Hospital stay

Treehorn

My 13 year old daughter has had a breakdown, she is suicidal. She has been admitted to hospital awaiting a psychiatric hospital place to assess her. I am in receipt of Housing Benefit, Council Tax benefit, ESA and PIP for me, Child Benefit (for 3 children), Tax Credits. I do not receive any maintenance for my children from my ex husband.

What impact on my benefits. I visit my daughter every day, I am still responsible for her, I take food to her every day as she is not keen on hospital food etc.

I live in a 3 bed house my children are daughter age 13, daughter age 12 and son age 11. My daughters share a bedroom.

Will my benefits be altered? Can I claim any help with travel costs to visit my daughter?

Thank you

Darksparkle

Info on child benefit is here - https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-for-children-in-hospital-or-care

Tax credits will continue as long as you are still responsible.

Your ESA and PIP shouldn't be affected as they wont be based on your children.

Treehorn

Thank you so much. I am focused on my daughter getting better but also need to keep things going at home.
Do you happen to know if I can get help with travel costs to see my daughter? I have to attend appointments with her at the hospital, the appointments she has with the Psychiatrists.

pmlindyloo

According to this link you cannot claim travel sots if you are visiting someone in hospital but you may be able to get help through the Discretionary Care Grant (apply through local council)

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Travelcosts.aspx

It might also be worth speaking to someone at the hospital to see if they have any special arrangements.

kingfisherblue

So sorry to hear about your daughter. I really hope that she receives the help that she needs.

If you drive to the hospital, and there is a car park charge, you might be able to have this waived if you ask at the hospital cash office. You might be given a special pass to show that you are exempt from payment for parking.

You might also want to consider applying for DLA for your daughter, providing the criteria is met. You can start the process while she is in hospital, although it might not be paid straight away, or during the time she is an in patient at either a hospital or psychiatric unit.

My friend's son is in a residential unit but comes home regularly at weekends, and she receives the daily rate of DLA when he is home.

If you do claim, and later receive, DLA for your daughter, remember to inform Tax Credits, as there may be an additional premium added to your payment.

On a practical level, is there a carer's centre near you? They can offer emotional support as well as helping with benefits. They might also be able to support your other children through Young Carers.

My thoughts are with you - try to look after yourself as well, as you will need to be there for all three of your children.

Take care x

Treehorn

Thank you all so much.

I am now waiting for a bed in a psychiatric unit for my daughter and am petrified as she can be placed anywhere in the country. I dont drive so this is such a nightmare for me. I have been told she could be sent 200 miles away.

Poppie68

I'm assuming social services are involved? If they are speak to them especially if your daughter is sent such a distance they should be able to help with either costs or help apply for any available travel costs. Or maybe there are some appropriate charities that can help?

Treehorn

Update: Great news my daughter was given a bed in a psychiatric hospital just 30 mins from home. She is at last getting the help she deserves.

Andypandyboy

That is good news. I hope things improve for her when she gets the treatment she needs. Good luck and stay strong.

GwylimT

Treehorn wrote: »

Update: Great news my daughter was given a bed in a psychiatric hospital just 30 mins from home. She is at last getting the help she deserves.

Thats wonderful

kingfisherblue

Thanks for the update - it's good to hear that your daughter is getting the help, and that she won't be too far from you. I wish you all a much happier 2016.