A person affected by 22q DS may need to attend many appointments for their myriad of symptoms. They may also suffer from repeated ill health. These can place a huge financial strain on the family especially when a parent / guardian has to give up work completely or take time off unpaid to care for them. There is financial support available, but families are not always aware of the help they may be entitled to. Contact A Family have a checklist for parents in England, Scotland and Wales which includes contact details for claiming the benefits. There is also a checklist for parents in Northern Ireland. Click here to find out about the various benefits, which may be available to you from the government. Listed below are brief descriptions and links to more detailed information about some of the main benefits available in the United Kingdom. The section has been split into two parts – Government Benefits and Other Financial Support / Discounts. For information on a specific benefit, just click on it from the list below. Government Benefits: Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - DLA will be replaced after 8 April 2013 by the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) [UK Department for Work and Pensions] for anyone aged 16 to 64 years old. More information is available here [DirectGov]. Children aged less than 16 will be unaffected, and DLA will remain for existing and new child applicants. An excellent fact sheet for PIP is available here [Disability Rights UK]. Direct Payments for disabled children Guide to Benefits when your Child Reaches 16 Years of Age
Other Financial Support / Discounts: The Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card The Disabled Person's Railcard Not paying VAT on equipment and vehicles for disabled people Entry to places of interest and theme parks Family Fund for disabled children Contact A Family
Contact A Family has developed a comprehensive range of publications on benefits. Click here to go to their benefits and tax credits page where you can also access their information and publications on specific benefits. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, give their free helpline a call - 0808 808 3555. The helpline can also advise you on the current changes to benefits.
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Financial Support and Benefits |