's something that I'm missing or something that our friend is missing in all of this.


Thanks,

Jim

merlin68

You can try, but I very much doubt in the current climate that you will get anything.

nannytone_2

possibly low rate care for help communicating, but that's it

JimmyTheWig

I've just read about it on the NHS website. It talks about a child needing more attention than other children their age.
Well, that's certainly true.
But I still don't see why anyone should be giving us money for that?

nannytone_2

then don't apply!

all 4/5 year olds need almost constant attention, but an award of DLA is given if the child has needs above and beyond children their own age.

TheWalrus1975

My son has ASD and a severe speech and language disorder, he starts a special school in September too. We claim DLA, our local portage workers sorted out all the paperwork, and filled out the sections that need a professionals input. We also sent details of reports from doctors, speech and language therapists as well as other professionals he had seen. We were awarded the middle tier on care, as my sons mobility is pretty much okay. The money does help give him a better quality of life, and helps towards taking him to all his appointments, and specialist toys etc that help his dexterity, and concentration. He is also on the SEN register too. I would have a go, nothing ventured, nothing gained. But I have to add, I would only claim this if it truly will make a difference to your child, I am not in the habit of claiming any benefits normally, But this has made a big difference to our little boys life.

chivers1977

Have a look at this http://www.cerebra.org.uk/parent_support/DLA_guide There is probably lots that you are doing for your child that you don't realise is "extra" for a 5 year old if she is being assessed for ASD. You have nothing to lose by applying and it may pay towards aids in the home, therapies that are not provided on the NHS or 1:1 swimming for example. I am waiting for the response for our claim.

If she needs additional support of over 1 hour throughout the day then you "should" qualify for middle rate care and if you have to also support throughout the night then you "should" qualify for HRC. My "should"s are because apparently the decision makers still don't agree. If she needs extra guidance and supervision when outside than other children of her age (this is the most important bit CHILDREN OF HER AGE as obviously all 5 year olds need sypervision outside) then you should get low rate mobility. This will include things like meltdowns and refusal to walk, having toileting issues which affect mobility, etc etc. The Cerebra guide really is fantastic though and walks you through question by question.

dianadoesnt

You can certainly claim, but it doesnt necessarily mean she will be awarded. To improve your chances, i would suggest getting help from a local agency like the CAB or similar with completing the forms.
Best of luck
Diana