Severe Learning Disabilities

kingfisherblue

If you are looking for support in your area, check to see if you have a carer's centre - ours is fabulous. We have a dedicated parent support worker, who arranges a parent support group every month. She also has details of groups for specific disabilities, general support groups, help with education, etc.

You could also ask Social Services if there is a support group that you can attend. SS, Children with Disabilities Team, run portage sessions and parent/baby/toddler groups in my area - support for parents and their children. There are also at least two ASD groups in my town. One is held at the local special school, the other is run by a parent.

If you are successful with your claim for DLA, and you earn less than £100 a week, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. You have to be caring for at least 35 hours a week, and the person you care for needs to receive either middle or higher rate DLA for care, you can't be a full time student. Also, if you get the DLA, inform child tax credits and tell them what rate you receive - you should get an additional amount added onto your payment. There is a disability premium and an additional severe disability premium.

peainapod

kingfisherblue wrote: »

If you are looking for support in your area, check to see if you have a carer's centre - ours is fabulous. We have a dedicated parent support worker, who arranges a parent support group every month. She also has details of groups for specific disabilities, general support groups, help with education, etc.

You could also ask Social Services if there is a support group that you can attend. SS, Children with Disabilities Team, run portage sessions and parent/baby/toddler groups in my area - support for parents and their children. There are also at least two ASD groups in my town. One is held at the local special school, the other is run by a parent.

If you are successful with your claim for DLA, and you earn less than £100 a week, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. You have to be caring for at least 35 hours a week, and the person you care for needs to receive either middle or higher rate DLA for care, you can't be a full time student. Also, if you get the DLA, inform child tax credits and tell them what rate you receive - you should get an additional amount added onto your payment. There is a disability premium and an additional severe disability premium.

Gosh this is a bit overwhelming I must admit, so many different things ! I'll plough through it, so they'll backdate it from today ? I rang today to get the forms sent, I've read you've got 6 weeks to get it in and get it back to have it backdated is this correct ?
Thanks

peainapod

Also I'm a single mother on benefits does this affect anything ? IS, HB CTC etc

merlin68

I've had DLA for dd since she was 10 months. She's now 13. It is quite difficult to get DLA for a child that age as you have to prove that there care needs, are more than a normal child and most 19 months need a lot of care.
Mt DD was tube fed, so got it through that.
I know lot's of children who couldn't walk or talk at two.
Lot's of children are also in nappies until there about 4. you need a watertight case to prove care needs as they are cracking sown on DLA now.

Js_Other_Half

peainapod wrote: »

Also I'm a single mother on benefits does this affect anything ? IS, HB CTC etc

If your child is awarded DLA then the benefits you receive will increase.

Have a look at http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

peainapod

Thanks for that, we'll this is another reason I haven't applied for it, because she's only 18 months and like you say most 18 month olds need a lot of care. But the guy on the phone (benefit enquiries) seemed to think it was worth me applying. I'll send it off and see what happens, thanks guys

peainapod

Just to let you all know that my daughter was awarded DLA, we got the letter this morning. So relieved after all the horror stories I read ! Glad its all sorted now though. Thanks for all the helpful answers and all the information guys xxx