BENEFITS

An appropriate income and good money management are important to all of us in order to enable us to live fulfilled lives.  The income for many people with a learning disability will largely come from benefits. Benefits are an entitlement so claims should be made for all the benefits for which a person is eligible.  (Millions of pounds worth of benefits go unclaimed each year – make sure that you are not missing out.)

From time to time benefits change, so do try and keep up with what is available or make regular visits to those who know what is going on.

As a carer you may apply on behalf of a person with a learning disability for any of the benefits to which they are entitled.  If they are considered to be unable to look after their own affairs you may then apply to become an appointee.  You need a letter from the doctor confirming this and you need to fill in form BF56.  Benefits will then be sent out in your name on behalf of the person you care for.  As a carer you may be entitled to benefits in your own right.

General advice, information and assistance on welfare benefits, as well as other financial matters are available from:

Citizens Advice Bureau           Tel: (01609) 770309
277 High Street
North End
Northallerton
DL7 8DW

or

Your local Jobcentre Plus

or

Telephone 0800 882200  (Disability Benefits Enquiry Line)

Increasingly, solicitors are being used to help to claim benefits to which people feel they are entitled.  You may be entitled to legal aid or a free first appointment if acting on behalf of a person with a learning disability.  Make sure that you agree terms before you meet with the solicitor (see section of The Law – Legal Aid).

If you disagree with any decision on any benefit, then appeal.  The letters telling you about the decision will tell you how to do this.  If you would like any help with this or even representation at an appeal, then contact the Citizens Advice Bureau (see contact list).

Golden rules for applying for benefits:

	Read carefully the rules for eligibility for each benefit
	If you feel the person you care for, or yourself,  may be entitled, apply
	Think carefully how you fill the form in – make sure the information you give is in line with what they want to know.  Be clear and exact (use facts and numbers not generalities).  Don’t give information they don’t want.
	Be honest but don’t under-estimate the level of care required or the nature of the disability.  (Carers often do not realize themselves how many times they do something, and there is a tendency to underplay the nature of disabilities.)

If you are turned down - appeal:

	Get help with your appeal. If you need support at the appeal you can access Advocacy Services or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
	Penny Pilling                                             or Hambleton & Richmondshire Advocacy 277 High Street Northallerton DL7 8DW Tel: (01609) 778652	Josie Dickinson 6 Flint's Terrace Pottergate Richmond DL10 7AH Tel: (01748) 850085
	Collect letters of support from professionals, for example, from your GP, a teacher, or social worker. (Make sure they are relevant to the criteria and not general.)
	Write a diary – keep an account of everything which supports your appeal, for example, the number of times you got up each night, what you did, how long it took.

If you are turned down then apply again at a later date if you still feel that you qualify.  If your circumstances change then definitely apply again.

There are many different benefits available.  They can be divided into means tested, non means-tested or benefits ‘in-kind’.  Non means-tested benefits are payable as of right to anyone who fulfils the conditions. They do not take into account how much money you have.  Means tested benefits may not be available to you if you have a certain level of earnings or savings. Benefits ‘in-kind’ relate to things like free school meals and help with medical needs. You may also be in a position to apply for help from the community and social funds or charitable organisations. (See details below.)

CHECK REGULARLY WITH THE BENEFITS AGENCY OR OTHER SUPPORT GROUP THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING THE CORRECT BENEFITS AND THOSE YOU TO WHICH YOU OR YOUR DEPENDANT ARE ENTITLED