Information for Families 0345 60 80 192

Financial help for families Applying for financial help can be a complicated process. Some funding is available to all families, such as Early Years Education Entitlement (EYEE). Some funding is available for people who are on benefits, on a low income, students, or young parents. What you can claim and what you may receive depends on your individual circumstances. Before making a claim, check the eligibility criteria and what information you are required to supply. Some benefits (such as Disability Living Allowance) enable you to claim further financial assistance, so you should ensure that you make your claim for this first. If you have any specific questions or want more information, you can call the helpline numbers given in this factsheet or visit www.gov.uk or www.connexions360.org.uk You can also contact us: Phone 0345 60 80 192 (Monday-Thursday, 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm, 24 hour answer phone) (calls cost the same as calling an 01 or 02 number) Email Text Web

[email protected] 07797 870317 www.facebook.com/InformationforFamilies

Table of contents Benefits ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Changes to benefits – Universal Credit is coming ................................................................. 3 General advice and information ................................................................................................ 4 If you are expecting a baby ....................................................................................................... 5 For single parents ..................................................................................................................... 6 Entitlements for most children ................................................................................................... 7 Early Learning places for eligible 2 year olds ............................................................................ 8 For all 3 and 4 year olds - Early Years Education Entitlement (EYEE) ..................................... 9 For working parents ................................................................................................................ 10 Help with childcare costs ......................................................................................................... 10 Your rights ............................................................................................................................... 11 Single parents looking for work ............................................................................................... 11 For school-aged childrehttps://www.gov.uk/n .......................................................................... 12 For students and young people ............................................................................................... 13 Keeping healthy ...................................................................................................................... 16 Help for families facing financial hardship ............................................................................... 17 Other sources of information ................................................................................................... 22

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Benefits East Sussex Benefit Helpline - 0333 344 0681 (local rate) Monday to Friday 9am- 5pm For benefits information see www.eastsussex.gov.uk or www.gov.uk and search for ‘benefits’. To make a claim for benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Maternity Allowance, and the Sure Start Maternity Grant ring; Jobcentre Plus 0800 055 6688 (text phone: 0800 023 4888 if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech difficulties) Monday to Friday 8am til 6pm Calls take around 40 minutes and you will need: • your National Insurance number • details of your rent or mortgage • details of your past or present employment, and P60 • details of other income and savings. Housing benefit and council tax For questions, call your local district or borough council office. Eastbourne Borough Council 01323 410000 Hastings Borough Council 01424 451066 Lewes District Council 01273 471600 Wealden District Council 01323 443322 Rother District Council 01424 787878

Changes to benefits – Universal Credit is coming Universal Credit will be a single monthly payment to replace these benefits; • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Income Support • Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit • Housing Benefit IMPORTANT - changes to payments Universal Credit is paid differently from current benefits. It is paid monthly into your bank, building society or Post Office account. Your Universal Credit payment will reduce as you earn more. You won’t lose all your benefits at once if you’re on a low income. There are no limits to the number of hours you can work a week. Housing costs Universal Credit can include support for housing costs. Any help you get with your rent will be included with your payment. You will need to pay your landlord yourself. What next? If you already claim a benefit, you will continue to do so as normal. You will be told when Universal Credit will affect you. 3

General advice and information Turn 2 Us – The charity that helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help - based on your particular needs and circumstances. Trained professional advisers give free, confidential advice or see the easy-to-use website. 0808 802 2000 freephone (9am-8pm Monday-Friday) www.turn2us.org.uk www.gov.uk The government website has national information on public services and financial support. The Parent’s Guide to Money The pack includes a CD Rom with calculators to help you work out your budget, your child’s trust fund, your debts, when you should return to work and your tax credits with advice on budgeting and borrowing. Pregnant women get the pack from their midwives. If you have not received a pack, speak to your midwife. Citizens Advice The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems with free, confidential and independent information and advice. To find your local Citizens Advice, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or call Information for Families on 0345 60 80 192. Money Advice Service Free, unbiased independent advice on money. Life events, such as leaving school or having a baby, as well as budgeting and managing your money better and debt. Call 0300 500 5000, Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm or visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk National Debtline National Debtline provides free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. Advisors discuss your debt problems and your options with you and send free written materials to help. For more information visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk or call free on 0808 808 4000. Child Maintenance Options (CMO) A free service that provides impartial information and support to help separated parents make decisions about their child maintenance arrangements. They can also help if your child maintenance arrangement has broken down or is not working as you’d like it to. The free service is for any parents - separating, separated or who were never together. It works with parents, grandparents or will speak to a friend on your behalf. Parents now have the choice of: • • •

making a family-based arrangement about child maintenance with the other parent setting up child maintenance or applying for a consent order

For more information visit www.cmoptions.org or call free on 0800 988 0988, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm.

