Financial help. for families

Financial help for families www.bliss.org.uk Published by BLISS, the premature baby charity. First edition: 2007 © BLISS – the premature baby chari...
Author: Beverley Miles
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Financial help for families

www.bliss.org.uk

Published by BLISS, the premature baby charity. First edition: 2007 © BLISS – the premature baby charity No part of this booklet may be reproduced in any form or for any purpose without the permission of the publisher.

Coordinated by Francesca Broadbent, Parent Publications Manager, and Shelley Mason, Family Support Co-ordinator. Written by Colleen Shannon and researched by Shani Baldwin Acknowledgements: With thanks to our reviewers, Mark Robertson, Head of Advice and Campaigns at Contact A Family, and the parents Stephen Levy and Jo Slater.

BLISS – the premature baby charity 9 Holyrood Street London SE1 2EL t 020 73781122 f 020 7403 0673 e [email protected] www.bliss.org.uk Confidential Family Support Helpline FREEPHONE 0500 618140 BLISS Publications: 01933 318503 or order online at www.bliss.org.uk Registered charity no. 1002973 Registered company no. 2609219

This publication has been made possible with financial support from Abbey Charitable Trust and HBOS Foundation. BLISS relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to fund its services – your support would be greatly appreciated. To find out how to donate, please contact 020 7378 1122 or visit our website www.bliss.org.uk

Contents

Introduction

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Take control Make a plan, deal with debt, get help from others

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Action worksheet A simple planning tool to keep track of money

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Help for families General benefits for families with children, even if you are in work

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Help when on a low income Benefits if you are on a low income

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Help for disabled children Extra benefits and help you can get if your child has a disability

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More information Organisations for more information and advice, and how to contact them

Financial help for families © BLISS – the premature baby charity 2007 www.bliss.org.uk

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Introduction When your baby is born prematurely or is sick, it comes as a shock. Parents say it is an emotional rollercoaster. Yet life’s everyday demands carry on. You may have other children to care for, and the household chores keep piling up. The bills can pile up, too. There are all your regular expenses, plus the usual costs of having a new baby. Add to this the expense of daily visits to your baby in hospital – travelling, parking, meals away from home, childcare, missed days at work – and many parents soon find they are struggling. The good news is that there is lots of help available from government and charities, whatever your situation is, and you can get some benefits even if you are in work and have a good income. This booklet is to signpost you to those different sources. You will have heard of some of them, but others may come as a welcome surprise. BLISS can help parents with information about benefits, grants, their rights at work and debt. Call our confidential Family Support helpline on FREEPHONE 0500 618140. If your family’s finances have been knocked off track, you can use this booklet to start sorting things out. The action worksheet helps you plan and keep track of the extra money you bring in. At the end, there is a list of people who can help keep your family on secure financial ground. Most of the information in this booklet applies across the UK, but some of it is specific to England. If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, entitlements my vary.

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Financial help for families © BLISS – the premature baby charity 2007 www.bliss.org.uk

Take control There is a lot you can do to improve your finances, and there are many people who can help. People at the hospital are a good place to start. Staff on the neonatal unit might be able to put you in touch with a social worker. Every hospital has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which should be able to connect you with local sources of support. The hospital’s League of Friends and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau are good places to go for help. It’s worth looking around. Even if it’s a small amount, every little helps and you can get money from all sorts of places: Some benefits are available for all families with children, even if you are working and have a good income. If you are already receiving benefits, you may be able to get more money now that your baby has arrived. If your baby has a disability, you may be able to claim extra benefits. Some charities, trade unions, religious organisations and other groups give money, equipment and other support to families. The action worksheet on pages 5 to 7 helps keep track of all the ways you could get more money.

Let others help With your baby to look after, you just can’t do everything yourself. Getting information about benefits and money means searching the internet, making phone calls, filling out forms. All of that takes time. You could ask relatives or friends to do this for you. The people who are close to you are probably looking for ways to help and will be glad to pitch in. For a full benefits check, speak to your local Contact a Family or your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Money problems can put a strain on relationships, too. If this is happening, counsellors at Relate can help. You’ll find contact details at the back of this leaflet.

