Benefits and Grants
Children and adults with autism may be able to claim a variety of benefits. The child or his/her family may be eligible to apply for a variety, which are listed below. For further information, please contact the Family Services Workers who will be happy to advise or help families complete the forms.
The Benefits Enquiry Line on freephone 0800 882200 may also be able to help.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DVLA - http://www.dwp.gov.uk Most children and adults with autism or Asperger's Syndrome are entitled to apply for Disability Living Allowance. DLA has two components - mobility and care. To qualify for these allowances, the child must have more mobility and / or care needs than another child of the same age. The needs must have existed for three months and be expected to last for another six months. Your child must be over 5 years of age to qualify for the mobility component.
Telephone the DLA freephone number 0800 882200 to receive the claim pack or ask for the necessary information from the Post Office.
Carer's Allowance (CA)
Carers may be entitled to receive CA if their child receives the care component of DLA at the medium or higher rate. The primary carer must not earn more than £75.00 per week after deductions (as at September 2002), and must not be in full-time education. If the carer is receiving other benefits eg Income Support, they are not entitled to receive CA, but can qualify for the Carer's Premium which is an extra weekly payment paid on top of the existing benefit.
Additional Mobility Benefits
If the child receives the mobility component of DLA at the higher rate, they are entitled to claim:
1. Blue Badge - gives exemption from some parking restrictions. It may also be available to children with autism under 5 where their special needs can be proved eg if they are difficult to take out because they run away or refuse to walk etc.
BLUE BADGE - http://www.bromley.gov.uk/ 2. Motability - the money received can be used to lease a car from many car dealers Tel: 01279 632273
Direct Gov - http://www.direct.gov.uk/ 3. Exemption from Road Tax - Contact:0845 712346
DVLA - http://www.dvla.gov.uk Family Fund
This is a means tested grant given to a family who are caring for a child with severe physical or learning disabilities. Grants are given for help with laundry equipment, holidays, driving lessons, replacement clothing. Tel: 01904 621115
Benefits for people aged 16+
Young people may be eligible to claim some of the following benefits or grants:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Disability Working Allowance
- Therapeutic Earnings
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit
http://bromley.gov.co.uk/council/tax
http://bromley.gov.co.uk/advice/benefits
tel: 020 8464 3333