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If you are expecting a baby Sure Start Maternity Grant This is for people on a low income and getting certain benefits or tax credits. The grant is a payment of £500 to help towards the cost of maternity and baby items. The grant is tax-free, you don’t have to repay it, and it won’t affect your benefits or tax credits. You can also get the grant if you are adopting. You can get the grant if you have no other children or you are expecting a multiple birth (e.g. twins) and you are receiving one or more of the following: • Income Support • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance • income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Pension Credit • Child Tax Credit at a higher rate than the family element • extra Working Tax Credit relating to a disability • Universal Credit You can make a claim from 11 weeks before the week your baby is due, until 3 months after the baby is born. Apply online at www.gov.uk (search maternity grant’), call 0345 603 6967or get the form at your local Jobcentre Plus office. Find your local Jobcentre Plus in the phone book or call 0800 055 6688. Maternity and paternity rights and pay For information, see Working Families fact sheets on www.workingfamilies.org.uk or call the free helpline on 0300 012 0312. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) To help you to take time off work before and after your baby is born, you may be able to get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). This is a weekly payment from your employer. You may qualify for SMP if: • you have been employed by the same employer without a break for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the week your baby is due, and • you earn an average of at least £109 a week • give proof you are pregnant (doctor’s letter or MATB1 certificate from midwife) • give the correct notice - you must tell your employer when you want your maternity pay and leave to start For the first six weeks - SMP is 90% of your average gross weekly earnings (there’s no upper limit). For the next 33 weeks - you will receive either £138.18 or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Maternity pay is treated as normal pay so your employer will deduct tax and National Insurance as usual You can still get Statutory Maternity leave and pay is your baby is born early or you lose your baby. . For more information speak directly to your employer and visit www.gov.ukand search for ‘maternity pay’.

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Maternity Allowance (MA) If you're pregnant or have a new baby but don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from any employer, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance (MA) through Jobcentre Plus. You may get MA if: • you are self-employed and paying class 2 National Insurance contributions. • You are self-employed and have a Certificate of Small Earnings Exemption • you have recently stopped working • you lose the baby You must have also: • worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the week your baby is due • earned at least £30 a week over any 13 week period. MA pays a standard weekly rate of £138.18 or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. It is paid for up to 39 weeks. It doesn’t matter if you have had different jobs or periods of unemployment. You may be eligible for 14 weeks of Maternity Allowance if you are not eligible for the higher amount for 39 weeks. For more information visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘maternity allowance’, or call 0345 608 8610. Paternity pay and leave When you take time off because your partner’s having a baby or adopting a child you might be eligible for: • •

1 or 2 weeks paid Ordinary Paternity Leave up to 26 weeks’ paid Additional Paternity Leave - but only if the mother / co-adopter returns to work

The statutory weekly rate of Ordinary Paternity Pay and Additional Paternity Pay is £138.18, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). For more information visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘paternity’.

For single parents Gingerbread is the national charity providing expert advice for single parents, and for professionals who work with them. For specific advice for teenage single parents, especially around what benefits they are entitled to receive visit www.gingerbread.org.uk and search for ‘teenage parent’s benefits calculator’. Gingerbread helpline 0808 802 0925