Financial help for families © BLISS – the premature baby charity 2007 www.bliss.org.uk

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Take control of debt Many families were just making ends meet to begin with, and the extra pressure of having a premature or sick baby pushes them into debt, or makes their debts worse. Here are some warning signs. You might have a debt problem, or you could be facing one soon, if you: always spend more than you earn make only the minimum payment on credit cards use credit to pay everyday living expenses don’t know how much money you owe argue with your partner about money – or don’t talk about it at all are getting calls from people you owe money to The first rule about debt is, don’t ignore it. It won’t go away and the longer you leave it, the worse it will get. Be careful about borrowing more money to pay off debts. This could make your problems worse in the long run. Get advice before you agree to anything new. Check you are getting all your entitled benefits, including tax credits. Write up a budget to track money coming in and going out. There is lots of help and advice available from reliable sources. The Consumer Counselling Credit Service (CCCS) will give you free advice and a personal plan to get out of debt. Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau can advise on this too. There is also information on managing debts on the Government’s one-stop website at www.direct.gov.uk If you live in England or Wales, contact National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 for help in making up a plan to tackle your debts. A self-help pack is available at www.nationaldebtline.co.uk If you live in Scotland you can contact Money Advice Scotland on 0141 572 0237 for personalised help with your debt problems. Beware of commercial companies offering to help you get out of debt. Some of the schemes on offer could end up costing a lot and making your debts worse. It is best to get independent advice from experts who will not make any profit from your decisions.

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How to use this worksheet You can use this action worksheet to make sure you check all the main sources of extra money. Some benefits do not pay out cash (for example, free NHS prescriptions or a charity giving you equipment), but you can still count the money you will save as a result.

Do we qualify? As you go along with your research, you can fill in the sections about whether you might qualify for each source. There are some things for which that all mothers and children qualify.

How much? When you do get your benefits or aid, you can keep track of how much will be coming in by writing the amounts down on this worksheet. It’s probably easiest to calculate each item in terms of how much it pays per month. For example: Weekly benefit amount x 4.3 weeks = amount paid per month Monthly benefit amount = enter straight into the chart Yearly benefit amount ÷ 12 months = amount paid per month Some grants and donations are a one-off payment, so you need to note that down. Once you know what you will be getting from all the different sources, you can use the total columns at the bottom of the worksheet to add it all up. There are total columns for: extra money found, per month savings made, per month one-off cash payments one-off savings. When you get to the end and see your totals, we hope you will find that your detective work has uncovered extra money and savings to help your family meet expenses.

Financial help for families © BLISS – the premature baby charity 2007 www.bliss.org.uk

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Help for families (everyone should check through this section, because many people qualify for these benefits) Do we qualify?

Benefit or source of help

Yes No

How much? £ per month/

Maybe value/one-off payment

Child Benefit Child Trust Fund Child Tax Credit Crisis Loan Statutory Maternity Pay Maternity Allowance Statutory Paternity Pay Charities Ronald McDonald House Free or reduced hospital parking Travel costs to hospital Free hospital meals for visiting parents NHS benefits

Disabled child (check through this section in addition to the others, if your new baby has a disability) Disability Living Allowance Carer’s Allowance

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Financial help for families © BLISS – the premature baby charity 2007 www.bliss.org.uk

On a low income (check through this section as well as “help for families”, if you are on a low income) Benefit or source of help Working Tax Credit

Do we qualify? How much? £ per month/ Yes

No

Maybe value/one-off payment

Jobseekers Allowance Income Support Mortgage Assistance Housing Benefit Council Tax Benefit Sure Start Maternity Grant Community Care Grant Budgeting Loan Warm Front Grant Free vitamins and milk Free school meals and uniform for other children

Totals (add up all of your benefits and savings here £) Total saved per month through non-cash benefits Total extra for one-off payments Total extra for one-off savings

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Help for families Some help is available to most families. Even if you are working and have a good income, you will be able to get at least some benefits just because you have a new baby. The extra cash may not be enough to solve all your money problems but every little helps. And if you are in debt, checking into all the ways of getting extra cash is part of the process to sort things out. For each potential source of money, this section of the leaflet tells you: basic facts about the benefit or assistance whether you might be eligible to claim where you can find more information If you see something here that might work for your family, then follow up on it to get more information. It’s important to apply straight away if you think you can get a benefit, so you don’t miss out on any money by delaying. At the back of this leaflet, on pages 27 to 28, you will find contact details for government agencies and other organisations that can help you get information, advice or money.

Child Benefit Child Benefit is a regular payment made to anyone raising a child. You may have to explain that your baby has arrived early. Who can claim: Most people raising children can claim Child Benefit, even if they have a good income. You can claim it for each qualifying child, as well as for the new baby. Where you can find out more: In the “Bounty pack” you get in hospital. HM Revenue and Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk The Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444.

