Benefits

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) If your child needs more help or supervision than other children the same age, you can claim this! For all the details click here to see the criteria for making a claim and now you can even fill out the form online, though downloading the .PDF file is recommended so that you have a copy on your computer for your records. Alternatively ring the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 who will send you a claim pack. For guidance on how to most effectively complete the DLA forms see the NAS website and the Cerebra website. The rates as of November 2007 are: Care component: lowest £17.10, middle £43.15, highest £64.50 Mobility component: lower £17.10, higher £45.00

Carers Allowance (CA) This is a benefit that is paid to a carer of a disabled child or adult, although there are eligibility restrictions on hours and earnings if you are in paid employment. CA is taxable and counts as income for Income Support calculations. It also provides Class 1 National Insurance credits which will improve your state retirement pension. Check out www.direct.gov.uk for all the details. Download the .PDF form or call 0800 88 22 00 for a form and advice on how to fill it in. The rate as of November 2007 is £48.65 a week.

Income Support: Carer & Disabled Child Premiums If you are aged between 16 and 60, on a low income, not working or working on average less than 16 hours a week you may be able to claim Income Support. If you're also entitled to Carer's Allowance, you may be able to get an extra amount included in your Income Support. This is called a 'carer premium'. The Disabled Child Premium If you are responsible for a child under 19, or in certain circumstances under 20, you will get this premium if either: - the dependant is getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the dependant is registered blind The Enhanced Disability Premium (child rate) If the dependant gets the highest-rate care component of DLA, you may get the enhanced disabled child premium. You do not get either premium if the dependent child has capital of more than £3,000. For more information click here or call JobCentre Plus on 0800 055 6688 for more details.

Child & Working Tax Credit Child Tax Credit is a means-tested allowance for parents and carers of children or young people who are still in full-time education. You may get an extra amount if you're caring for a disabled child. Working Tax Credit can be applied for if you have a child and you and your partner (if applicable) are working at least 16 hours a week. Also there are some exceptions if you don’t work and care for children. It can sometimes help towards childcare costs but rules apply. Working Tax Credit together with the child care element is paid directly to the carer/parent. For more information on both Tax credits including rules and application forms, contact Inland Revenue Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or go to www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/taxcredits

Housing Benefit If you're on a low income and need financial help to pay your rent, you may be able to get Housing Benefit. You may get extra money if you are caring for a disabled child or adult.

Community Care Grants If you're getting Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit and you need financial help to ease exceptional pressure on your family, you may be able to get a Community Care Grant. You could be eligible if someone in your family has a long-term illness or if you're caring for someone who is ill or disabled. For more information and to download a claim form, click here or ask at your local Jobcentre Plus.

This information was up to date and complete when published, but things change frequently! If any info is incorrect or you think there's something missing, please let us know. web@nashandr.org