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Entitlements for most children Child Benefit This is a tax-free payment that you can claim for each child. Make your Child Benefit claim as early as possible Child Benefit can only be backdated for 3 months. You need to receive Child Benefit before you can apply for other benefits such as Child Tax Credit. The payment can be claimed by anyone who qualifies, whatever their income or savings. Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. It is paid for each child: • aged under 16 years • aged under 20 and in approved education or training. For the eldest child you will get £20.50 each week. For each additional child you will get £13.55 each week. Child benefit is paid into your bank account, usually every four weeks but can sometimes be paid weekly. Child benefit charge If you, or your partner, have an individual income of more than £50,000 and one of you is entitled to get Child Benefit you might be affected by a new tax charge. Visit www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/child and see ‘High income child benefit tax charge’ How to claim You should receive a claim form when you register your child’s birth or you can claim online. Go to www.gov.uk and search for ‘child benefit’ – or call 0300 200 3100 to have a claim pack sent to you. Child Tax Credit You could get Child Tax Credit for each child you are responsible for if they are: • under 16 • under 20 and in approved education or training Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. You don’t need to be working to claim Child Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit won’t affect your Child Benefit. If you have a baby, your payments can be backdated to when the baby was born - but only if you claim within one month. For example, if your baby was born on 1 January but your claim is received on 1 June, you'll only be paid from 1 May. The amount you will get depends on various things like your income and circumstances (such as if your child is disabled). You may have to pay a tax charge if your or your partner’s individual income is over £50,000. For more information visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘child tax credit’ or call the Tax Credits helpline on 0345 300 3900 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm) 7

Early Learning places for eligible 2 year olds You can claim 15 hours of free childcare and early education a week if you receive one or more of the following: • • • • • • •

Income Support Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and you earn less than £16,191 per year (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs). Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit).

You can also claim the free childcare if: • You care for a child who is looked after by the Local Authority or who has left care through adoption, residence order or special guardianship. • Your child has a current statement of special educational needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan. • Your child is in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance. • You receive Working Tax Credits and earn no more than £16,190 a year. When can my child start? It’s good to apply early, at least four weeks before your child can start. The date they can start depends on when your child is two. Birthday 1 January to 31 March 1 April to 31 August 1 September to 31 December

Start date April September January

How do I apply? Apply online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk search ‘2 year’ and click on ‘Free childcare for 2 year olds’ Or call Information for Families on (local rate) 0345 60 80 192 for a paper form.

See page 9 for Early Years Entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds

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For all 3 and 4 year olds - Early Years Education Entitlement (EYEE) All children can receive Early Years Education Entitlement (EYEE). When will my child receive EYEE? EYEE starts from the funding period after your child’s 3rd birthday until either; • starting in a local authority school reception class, or • reaching compulsory school age (the funding period after their 5th birthday). Children born between 1 April and 31 August (inclusive) 1 September and 31 December (inclusive) 1 January and 31 March (inclusive)

Funding will start from 1 September following their 3rd birthday 1 January following their 3rd birthday 1 April following their 3rd birthday

What will my child receive? The free entitlement is for 15 hours a week over a minimum of 38 weeks a year. The free hours may be taken flexibly. EYEE in East Sussex EYEE is offered by: • most pre-schools, playgroups and nurseries, • some registered childminders who are members of an accredited network, • local authority schools with a nursery class and • some nursery classes attached to independent schools. You will need to discuss with providers how you can receive your free hours. All providers delivering EYEE must offer either one or both of the following options to parents: 3 hours x 5 days a week 5 hours x 3 days a week There are 3 funding periods a year. Each period EYEE providers count the number of children claiming EYEE. On Headcount Day they make a claim to East Sussex County Council (ESCC) for the funding. To receive the full funding for that period it is important to be attending the provider before Headcount Day. Funding Period Spring - Terms 3 & 4 Summer - Terms 5 & 6 Autumn – Terms 1 & 2

Term dates fall between 1st January and 4th April 7th April and 31st August 1st September and 31st December

Headcount Day for 2015 15th January 2015 23rd April 2015 24th September 2015

For help call Information for Families on 0345 60 80 192 and ask for our ‘Early Years Education Entitlement’ factsheet.

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For working parents Working Tax Credit You could get Working Tax Credit if: • •

you’re aged from 16 to 24 and have a child or a qualifying disability you’re 25 or over, with or without children

You must: • • •

work a certain number of hours a week get paid for the work you do (or expect to) have an income below a certain level

You can be employed or self-employed, but unpaid work doesn't count when claiming tax credits. It is paid in addition to any Child Tax Credit you may be entitled to. Extra payments are available to disabled workers and people with disabled children. A couple with one or more children, usually need to work at least 24 hours a week to get Working Tax Credit (with one of you working at least 16 hours a week). A single parent needs to work at least 16 hours a week to get Working Tax Credit. For more information visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘working tax credit’ or call the Tax Credit helpline on 0345 300 3900.

