Is it likely I will be awarded dla for my daughter and what rate?

Nalasmummy

Hi
My daughter was born 16 weeks early and is now 16 weeks old and is due to be discharged Wednesday, on home oxygen. She has a heart condition (PDA that hasn't closed and may require surgery in the future) this makes it harder for her to breathe hence why she's on oxygen and the fact her lungs are bad. She also had ROP (a condition with her eyes) and needs surgery in a few months again. She is on oxygen 24/7 through nasal prongs.

I was wondering if I am able to claim dla for her once she's home.

Financially I'm worrying as she's in a hospital 70 miles away who do not provide accommodation. I've been spending £30 every other day to get up to her for the past 3 months and have racked up credit card debts. I get around £300 maternity allowance, I'm a single parent and now due to her condition I'm unsure if I'm going to be able to go back to work.

I just want to do a budget and her nurses have told me I will likely be entitled too it. Is this true and if so does anyone know what rate I'm likely to be awarded?

Less of a concern but I was also wondering if I would get a permit? Her oxygen equipment is pretty bulky so it would make life easier and I thought was worth an ask

Thanks

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/overview

pmlindyloo

The hospital should be discussing things with you before your daughter is discharged. Read this and get in touch with them if you have any problems.

http://www.bliss.org.uk/going-home-on-oxygen?gclid=CKqpuNbT-s0CFVIaGwodOP0KOA

As regards what you can claim then this might depend on your current circumstances- whether you are renting/own your home etc.

As well as claiming DLA for your daughter you can claim child benefit and maybe tax credits.

I suggest that you go to your local CAB asap possible to check out what you can claim (before baby is comes home). They will also be able to help with your credit card debt.

Tigsteroonie

Hospital won't necessarily discuss it with you, but NICU may have a social worker or advisor based as part of the unit who can help you with this - ours certainly did

I would imagine that you'd be successful at a DLA claim given the additional care needs of your child. You're going to need the paediatrician on board to provide supporting evidence - if you get a detailed discharge letter, then use that as the basis. And if you get DLA, you'll be entitled to an additional premium in your Child Tax Credits.

You will also be entitled to a Blue Badge for your child - although under three so no entitlement to the mobility part of DLA, you can request a BB as you have to carry bulky medical equipment and oxygen tanks etc do qualify.

If you are using any electrical monitoring equipment or pumps (beyond the basic baby monitor, obviously) then get in contact with your utility supplier and let them know the situation, so that they make a note on your record and can advise you in advance of any planned outages.

When our son was on NICU, we got help with the travel costs from two sources - the Family Fund (the NICU social worker submitted a claim for us) and from a works' benevolent fund.

Anything more, please do ask! In the end our son didn't come home on oxygen (he threw off the nasal prongs two days before discharge) but we've been through most of the rest of stuff since.

But - CONGRATULATIONS!! It's fantastic when your child graduates from NICU, and it's just the start of their life with fantastic things to come. :T :T :T

OldMotherTucker

I don't know what the procedures are these days but when Tucker-minor was born, I received a letter of introduction from a social worker who arranged a home visit. She filled in the forms and I received MRC for 2 years for her.

Happily - I never needed to reapply as the little runt positively thrived despite being born on the floor at 23 weeks weighing 1lb 2 ozs.!!

The early prognosis was daunting but Tucker-minor (17) is currently in America, waiting for her A level results in order to start Adult Nursing at one of our most prestigious Universities - back under the very same NH Trust that saved her life.

Wishing you the very best and all the support you need!