Daughter unable to go to school

FBaby

So it sounds like with the support she is getting, she is actually getting better, slowly, but successfully, which is great news as ultimately, she needs to learn as much as possible to cope with her anxiety so she can face every day life than start a lifelong miserable life of avoiding the outside world.

On this basis, I think that giving up your job and starting a life on benefits is the worse thing you can do for you and for her as more than anything, she needs to see you as a role model.

Do you claim PIP for her? If so, on the times you are working and can't pick her up, would it be possible for her to come home in a taxi paid with her PIP? Would her school support her staying there but maybe not in the classroom? What is it exactly about school that makes her anxious, the other pupils, the lessons, the noise, the dirty toilets?

Alice_Holt

Could your daughter claim child DLA (Disability Living Allowance). This would depend on her care needs / attention required, and if this was more than another child of the same age.
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/media/744270/claiming_dla_for_children.pdf

If she was awarded Middle or high rate care, that may enable you to claim Carers Allowance (CA).
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled/#h-benefits-for-carers

An award of DLA for your daughter (and you claiming CA) may also enable you to claim Income Support (this is means tested) as a carer.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/help-for-people-on-a-low-income-income-support/

I would suggest getting benefits help to complete the DLA form for your daughter.
Your local CAB may be able to help and would also be able to do a benefits check for you.

"DLA Care component
The care component is paid for
children who need extra care and
attention. It can be paid at one of
three weekly rates, depending on
how much extra help your child
needs. During the period April
2015–16 it is paid at the following
weekly rates:
Care component
• Lowest care – £21.80
• Middle care – £55.10
• Highest care – £82.30"

Alice_Holt

FBaby wrote: »

Do you claim PIP for her? If so, on the times you are working and can't pick her up, would it be possible for her to come home in a taxi paid with her PIP? Would her school support her staying there but maybe not in the classroom? What is it exactly about school that makes her anxious, the other pupils, the lessons, the noise, the dirty toilets?

Please see my earlier post. For a child under 16 the benefit to claim is DLA not PIP.

Alice_Holt

HappyMJ wrote: »

You would have to look for work to get JSA.......

So, I think If DLA for your daughter. Carers Allowance & Income Support for you is worth considering. Your Child Tax Credits would also be boosted by the disability element..
The key will be to get a DLA care award of Middle Rate for your daughter.

If this is not possible when the SSP ends, an ESA claim for you (if you are unable to work due to illness).