Help with childcare costs If you work and pay for childcare you could get extra tax credits to help with the cost of Ofsted registered childcare. You could get up to 70% of the childcare costs you’re claiming for, up to a maximum of £122.50 a week for 1 child and £210 a week for 2 or more children. The amount of tax credits is based on your average weekly childcare costs and your income. If you are a single parent, you must work at least 16 hours a week. Couples usually have to work at least 16 hours a week each (unless one of you is claiming benefits for disability or illness, is in hospital or prison or is entitled to carer’s allowance) For an eligibility calculation call the Tax Credits helpline on 0345 300 3900 or visit www.gov.uk/tax-credits-calculator You will need your National Insurance number, last years P60, your current income and childcare costs with you. For more information visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘help with childcare costs’.

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Employer Supported Childcare Some employers support their employees’ childcare costs by offering childcare voucher schemes. You receive part of your salary in vouchers that you then use to pay for childcare. The first £55 per week of any voucher you receive is exempt from tax and national insurance contributions. Your partner can also take advantage of childcare vouchers if their employer runs a scheme. Be aware that this may affect your pension. Parents who get childcare vouchers from their employer may also be able to get some money for childcare costs through tax credits as well. To find out whether you will be better off using vouchers or tax credits, or may be able to claim both, visit www.familyandchildcaretrust.org and search ‘childcare vouchers’’. There is also a useful ‘childcare vouchers and tax credits – better off calculator’ at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm For more information speak to your employer or HR department and visit www.familyandchildcaretrust.org and search ‘Help with childcare costs’. From Autumn 2015 the government is introducing a Tax-free childcare scheme. Parents will be able to buy childcare vouchers online. For every 80p they spend, the government will add 20p up to £10,000 of childcare costs per child per year. For information see www.gov.uk and search tax-free childcare scheme’.

Your rights Working Families is a national charity that gives information and advice for working families on subjects such as maternity rights, paternity rights, childcare and flexible working. For the booklet ‘Returning to work; A guide for parents’ and lots more visit: www.workingfamilies.org.uk, or call the free helpline on 0300 012 0312

Single parents looking for work For help returning to work, contact the Lone Parent Advisor at your local Jobcentre Plus office. Call Jobcentre Plus switchboard 0845 604 3719 and ask for ‘Work preparation support for lone parents’. The Advisor will look at your individual circumstances, your skills, confidence, childcare issues and finances and help you make the transition into work. www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work

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For school-aged children Free school meals School-aged children of families claiming benefits (but not Working Tax Credits) may be entitled to free school meals. To apply you need to complete an (FM1) form You can get the form from; • your child’s school, • at www.eastsussex.gov.uk - search ‘free school meals’ • or by calling 01273 481388 or 01273 481696 If your child attends one of the following schools, apply direct to them: Ark William Parker Academy, Ratton School Academy Trust, Ringmer Community College, The Eastbourne Academy Support with school transport costs You may be able to get help with the cost of transporting your child or children to school. This depends on your child’s age, the distance they have to travel to school and your income. To find out if you can get help, call 0345 60 80 192 and ask for the Admissions and Transport team. For information and to download an application form, visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk and search for ‘help with transport to schools’. School uniforms There is not usually help available with the cost of school uniforms. Most schools keep a supply of good quality, second hand uniforms and some schools may allow parents to buy uniforms on an agreed repayment plan basis. Contact your child's school to find out if they run a repayment plan. School uniform bank – Hastings Families may be able to buy good quality second-hand school uniform at reasonable prices from the HARC (Hastings Advice and Representation Centre) charity shop: 186 Queens Road, Hastings TN34 1RG. 01424 722164

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For students and young people For careers advice – speak to your school or the following services YES – Youth Employability Service Information, advice and guidance for 16-18 year olds. Visit; Eastbourne Centre Upperton House The Avenue Eastbourne BN21 3YB

Hastings Centre 11 Cambridge Road Hastings TN34 1 DJ

Phone 01323 410803 or 01424 722045 or email [email protected] See www.connexions360.org.uk and search ‘YES’ National Careers Service helpline (for all ages) 0800 100 900 (free from landline or will call you back on mobile) Monday to Sunday 8am to 10pm www.gov.uk/careers-helpline-for-teenagers

Register to extend your Child Benefit payments -If your child is 16 or 17 and has recently left full-time education, is looking for work, education or training you can apply for a 20 week extension of child benefit payments. Email register: [email protected] with your name and a return email address.