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Child Trust Fund The Child Trust Fund is a long-term savings investment account that aims to build up a nest egg to give your child a good start. Your child can take the money out when they are 18 or continue saving. The government will give you a voucher for money to start the fund. You can put this into a special savings, stakeholder or shares account. If you have not done this by the voucher’s expiry date, the government will open an account for your child. The government will give your child another payment when he/she is seven years old and family and friends can contribute too. Who can claim: The Child Trust Fund is for all eligible children born from September 2002 onwards, and you have to apply for Child Benefit to get it. When you apply, you will be sent an information pack and the voucher. Where you can find out more: HMRC Child Trust Fund on 0845 302 1470 or at www.childtrustfund.gov.uk

Child Tax Credit Child Tax Credit is a regular payment for families with children. Despite the name, it is not actually deducted from your tax. It is paid directly to the person caring for the child and the amount depends on your family circumstances and your income. It is in addition to Child Benefit. Who can claim: You might get Child Tax Credit for your new baby and for other dependent children in your household. You do not have to be working and there is an upper income limit. But it’s worth checking to see if you qualify. Many families do, even if both parents work. You might also be able to get Working Tax Credit (see page 16). Where you can find out more: The Government website at www.direct.gov.uk The Tax Credits help line on 0845 300 3900. The HM Revenue and Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk

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Crisis Loan A Crisis Loan is meant to help your family meet urgent costs in an emergency. It comes from the Social Fund, which has a limited amount of money each year. The Crisis Loan is a discretionary benefit, which means that officials judge each case individually. You have to pay it back, but you won’t have to pay any interest. Who can claim: You do not have to be on a low income or getting benefits to ask for a Crisis Loan, but you will have to explain why you need the money. If you have already borrowed from the Social Fund and still owe money, it might affect how much you can get. You may not be able to get a Crisis Loan if you have money in savings. Where you can find out more: Your local Jobcentre Plus office at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk The Department for Work and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk

Statutory Maternity Pay Statutory Maternity Pay is meant to help mothers take time off work when they have a baby. It is a temporary payment until you go back to your job. You apply through your employer and, if you qualify, you get it through your wage packet. The payment will be taxed, just like income. If you’re not sure if you want to go back to work, you can still ask for Statutory Maternity Pay. You do not have to pay it back if you do not return to work and it is the legal minimum amount your employer has to pay. Your employer may offer additional maternity benefits. Who can claim: Mothers in employment, who are expecting or have recently had a baby can claim this. Whether you qualify depends on how long you have been at your current job. If your wages are low and do not reach the minimum level, you might not qualify. If your baby was born prematurely, the amount of your pay may be affected. If you can’t get Statutory Maternity Pay, you still might qualify for Maternity Allowance. See page 11 for details.

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Where you can find out more: The Government website at www.direct.gov.uk Your trade union. The Department for Work and Pensions at www.dwp.org.uk Your employer’s Human Resources department. Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk

Maternity Allowance Maternity Allowance is meant to help mothers take time off work when they have a baby. It is a temporary benefit, paid in the late stages of pregnancy and while your baby is young, made straight into your bank account. You do not have to pay tax or national insurance on it. Who can claim: If you don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you might be able to get Maternity Allowance. This could happen if you; are unemployed but have worked in the past, have recently changed jobs, have a low wage, work part-time, or are self-employed. If your baby was born prematurely, you can usually still get Maternity Allowance. It’s important to contact your Jobcentre right away. Where you can find out more: Your local Jobcentre Plus office at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk The Department for Work and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk

Statutory Paternity Pay Statutory Paternity Pay is meant to help fathers take time off work when their babies are born. You apply through your employer. If you qualify, you receive it through your wage packet. The payment will be taxed, just like income. In addition to Statutory Paternity Pay, you might also be entitled to unpaid time off work to deal with family emergencies or to care for your child.

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Who can claim: You must be the baby’s father or the mother's husband, partner or civil partner, with responsibility for the child's upbringing. If you were working for your employer when your partner first became pregnant, you can probably get Statutory Paternity Pay. If your wages are low and do not reach the minimum amount, you might not qualify. You also might not get it if you work part time. It depends on how much you earn. Where you can find out more: The government website at www.direct.gov.uk The HM Revenue and Customs at www.hmrc.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk Your trade union. Your employer’s Human Resources department.

