A query on benefits for a family with a disabled child.

LunaLady

Oh and when I asked if we could be reassessed for more nappies I was told that I needed to keep him in them longer to make them last :mad:

GlasweJen

That's ridiculous! Have they never heard of infections from unchanged nappies?

Soapn

wattdallas wrote: »

What rest ? DLA is for my child to buy her bibs wipes,liners for her bed ,special cups,extra nappies because we are only allowed 4 a day.

We also have a mortgage ,we get help with that but still have to pay 370 a month.

Its not alot of money at all ,hubby was earning 38,000 a year .


Fbaby are you saying you could look after my daughter single handed ?

Any ideas how to provide her care while we both work?

we are lucky to be living in a country where health needs are met by the NHS et al. Imagine living somewhere in a third world country with NOTHING in the way of health care..

princessdon

Are you really vastly worse off? You say OH was earning £38K a year - so approx £29K after deductions.

If you add up ALL your benefits, Tax Credits, Carers Allowance, Child Benefit, DLA, Housing (help with mortgage), free prescriptions, free school meals is this much less than the £29K. It may be less (because you have 1 child) but families with more children and who have rent - and therefore housing benefits will be getting a LOT more.

I know it may not be enough - But I think that none financial beneftis (the specialist toiletry, taxi's to school, respite, equipment etc etc) is what should be provided not money. If you are not getting the help that you need then I agree this is 100% wrong and shouldn't be a postcode lottery, your child NEEDS it, therefore it should be provided. But I still maintain that you are getting a lot of financial help compared with many countries. Sorry if this seems harsh but it's the way I feel. And maybe you aren't getting the full amount (as you own a home, so your housing is very cheap for them with current interest rates but objectively there is a lot of money given to families who don't work (for whatever reason).

wattdallas

princessdon wrote: »

Are you really vastly worse off? You say OH was earning £38K a year - so approx £29K after deductions.

If you add up ALL your benefits, Tax Credits, Carers Allowance, Child Benefit, DLA, Housing (help with mortgage), free prescriptions, free school meals is this much less than the £29K. It may be less (because you have 1 child) but families with more children and who have rent - and therefore housing benefits will be getting a LOT more.

I know it may not be enough - But I think that none financial beneftis (the specialist toiletry, taxi's to school, respite, equipment etc etc) is what should be provided not money. If you are not getting the help that you need then I agree this is 100% wrong and shouldn't be a postcode lottery, your child NEEDS it, therefore it should be provided. But I still maintain that you are getting a lot of financial help compared with many countries. Sorry if this seems harsh but it's the way I feel. And maybe you aren't getting the full amount (as you own a home, so your housing is very cheap for them with current interest rates but objectively there is a lot of money given to families who don't work (for whatever reason).

Of course we were better off with husband working plus dla,tc,wtc,carers ,cb.

Taxis to school - no ,we take and collect her as no emergency seizure meds are to be administered on bus because of insurance.

Respite - 1 night a month

Equipment - still waiting 18months for a personalised sling,waited a year for a wheelchair to help with her severe scoliosis etc etc


You see its not about the money , we want and need more help and support to be able to work outside the home.

Bye the way we are not on benefits anymore as we have found a solution so we can care for our daughterand be at home.Fostering.

This is NOT a third world country:)

wattdallas

GlasweJen wrote: »

Wattdallas does that 4 a day include her nightwear as well? I get 4 + 1 night and I'm fully grow and can clean myself up! Also the fact you need liners for her bed means her night ones aren't up for the job. Have you got the continence service onto this to see if you can get a better night time nappy and also get more during the day?

Our neighbours little one got a nerve cut during spinal surgery and gets 6 + 1.

Yes jen , just 4.She wriggles alot at night so seeps out the sides.I know there are better ones but has been a nightmare to get them.

princessdon

I did say you needed more help (and yes I genuinely beleive they should help more), it's appalling that children are being discriminated against via a postcode lottery.

But you answered the question Re why you were better off - Now you wouldn't get CT or WTC as they reduced the limit.

And good on you for fostering - rewarding but hard work! I

Soapn

is it true you have to have a spare bedroom for fostering?

wattdallas

Soapn wrote: »

is it true you have to have a spare bedroom for fostering?

Yes ,they like the child to have their own room.If fostering siblings i think they can share a room.

Soapn

wattdallas wrote: »

Yes ,they like the child to have their own room.If fostering siblings i think they can share a room.

that puts me out then, 3 beds, 2 kids still at home. Bet that puts out lots of potential fosterers:(