Son in hospital - what financial assistance might be available?

kingfisherblue

It isn't immediate help, but once your son is home and in receipt of DLA, your wife might be able to claim Carer's Allowance (assuming that she fulfils the criteria).


Not financial help, but an occupational therapist should assess your son's needs and provide any equipment that he requires to make life easier. This includes any equipment that will help you and your wife to care for your son. It's worth speaking to the hospital about this in plenty of time before your son comes home. For example, a wheelchair might have to be ordered. You might need a hospital type bed, shower chair, hoist, or a variety of other equipment.


Also, I assume that you or your wife have been keeping in touch with school, regarding your son's education. I think (but I'm not certain, so please check), that your son may be entitled to have a home tutor visit for a couple of hours a week. The local education authority should be able to advise. I know that your son's health and settling him back in at home is a priority though.


I hope that your son makes a full recovery.

kingfisherblue

jfdi wrote: »

Once your son gets DLA ( as long as Middle or higher rate care) your wife may be able to claim Carer's Allowance as long as she's not working.

Crossed posts, but just to say that the OP's wife can claim CA even if she is working, although her wages would have to be below a certain amount (I think it is £102). Even if it is a little above this, certain expenses are allowed, which can reduce the income to below this (half of a pension contribution, costs paid to a carer to look after the child when both parents are at work).


This link might be useful:


https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/overview

tea-bag

Not sure who you work for but my firm has a discretion fund to help people in the situation you're in. It helped a lady at work who's husband was dying of cancer. It covered her costs and wages for the time before he died about 6 months.

mlp

Thanks everyone.

In response:

Carer's Allowance might be an option we can explore

The school is sending a referral to LEA this coming week for home tutoring. Son has been seeing a hospital teacher and is making good progress with her.

Tea-bag - I work for a local authority, so there isn't a discretionary fund as you describe - although I have used my maximum 5 days compassionate leave (which is paid leave additional to standard annual leave) and my boss has been extremely flexible in allowing me to take leave whenever I've needed it - so I can't complain about that at all.

mlp

Oh, and hospital occupational therapist has made referral to LA for home aids - need to start chasing this as I work for the same LA and I know how slow they are

cattie

Not sure if it's of help to you, but most hospitals do have a welfare rights advisor who would probably know what help, financial or otherwise, might be available to your son once he is home.

Hope all goes well with his future recovery, anyway.

sheeps68

I would ask to speak to hospital social worker as they will not only be able to advise you on what is available but also support you in the process. Your son may well qualify for a family fund grant. The other advantage of a hospital social worker is they could support you with letters themselves or potentially from other staff too. With what you have said your child may be in a specialist hospital in which case the social workers will be even better placed to assist you. Make the most of all social work and therapy staff as its not just advice but practical help and supporting you to support your son.

dippy3103

A long shot but are you in a union? They often have some welfare packages available.

I hope it's good news for your little boy soon. Sounds as if he has great parents in his corner

sheeps68

Another thought although a little way down the line. If your son gets DLA / PIP you must ensure tax credits know. I can only presume you get child tax credits. If not please try them. But if you have a child with a disability or indeed have a disability yourself there is an additional disability premium.

Shelldean

Mlp

There will be even cheaper parking for parents of inpatients.
Our hospital does NOT advertise this at all.
They have a normal charge a discounted weekly pass then a parents pass. The parent pass is about half the price of the discounted rate.

We only found out it as we had a wonderful nurse who told us all sorts of useful information. Like as a parent staying in hospital with my child, I got a voucher that entitled to £xxx worth of food in the staff cafe. Want a huge amount and.I.often added to it, but I helped.