Help from charities and other groups There are thousands of charities in the UK and some of them give money, equipment or other support to families in need. Who can claim: Some charities have a general brief to help families in hard times. Others have money set aside for particular groups of people – for example, children or people with specific disabilities. Organisations linked to your work might also help. Many of them have benevolent funds. Think about whether you have links to trade unions, professional associations, or the armed services. You might also be eligible if people in your immediate family have a connection. It is also worth thinking about faith groups. Your local parish, synagogue, mosque or temple might be able to help. Where you can find out more: The BLISS Confidential Family Support Helpline on 0500 618140.

Ronald McDonald House The Ronald McDonald House Charities help families stay near their sick children while they are in hospital. There are Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms in 40 hospitals across the UK. The House or Family

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Room is either near the hospital or next to the ward. Families can get some crucial rest, a sense of normality and support from other families. Who can claim: The charity tries to help any family they can. Families who have to travel furthest to be with their sick child get priority. Where you can find out more: Phone Ronald McDonald House on 0844 840 0844 or at www.rmhc.org.uk

Free or reduced hospital parking Hospital parking can be expensive. Some hospitals will let you park for free if you are visiting your child, or they may offer a lower rate for parking. Ask the staff on the unit about the hospital policy, and where to get a special permit, or you could ask the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at your hospital. The Blue Badge Scheme can enable you to park in a restricted area.

Help with travel costs to hospital Some patients and parents of child patients attending hospital for NHS treatment may qualify for help with travel costs to and from hospital. Check with the hospital before travelling to see if you are eligible. Who can claim: You may be eligible if you (or your partner) gets Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. You may also qualify you have an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or if you are on a low income. Dependent children whose parent or guardian falls into one of the above categories can usually get help with travel costs too if they need to go to hospital. If your doctor says that you need someone to travel with you, then the accompanying persons travel costs can be included for help. Where you can find out more: Department of Health on 0800 555 777 or at www,dh.gov.uk Your local Cititzen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk The Department for Work and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk

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Free hospital meals for parents When you are visiting your child in hospital, it’s important to keep your own strength up. Eating away from home is expensive and some hospitals will provide free meals to parents who are visiting their sick children. Ask staff on the neonatal unit about the policy at your hospital or you could ask the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Don’t be shy about asking – staff will be happy to help.

NHS health benefits Treatment on the NHS is free but sometimes there are costs for prescriptions, dentistry and the opticians. You can get help with these for the mother or other vulnerable people in your family. Who can claim: The rules for health benefits vary, depending on what part of the country you live in. So it’s worth checking to see what you can get, whatever your level of income is. Wherever you live, children get free prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, and sight tests. You can also get help to pay for their eyeglasses. The cut-off age for young people depends on whether they are in education and it also varies in different parts of the UK. Women who have had a baby recently get free NHS prescriptions and NHS dental treatment. If you have older people in your family, or someone with a disability or long-term illness, they may also qualify for various health benefits. Where you can find out more: Department of Health on 0800 555 777 or at www.dh.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.uk Your local GP or hospital.

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Help when on a low income This section of the leaflet tells you about help that is available especially for families on a low income. If this applies to you, make sure you also read the previous section of this leaflet, Help for families. You may get some benefits listed there at a higher rate. This part of the leaflet tells you: Basic facts about the benefit. Whether you might be eligible to claim. Where you can find more information. It’s important to apply straight away if you think you can get a benefit, so you don’t miss out on any money by delaying.

Get advice The benefits system is complicated and it can help a lot to have advice from an expert. This makes it easier and less stressful for you to apply and ensures you don’t miss out on any money. If you think you are on a low income, you should make an appointment to talk to someone at your local Jobcentre Plus office. They can help you work out what benefits you can get, and show you how to apply. Hospital staff, the Patient Advice and Liaison service (PALS) or SureStart (a Government programme for parents, children and communities) might know about people who can help you claim benefits. This could be a social worker, the nearest Jobcentre Plus office, your local Council or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Try not to feel embarrassed about asking. Health professionals know that having a sick baby causes hardship and pointing the way towards these services is part of their professional role. At the back of this leaflet, on pages 27 to 28, you will find contact details for other agencies and other organisations that can help you get information, advice or money.

