A step-by-step guide to help with claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children under 16 with brain related conditions www.cerebra.org.uk/parent_support/DLA_guide.htm / www.cerebra.org.uk/parent_support/information_and_advice/cp_information/finance_and_welfare/benefits.htm
Care and Benefits advice
ie; Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance etc.
An outreach service for advice re Carers Allowance etc for young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions is available through Enigma Youth Club/A-Stars contact Sarah on 01305 757378 / sarah@enigmayouth.com
Disability Benefit Enquiry Line 0800882200
www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1868&a=11338
www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2416&a=20425
www.disabilitywessex.org.uk/view/view.php?item=56
www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/benefits.htm
www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/index.htm
www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/index.htm
www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/MoneyMatters/CarersAllowance/index.htm
Or contact your local citizens advice bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Carers Assessments - The NHS & Community Care Act 1990 states that carers have a right to ask Social Services to carry out an assessment of their needs as a carer. This gives people a chance to talk about ways that will help them maintain a healthy work/life/caring balance. A carers’ assessment will work out what help the person you care for needs and what level of help you are providing. It will then look at the level of services the council may provide. To request a carers assessment contact your local Social Care office.
www.nas.org.uk/content/1/c6/02/04/27/Carer%27s_assessment_model_letter.pdf
www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2417
Social Care Local Offices
Bridport 01308 422234
Christchurch 01202 474106
Ferndown 01202 877445
North Dorset 01258 472652
Weymouth/ Portland 01305 760139
Dorchester 01305 221450
Purbeck 01929 553456
Bournemouth 01202 458102
Poole 01202 735046
Children Who Are Disabled; Dorchester 01305 251414 / Ferndown
Child and Adolecent Mental Health Service; Weymouth 01305 462810.
The Children's Centre, Damers Road Dorset County Hospital DT1 2LB. 01305 255705.
Information about Direct Payments
Direct payments were introduced to provide more flexibility for those who have been assessed as being in need of services. A person receiving direct payments can arrange their own services instead of receiving the services directly from the Local Authority. The idea is that direct payments provide a person with more freedom and control over the community care services that they receive and for some, this can lead to greater independence.
Dorset Direct Payments Advisory Service 01935 842042
www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2415&a=17372
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4007096
www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Socialcarereform/Personalisation/Directpayments/index.htm
www.bournemouthdirectpaymentssupportservice.org.uk./home/home.php -This service is dedicated to supporting Bournemouth Citizens who are interested in, or already on, Direct Payments.
Or see Wessex Disability www.disabilitywessex.org.uk call 01202 312085