Care to Learn If you are a parent under 20 at the start of your course and are the main carer for your child, Care to Learn can help with the cost of your registered childcare while you learn. Care to Learn will not affect your own or your family's benefits or allowances. You do not have to be on benefits in order to claim it. Care to Learn may pay up to £160 per child per week to help with the cost of: • registered childcare, including deposit and registration fees • a childcare taster up to 5 days • keeping your childcare place over the holidays • taking your child to the childcare provider For further information visit www.gov.uk and search ‘care to learn’ or contact the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

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Further Education This is post 16 education that includes A’ levels, Higher National Diplomas and Foundation Degrees. 16 to 19 Bursary (16-19 years) Get help to pay for essential for education-related costs if you are 16-19 and in further education or training. You can’t apply if you are studying at university. People in the following groups may receive the maximum bursary of £1,200 a year; • people in care or care leavers • people claiming income support • disabled people getting Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance If you aren’t in one of these groups, you could still get a bursary depending on your circumstances. Ask your school, college or training provider to see if you are eligible. The bursary is paid directly by your school, college or training provider. They will decide how much and when it is paid. For advice speak to student services or your tutor and visitwww.gov.uk and search ’16 to 19 bursary’ Discretionary Learner Support - DLS (19 years plus) If you are aged 19 or over, on a further education course and having trouble meeting the costs, you could get Discretionary Learner Support to help. What you get depends on your circumstances. DLS can be used to help pay for • childcare (if you are 20 or over – if you are 19, apply for Care to Learn) • accommodation and travel • course materials and equipment • other hardship needs www.gov.uk and search ‘DLS’ Apply directly to your learning provider – each has its own application process. Speak to your student support services to find out what’s available and for help with applying.

Higher education This is post 18 learning that takes place in universities as well as other colleges and institutions that award academic degrees and professional qualifications. If you're a full-time higher education student with dependent children, you may qualify for extra financial help on top of the standard student finance package. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to get financial help you don’t pay back; • The Childcare Grant (to help with childcare costs) • The Parents Learning Allowance (to help with learning costs) • The Child Tax Credit •

The Access to Learning Fund ( is paid as a grant or as a loan that you pay back).

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continued from page 14 The Childcare Grant (for higher education students) The Childcare Grant could cover as much as 85 per cent of your registered childcare costs during term time and holidays. This could be up to £150.23 per week if you have one child, or £257.55 per week if you have two or more children. If you, or your spouse or partner, claim the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit, you can’t also claim the Childcare Grant. You can apply if you study full-time and have: • a dependent child under 15, or • a dependent child under 17 with special needs. The amount you can get depends on your household income and the actual costs of your childcare and the number of dependent children. Any money you get is paid on top of your student finance and you don’t have to pay it back. For more information, visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘childcare grant’. Parents’ Learning Allowance (PLA) (for higher education students) The Parents' Learning Allowance helps towards your course costs, such as books, materials and travel. You could get up to £1,573 a year for 2015/16 depending on your household income. You can apply for the Parents’ Learning Allowance when you apply for student finance. Any help you get is paid on top of the standard student finance package, and you don’t have to pay it back. It will not affect your other benefits. For more information visit www.gov.uk search for ‘parents’ learning allowance’ or call Student Finance England on 0845 300 50 90 www.gov.uk/studentfinance Extra money to pay for university/ college Students in financial hardship who need extra help to start a course or stay in higher education could get help. Apply to your university or college. You can apply if you’re a full or part-time higher education student, doing an undergraduate or postgraduate course. Priorities include students with children (especially single parents), disabled students and care leavers. The amount you can get is decided by your university or college. It’s paid in a lump sum or instalments. You usually won’t have to pay the money back, but in some cases you’ll get a loan that you have to repay. For more information visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘extra money to pay for university’ or contact your student support officer. NHS Bursary Childcare Allowance (CCA) The CCA is available to students in receipt of an NHS Bursary, to give them extra help with any registered or approved childcare costs while training. If you are eligible, the amount you are awarded will depend on your circumstances and the income available to you and your family. For more information visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk and search for ‘help with childcare costs’, or call the NHS Students Bursary Helpline on 0845 358 6655. 15