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Working Tax Credit Despite its name, Working Tax Credit is not a tax, or a deduction off your tax bill. It is a payment made by HM Revenue and Customs into your bank account and is calculated alongside Child Tax Credit (see page 9). You might be able to get help with childcare costs as part of Working Tax Credit. If you qualify, you may also be eligible for a range of other benefits for people on a low income. Who can claim: Working Tax Credit is meant to support people who are in work and are on a low or moderate income. You can claim whether you are employed or self-employed. If you are on maternity or paternity leave, you might be able to claim Working Tax Credit before you go back to work. As a parent on a low income, you can apply if you are aged 16 years or over, and if you or your partner work at least 16 hours per week. Whether you qualify and how much you get will depend on your household income, how many hours you work and your circumstances. Where you can find out more: Tax Credits helpline on 0845 300 3900. HM Revenue and Customs at www.hmrc.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk

Jobseeker’s Allowance Jobseeker’s Allowance is a benefit paid regularly into your bank account. It is to help people who are unemployed and looking for work. There are two kinds: contributions-based if you were working and paying National Insurance and income-based if you have not been paying National Insurance, for example because you were on low wages. If you get income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, you will probably qualify for additional benefits for people on a low income. Who can claim: Unemployed fathers or mothers may be able to claim. However, most new mothers would be covered under Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance or Income Support, so would not qualify. You might be able to get Jobseeker’s Allowance if you were self-employed before, or if you are working part time.

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If you don’t qualify under the normal rules, you might still get a lower payment from the ‘hardship provision’. This is when someone in your family (such as your children) would suffer if you didn’t get a payment. You need to show you are available for work, able to work and seeking work. Students and young people aged under 18 don’t usually get it, but it’s worth checking because certain students are eligible and there are special rules for young parents. You might not be able to get this benefit or you might get a lower payment if you have a lot of money in savings. Where you can find out more: Jobcentre Plus at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk The Government’s online information centre at www.direct.gov.uk

Income Support Income Support is a benefit paid directly into your bank account. It’s meant to help if you don’t have enough money to live on, for you and your partner. Child Tax Credit is a separate benefit that is meant to support your children (see page 9). If you get Income Support, you will probably qualify for additional benefits for people on a low income. Who can claim: You can’t claim Income Support if you or your partner are working (although you can sometimes get it if you are working part time). You might be able to get Income Support if you are a lone parent, registered sick or disabled, or caring for a sick baby or other relative. If your family is on a low income, you might qualify if either partner is off work because of parental leave (this is time off to care for your children). Fathers on low pay might get Income Support if they are on paternity leave. If you have a lot of money in savings, you might not qualify.

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Where you can find out more: Jobcentre Plus at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk The Government’s online information centre at www.direct.gov.uk

Help with your mortgage If you are struggling with bills, paying your mortgage is a top priority. If you are falling behind on your payments, you will need to make an arrangement with your lender. Once you have explained your circumstances, your lender might be willing to work out a temporary agreement if you have a good payment record You might want to talk with an independent, expert adviser, before you approach your lender. This is especially true if you have other debts to sort out. There are many sources of free advice (see below). You have to act quickly, though. Some people on a low income can get benefits to help meet part of their mortgage costs. Who can claim: If you are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit, you might be able to get help with part of your mortgage costs. Anyone in difficulty can seek independent advice and contact their mortgage lender. Where you can find out more: Jobcentre Plus at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk The Government’s online information centre at www.direct.gov.uk The housing charity Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or at www.shelter.org.uk National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or at www.nationaldebtline.co.uk Consumer Credit Counselling Service on 0800 138 1111 or at www.cccs.co.uk The Council of Mortgage Lenders at www.cml.org.uk

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Housing Benefit Housing Benefit is for people on a low income, who need help paying their rent. It is paid by your local council. In some parts of the country a new scheme, Local Housing Allowance, is being trialled. Who can claim If you are on a low income and pay rent – whether you are in work or not – you should see if you can get Housing Benefit. Your claim will depend on circumstances such as your income, the size of your family, and whether someone in the family is disabled. You usually can’t claim if you’re living in a close relative’s house. If you have a lot of money in savings, you might not be able to qualify. Where you can find out more Your local council (local authority). Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or at www.shelter.org.uk The Department of Work and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk The Government’s main information website at www.direct.gov.uk

