DIRECT PAYMENTS

Once you are 18 you may be able to arrange and buy in your own care with money paid to you by Adult and Communityl Services.  Local Authorities have their own rules for ‘Direct Payment Schemes’ so it will depend where you live.
 

INDEPENDENT LIVING FUND

The Independent Living Fund can give you money to buy extra care services on top of the services or direct payments you get from Social Services or your local Social Work Department.  To qualify you must be receiving the highest rate DLA care component and be living alone. Contact your local Social Services Department for information about the rules, which are very specific or telephone 0845 601 8815 for more information or an Application Form. 

The Fund’s website is: www.ilf.org.uk   The Fund’s e-mail address is: funds@ilf.org.uk
 

DISABLED FACILITIES GRANT

You may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant for alterations to your home but you will need a referral by Social Services.   Contact:

Customer Services                          Tel: 0845 034 9410
 

THE FAMILY FUND

The Family Fund seeks to promote an inclusive society where families with severely disabled or seriously ill children have choices and opportunities to enjoy ordinary life.

The Family Fund helps families of disabled or seriously ill children under 16. They give grants and provide information related to the care of the child including holidays, leisure, laundry equipment, driving lessons and lots more. The range of information includes benefits, holidays, transport, taking care, after age 16 and more.  Your level of income will be taken into account when you contact the Family Fund for help.

Applications can be made by telephone on 0845 1304542, online or in writing. 

The Family Fund
P O Box 50
York.  YO1 9ZX.

Telephone:                       0845 1304542
Email:                                  info@familyfund.org.uk
Website address:              www.familyfund.org.uk
Area covered:                     UK

 
OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT

There are other forms of help, which may be available to you.

Check all these out with your local benefits agency or contact:

Benefit Enquiry Line for people with disabilities.  Freephone (0800) 882200
 

PRESCRIPTIONS

These are free to children under 16 years, under 19 years if in full-time education, people receiving Income Support or Working Family Tax Credit and Disability Living Allowance. If you have a specified condition or are housebound with a continuing physical disability or qualify under the low-income scheme, you can apply for exemption (ask your GP).

If you or anyone in your family regularly needs medication on prescription, which is not exempt from charge, you may be able to save money by buying a prepayment certificate.  This acts as a “season ticket” – you buy one for a four or twelve-month period, during which time there are no further prescription charges, no matter how many items you need.  You can get a form, which gives the current details and charges from your surgery.
 

GLASSES

Eyesight tests are now subject to a charge unless you are exempt with a certain diagnosis, if you are under 16 years, or under 19 years and still in full-time education, or on Income Support or Working Family Tax Credit, Disability Working Allowance, then you qualify for vouchers for glasses and free eye tests.  See Department of Health Leaflet HC11QG.
 

LOCAL TRUSTS

There are some local trusts that may be able to offer financial support for a variety of different needs. North Yorkshire Forum for Voluntary Organisations has a book that gives details, contact:

NYFVO
Crayke House
Easingwold Business Park
Birch Way
Easingwold
York YO61 3FB
Tel: 01347 825710
Fax: 01347 824246                      Website: www.nyfvo.org.uk

Northallerton and District Voluntary Services Association may also be able to help you with information, contact:

VSA
Community House
10, South Parade
 Northallerton
DL7 8SE                                         Tel: 01609 780 458