Keeping healthy Pregnant women and new mums Pregnant women and women who have had a baby in the last 12 months are entitled to free prescriptions and dental treatment. You must complete application form FW8 to get a Maternity Exemption Certificate (available from your GP, midwife or health visitor). For more information visit www.nhs.uk search for ‘pregnancy benefits’ and scroll down. Children Children under the age of 16 (or 19 if in full-time education) are entitled to free prescriptions and eye examinations. Following an eye examination, parents are entitled to an NHS optical voucher towards the cost of any glasses or contact lenses prescribed for their child. The value of the voucher will depend on what is prescribed. Children under the age of 18, or who are 18 and in full-time education when the treatment starts, are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment. Other family members may also be entitled towards some help with any NHS costs. This will depend upon your circumstances and whether you receive benefits. Visit the NHS Direct website at www.nhs.uk and search for ‘help with health costs’. Healthy Start Healthy Start is a voucher scheme for pregnant women, and families with children under the age of four, who receive: • Income Support • Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance • income related Employment and Support Allowance, or • Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) with an annual family income of £16,190 or less (2014/15) All pregnant women under the age of 18 also qualify, whether or not they are on benefits. The vouchers can be used towards the cost of milk, fresh fruit, fresh or frozen vegetables and infant formula milk from registered shops. For more information, visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk or call 0845 607 6823. Help to keep warm and well For information on • national schemes and benefits • free local help for vulnerable people • help from your local district or borough council with energy efficiency visit www.gov.uk and search ‘help to keep warm and well.

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Help for families facing financial hardship Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme (DESSS) The East Sussex County Council could help you to live independently or help when you are facing a difficult situation and don’t have enough money for what you need. You can’t get cash or loans, but they may pay a supplier for what you need. They may also refer you to a local support service, for example if you need help because of debt issues. Call 0300 330 9494 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. (local rate and they will call you back if you ask. Visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk and search for ‘DESSS’ Foodbanks Provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis. People in need get a voucher from their doctor, health visitor, social worker, DESSS (Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme), or the Citizens Advice Bureau to take to the foodbank to exchange for help. For details of the nearest Foodbank, call 0345 60 80 192. Alchemy Charitable Trust (ACT) ACT assists families, able bodied and disabled of any age, in East Sussex facing exceptional need. If you have an exceptional need and have been unable to get help from any other source, ACT may be able to help. Find out by calling 07522 491417, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.alchemyct.org Low cost furniture and household appliances Furniture Now! and Hastings Furniture Service supply low cost furniture and appliances across East Sussex. Open for all, with discounts for people on benefits or on a low wage. Please bring some evidence of your income. Furniture Now! 01323 638000 (Eastbourne), 01273 487377 (Lewes) or 01323 846899 (Hailsham) www.furniturenow.org.uk HFS (Hastings Furniture Service) 01424 441112 (Hastings) or 01424 223594 (Bexhill) www.hfs.org.uk Holiday help – www.happydayscharity.org and www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk help disadvantaged families get that much-needed break away from home. Education The charity The Bedgebury Foundation makes grants towards the education of young people where lack of funding is likely to be the main barrier to success. Funds learning support across the spectrum of ability, from those with special educational needs to those who are gifted and talented. 0787 2464195 www.thebedgeburyfoundation.org

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For parents and children with disability and/ or special needs Caring for your child can mean a reduced income. These national and local council services will advise you on any financial help available. (LA) provided by the Local Authority or (CH) provided by a charity (GOV) provided nationally