Council Tax Benefit Council Tax Benefit is for people on a low income who need help paying their council tax. It is managed by your local council. Your council tax bill could be reduced and some people do not have to pay any. Who can claim If you are on a low income and find it hard to pay your council tax – whether you are in work or not – you should see if you are eligible. Your claim will depend on your circumstances, such as your income, whether someone in the family is disabled and whether another person in your household should pay council tax. If you have a lot of savings, you might not be able to get this benefit. Even if you can’t get it, you might be eligible for a discount, for example if you are the only adult living in the house or if someone in your home has a disability. It’s worth checking with your council. Where you can find out more Your local Council (local authority). Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk The Department of Work and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk

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Sure Start Maternity Grant A Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment to help you meet the costs of having a new baby if you are on a low income. It is paid straight into your bank account and you do not have to pay it back. It is important to apply right away to make sure you don’t miss out. Who can claim: If you get benefits or tax credits because you are on a low income you might be able to get a Sure Start Maternity Grant and if you have money in savings, it won’t affect your claim. Where you can find out more: Your midwife, health visitor or GP Your local Jobcentre Plus office at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk The Department for Work and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk The Government’s information website at www.direct.gov.uk

Community Care Grant This is a payment to help your family cope with exceptional pressure and is paid straight into your bank account. It comes from the Social Fund, which has a limited amount of money each year. The Grant is a discretionary benefit, which means that officials judge each case individually. You don’t have to pay it back Who can claim: To get a Community Care Grant, you must be receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit. You might qualify because your family is under pressure because of your baby’s illness, or because you have to visit your baby in hospital. If you think you might qualify you should apply straight away, but if you have money in savings, you might not be able to get the grant. Where you can find out more: Your local Jobcentre Plus office at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk The Department for Work and Pensions at www.dwp.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk

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Budgeting Loan This loan comes from the Social Fund, which has a limited amount of money each year. The Budgeting Loan is a discretionary benefit, which means that officials judge each case individually. You have to pay it back but you won’t have to pay any interest on the loan. Who can claim: To get a Budgeting Loan, you must be receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit. You can claim the loan to pay for necessities such as clothes and shoes, furniture and home repairs and security. Other purposes include moving house and travelling costs. You can use the loan to pay off more expensive debts that you have built up to pay for these necessities. You may not be able to get a Budgeting Loan if you have money in savings or if you already owe money to the Social Fund. Where you can find out more: Your local Jobcentre Plus office at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk The Department for Work and Pensions website at www.dwp.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk

Help with heating costs If you are having trouble paying your heating bills, contact your supplier immediately to let them know your circumstances. They should work with you to find a solution. Find out about your rights because, in some cases, they are not allowed to disconnect your supply. The Warm Front grant scheme in England pays for heating or insulation improvements if you own your home, or rent from a private landlord. You do not have to pay this money back. There are also schemes in other parts of the country to help people on low incomes make their homes warmer. Some people can get Cold Weather Payments to help with the cost of fuel bills during the coldest times of the year.

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Who can claim: If you get benefits or tax credits because you are on a low income, you might be able to get a Warm Front grant. If you live in other parts of the UK, you might qualify for similar schemes. If you get one of the main benefits for people on a low income, you might also get Cold Weather Payments because you have a young child. You don’t have to apply for Cold Weather Payments – you will get these automatically if you qualify because you are on other benefits. You might also be able to get a grant through your energy supplier as some companies have schemes for people on low incomes. Where you can find out more: The Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99. Your local Jobcentre Plus Office at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk The Government’s main information website at www.direct.gov.uk

Healthy Start The Healthy Start scheme is run by the NHS for pregnant women, babies and toddlers. It provides free milk, baby formula, vitamins, fruit and vegetables. You get vouchers through the post. You can use them at participating shops to pay for things that are included in the scheme. If you are in the Healthy Start scheme, you can also get free vitamins on the NHS. You collect the vitamins from your child health clinic, pharmacy or GP surgery, depending on arrangements in your neighbourhood. Who can claim: Healthy Start is open to pregnant women and families with children under the age of four. If you are on benefits for people on a low income, and you are not in work, you might qualify for Healthy Start. Where you can find out more: Your midwife or health visitor Healthy Start on 08701 555 455 or at www.healthystart.nhs.uk

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NHS benefits All children and new mothers get some NHS benefits. If you are on a low income, others in your family might qualify too, see page 14.