Benefits and advice (GOV) Disability Benefits Helpline – provides confidential advice and information for people with disabilities and their representatives about social security benefits and how to claim them. Lines open 8am-6pm. For Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance 0845 7123456 phone or 0845 722 4433 textphone For Personal Independence Payment 0845 850 3322 phone 0845 722 4433 textphone www.gov.uk search ‘disability benefits centre’. (CH) Turn 2 Us – The charity that helps people access money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help - based on your particular needs and circumstances. Trained professional advisers give free, confidential advice or see the easy-to-use website. 0808 802 2000 freephone 8am-8pm Mon-Fri www.turn2us.org.uk (GOV) Disability Living Allowance (DLA) DLA is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 who need extra help because of illness or disability. Anyone over 16 must apply for a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP). DLA helps children who need a lot more help or watching over than other children of the same age who do not have special needs. There are two parts to the DLA: • the care component – you may claim this if your child needs extra help with their personal care. It is paid at three rates (lower, middle and high), depending on your individual circumstances, and • the mobility component – you may claim this if your child needs help with getting around. It is paid at two rates (lower and higher), depending on your individual circumstances. Make your DLA claim as early as possible. To get other benefits you may be entitled to, such as Carer’s Allowance, you must receive DLA before you can apply. Information on DLA is at www.gov.uk search for ‘DLA’. Claim online or get a claim pack by phoning the Disability Benefits Helpline (see above)

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(GOV) Personal Independence Payment (PIP) This benefit helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64. You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of help you get. To make a new application or check if and when PIP affects your DLA, visit www.gov.uk search for ‘PIP’ or call 0845 850 3322. (GOV) Tax Credits - Some families with children are entitled to tax credits. You can claim tax credits even if you do not pay tax. Child Benefit is not affected

Child Tax Credit (CTC) – disabled child element and severely disabled child element. You may get a disabled child element for each child or young person you are responsible for • if you receive Disability Living Allowance for him or her or • if they are registered blind or has been taken off the blind register in the 28 weeks before your date of claim. You may get a severely disabled child element for each child or young person you are responsible for if you receive the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance for them. If you need advice about tax credits or the claim form, call the helpline on 0845 300 3900 (8am – 8pm, 7 days a week) 0845 300 3909 textphone or visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘child tax credit’

(CH) Contact a Family Benefits Advice Service Call for free, confidential, high quality and up to date advice. Make an appointment with their welfare experts to discuss your situation. They can take you through the latest benefits advice and any other financial help you may be entitled to. Call free on 0808 808 3555, email [email protected] , or visit www.cafamily.org.uk (LA) Discounted Council Tax You may be able to get a Council Tax discount if • a member of your household, (adult or child -doesn’t need to be the person paying the Council Tax) is disabled, and • you are on a low income. Visit www.gov.uk search ‘apply for council tax reduction’ and insert your postcode. (LA) Direct Payments - are a way of arranging social care services for disabled children and young people. A person with parental responsibility for a disabled child gets money to pay for the service instead of the local council arranging that service. To find out more, call Children’s Services on 01323 466050 They will assess your needs and may refer you to Children’s Disability Team. If they can help you will be supported by the Independent Living Support Team to set up Direct Payments and recruit a care worker. For advice on direct payments, call Contact a Family on 0808 808 3555 or visit www.cafamily.org.uk and search for ‘direct payments’.

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(CH) Working Families – Download the booklet ‘Child to Adult: Disability, Transition and Family Finances’. Visit www.workingfamilies.org.uk search for ‘Child to adult’. 0300 012 0312 Monday 10am - 1pm and 6 - 7pm, Tuesday 10am to 2pm and Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm. (GOV) Carer’s Allowance You may be entitled to this if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a person who gets the middle or high rate of the care component of DLA. The weekly rate for carers allowance is up to £61.35, but eligibility depends on certain criteria, including your weekly earnings. For more information visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘carer’s allowance’ 0345 605 6055 Carer’s Allowance Unit 01323 514500 ESDA (East Sussex Disability Association) (GOV) Carer’s Credit If you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could get Carer’s Credit. This is a National Insurance credit that helps build your entitlement to the basic State Pension and additional State Pension. Your income, savings or investments won’t affect eligibility. To be eligible, the person you’re looking after must get one of the following: • Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or highest rate. • Attendance Allowance • Constant Attendance Allowance • Personal Independence Payment – daily living component standard or enhanced rate • Armed Forces Independence Payment If the person you’re caring for doesn’t get one of these benefits, you may still apply – fill in the ‘Care Certificate’ part of the application form and get a health or social care professional to sign it. You don’t need to apply if: • you are a foster carer – you can apply for National Insurance Credits instead • you get Carer’s Allowance (you’ll already be automatically getting credits) • you get Child Benefit for a child under the age of 12 (you’ll already be getting credits) Visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘Carer’s Credit’ for an application form. Or apply to the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0345 605 6055 (CH) The Bedgebury Foundation School children aged 5 to 18 years can apply for a grant to support additional educational needs. 07872 464195 [email protected] www.thebedgeburyfoundation.org

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Leisure (CH / LA) i-go i-go is the leisure card for children and young people aged 25 and under with disabilities or special needs in East Sussex. The i-go card gives you: • great offers from venues on your doorstep • the information you need to plan a hassle-free visit 0345 60 80 192 Information for Families www.parentlinksussex.gov.uk/i-go

Grants and funding (CH) The Family Fund - provides grants to families who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 and under, and are receiving certain benefits. Grant can help with the cost of essential equipment like a washing machine, a holiday, a computer, days out and leisure activities etc. 01904 621115, text phone 01904 658085 [email protected] www.familyfund.org.uk (CH) Disability Grants – Information on charities and trusts provide funding towards the high cost of disability equipment, holidays, housing, days out… in fact anything above and beyond the normal costs of everyday living. www.disability-grants.org (LA) External funding opportunities – Advice, support and training on making successful bids for organisations located in East Sussex. Help to seek small and large grants. www.eastsussex.gov.uk - search for ‘finding grants’

Holiday Help Some charities help towards holiday costs and some also own their own properties. Here are some we have found. Apply early for the best chance of a successful application. (CH) The Family Fund work with Butlins, Haven and Thomas Cook and can provide grants towards the cost of a holiday www.familyfund.org.uk (CH) Blitz raise funds to subsidise short breaks in Blackpool at Bond Hotel for those living with a disability. Call 01253 341218 for an application form. www.bondhotel.co.uk (CH) TSC Trust -Trewan Sands Children’s Trust raise money to provide holidays for families who are referred to them by the child’s special school or local authority disability team. www.tsctrust.org/ (look in ‘downloads’ for a holiday application form). (CH) Happy Days – Help with a family holiday if you have a child or children with special needs, aged 3-17. www.happydayscharity.org Contact 01582 755999 or [email protected] for an application form.

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Mobility (GOV) Motability Scheme - helps towards the cost of leasing or buying a car if you or your child gets the higher rate of the mobility component of the DLA. Motability also run a hire purchase scheme for powered wheelchairs or scooters. 0300 456 4566 or visit www.motability.co.uk (LA) Blue Badge scheme - provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. Individuals aged three years or over and claiming the higher rate of the mobility component of the DLA, are entitled to a badge. For further information or to apply visit Blue Badge Scheme, or contact The Blue Badge Helpline on 01323 464244. (GOV) Free vehicle tax You may be entitled to a free tax disc if your child gets the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Contact the Disability Living Allowance Unit and ask for an exemption certificate DLA 404 form. Then take this with you to the Post Office or use it to apply online. 0845 712 3456 Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm Textphone 0845 722 4433 www.gov.uk/tax-disc Inclusion funding Some children with special needs may need additional support to help them access a mainstream childcare place. This could be a piece of specialist equipment, or an additional worker. Providers can access the following funding to help include a child. Early Years Inclusion Grant (EYIG) – The EYIG funds registered providers of Early Years Education Entitlement (EYEE) (see page 7) to include 3 and 4 year olds with additional needs. To access this funding the childcare provider needs to contact 0345 60 80 192 and ask for the Specialist Early Years Service. Childcare Inclusion Bursary Fund – the fund helps registered childcare providers to include children aged from 0-25. It offers grants to help with the costs of additional support. The childcare provider completes the application form with the help of the parent or carer. You can apply at any time. To find out more, call the Early Years Improvement Team 01323 463026.

Other sources of information Daycare Trust This is a national childcare charity that promotes high quality affordable childcare for all. For more information visit www.familyandchildcaretrust.org

This information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing.

Updated March 2015 22