School meals, transport and uniforms You might be able to get free meals for your children while they are at school. This benefit is provided by your council (local authority). They might be able to get free milk while they are at school, too. Your council might also help you pay for school uniforms for your children. Whether or not you can get free travel depends on how far away you live and on your child’s disability. Who can claim: Each council has its own policy, so you will need to check to see if you qualify. If you are on Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) or if you are an asylum seeker, you might qualify. If you are on benefits for people on a low income, and you are not in work, your children might qualify for free school meals. If you are on a low income, you might be able to get vouchers or a grant to help pay for uniforms. In Wales, you can receive a grant if you already get free school meals and are entering a grant-maintained school. Where you can find out more: Your local council Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk The Government’s main information website at www.direct.gov.uk

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Benefits for disabled children Babies who are sick or premature sometimes start life with a disability. This section of the leaflet tells you about extra benefits that are available for families with a disabled child. Think carefully about whether this could apply to your child. For example, if he or she went home on oxygen, they would be classed as disabled. Make sure you also read the previous sections of this leaflet, Help for families and On a low income. Because your child is disabled, you may get some of the benefits listed there at a higher rate. It’s important to apply straight away if you think you can get a benefit, so you don’t miss out on any money by delaying. For each potential benefit for families with a disabled child, this part of the leaflet tells you: Basic facts about the benefit. Whether you might be eligible to claim. Where you can find more information.

Get advice The benefits system is complicated, especially if you are claiming for a disabled child and it’s best to get expert advice. Hospital staff or the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) might know about other people who can help you claim benefits. If your baby has a disability, ask the hospital team if they can refer you to a social worker, who can help you claim benefits. A social worker can also help you get the care and education your child will need over the longer term. Contact a Family provides support to all families with disabled children. The charity puts families in touch with one another for mutual support. And they can refer you to other charities that specialise in your child’s specific disability or health condition, if this would be helpful to you. You can find information about medical conditions, claiming benefits, social services, education and your family’s rights on the Contact a Family website at www.cafamily.org.uk or call their helpline on 0808 808 3555. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau is another good place to go for advice about disability rights and benefits. Your council (local authority) should also be able to advise you about benefits for disabled people.

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Disability Living Allowance This is the main benefit for people with a disability. It is paid regularly, straight into your bank account. Whether you qualify and how much you get depends on the level of extra care your child needs and whether they have mobility problems. If you get Disability Living Allowance for your child, you may also get extra amounts on a range of other benefits for families and/or people on a low income. You might also get some money taken off your Council Tax bill. This benefit is made up of two parts: a care component and a mobility component. Some people get both parts, while others get just one. It depends on your child’s individual case. Who can claim: You do not have to be on a low income or getting other benefits to claim DLA, and you can claim even if you are in work or if you have savings. You can apply for the care component if your disabled child needs more looking after or more help with personal care than other children of the same age. You can usually claim this benefit for your child from the age of three months onwards, or from birth if your child’s condition is terminal. You can apply for the mobility component from: age three, if your child is unable, or virtually unable, to walk age three, if your child is both 100 per cent blind and 80 per cent deaf age three, if your child is severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems and qualifies for the highest rate of care component age five, if your child needs guidance or supervision when walking out of doors. Where you can find out more: The Benefits Enquiry Helpline on 0800 88 22 00. Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk Contact a Family on 0808 808 3555 or at www.cafamily.org.uk The Disability Alliance at www.disabilityalliance.org The Department for Work and Pensions at www.dwp.org.uk

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Carer’s Allowance Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for people who spend most of their time caring for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. It is a regular benefit paid straight into your bank account. Claiming Carer’s Allowance can help you get more money in income-related benefits (Income-Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit) or Pension Credit. If the person you care for has an addition for severe disability included in one of these benefits, they will lose the addition if you receive Carer’s Allowance. You cannot receive Carer’s Allowance at the same time as certain other benefits, including Incapacity Benefit and State Pension, but claiming it may enable you to get the extra help for carers in income-related benefits or Pension Credit. It’s therefore a good idea to get advice before you claim. Who can claim: If you spend 35 hours a week or more looking after your disabled child, and they get Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate of the care component, you might be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. You might be able to get Carer’s Allowance if you are in work, provided your earnings are below a certain level. If someone else helps look after your child – for example a family member – they might be the person who should claim Carer’s Allowance. In some cases, you can’t get Carer’s Allowance if you are already getting certain other benefits. Young people under the age of 16, or full-time students, can’t claim. Where you can find out more: The government’s Benefits Enquiry Helpline on 0800 88 22 00. Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk Carers UK on 0808 808 7777 or at www.carersuk.org Contact a Family on 0808 808 3555 or at www.cafamily.org.uk Disability Alliance at www.disabilityalliance.org The Department for Work and Pensions at www.dwp.org.uk

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Financial help for families © BLISS – the premature baby charity 2007 www.bliss.org.uk

Useful contacts Government Direct Gov (government gateway) Information, fact sheets about benefits and other money topics, links to different departments and helpline numbers. www.direct.gov.uk Job Centre Plus For information, advice and application forms for a range of benefits. Local contact details are in the phone book. www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Your local council For advice and information about benefits and housing problems. Some councils advise on debt and money. Look in the phone book or use the online locator. www.direct.gov.uk Department for Work and Pensions For benefits, including those for people who are unemployed, on low incomes or have disabilities. Benefits Enquiry Helpline: 0800 88 22 00 (for disabled people only) www.dwp.gov.uk HM Revenue and Customs This looks after Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Tax Credit Helpline: 0845 300 3900

Child Benefit Helpline: 0845 302 1444 Child Trust Fund: www.childtrustfund.gov.uk Child Trust Fund Helpline: 0845 302 1470 www.hmrc.gov.uk Department of Health For NHS benefits. Publications order line: 08701 555 455 www.dh.gov.uk Healthy Start For free milk, vitamins, fruit and vegetables. Helpline: 0845 607 6823 www.healthystart.nhs.uk SureStart Public Enquiry Unit 0870 0002288 [email protected]

Charities Citizen’s Advice Bureau Free, personalised help on benefits, advice and rights. www.adviceguide.org.uk Consumer Credit Counselling Service Free and confidential advice on money problems and debt. Helpline: 0800 138 1111 www.cccs.co.uk

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National Debtline Free, confidential and independent advice about debt problems. Helpline: 0808 808 4000 (with an interpreting service) www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Gingerbread Supports lone parents and their children with a network of local groups. Helpline: 0800 018 4318 www.gingerbread.org.uk

Contact a Family Support to families with disabled children, whatever their disability or health condition. Helpline: 0808 808 3555 www.cafamily.org.uk

Shelter Provides advice on any housing problem, including mortgage arrears, benefits, your rights, and housing options. Helpline: 0808 800 4444 www.shelter.org.uk

Ronald McDonald House Charities Houses families of children in hospital. Helpline: 0844 840 0844 www.rmhc.org.uk Disability Alliance Provides information on social security benefits for disabled people. www.disabilityalliance.org.uk Carers UK Offers advice on benefits and other issues. Helpline: 0808 808 7777 www.carersuk.org

Industry groups Home Heat Helpline Offers free advice to people worried about paying their heating bills. Helpline: 0800 33 66 99 (family or friends can call on your behalf) www.homeheathelpline.org Council of Mortgage Lenders For information about dealing with mortgage arrears. www.cml.org.uk

Relate Helps with counselling and other services. Helpline: 0845 456 1310 www.relate.org.uk

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Financial help for families © BLISS – the premature baby charity 2007 www.bliss.org.uk

BLISS relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to fund its services and your support would be greatly appreciated. To find out how to donate please contact 020 7378 1122 or visit our website at www.bliss.org.uk

Confidential Family Support Helpline FREEPHONE 0500 618140 BLISS parent message board, visit the BLISS website and follow the links.

BLISS branches offer support and information across the UK. Visit the BLISS website or call 020 7378 1122 for more information on what’s available in your area.

Other BLISS publications Booklist, suggested reading on prematurity Breastfeeding your premature baby* Chronic Lung Disease * Community Health Professionals’ Information Guide Containment holding poster Facts for fathers* Going home - your questions answered* Going home on oxygen* Handle me with care* Kangaroo Care poster* Look at me – I’m talking to you!* Parent Information Guide RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)* Surfactant* The next pregnancy* Ventilation* Useful organisations Weaning your premature baby*

*available as downloads. Parents: Order online at www.bliss.org.uk or call 020 7378 1122. All publications are free to parents of a premature or sick baby. Health professionals: order online at www.bliss.org.uk or call 01933 318503. BLISS, 9 Holyrood Street, London SE1 2EL t 020 7378 1122 f 020 7403 0673 e [email protected] www.bliss.org.uk

BLISS – the premature baby charity Helping babies born too soon, too small or too sick to cope on on their own

Confidential Family Support Helpline FREEPHONE 0500 618140 BLISS relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to fund its services and your support would be greatly appreciated. To find out how to donate please contact 020 7378 1122 or visit our at website www.bliss.org.uk

Registered charity no. 1002973 Registered no. 2609219