Adoption allowance

[2dads]

Does anyone have any experience of adoption allowance or settling in grants? Our social worker has mentioned them briefly but not went into much detail.

[DeegeeDee]

Settling in grant was mentioned at the introductions meeting and ratified at matching panel. On the PAR, is a box where the LO's SW will say whether an allowance is being given and what for.

Incidentally, when exploring Child Benefit details, came across a maternity grant that most adoptive parents are also eligible for. Needs to be signed off by HV and within the first 12 months of placement.

[Ted27]

settling in grants are small pots of money given at placement to buy essential items, eg prams, car seats. Its a long time ago now but I think I claimed about £300.
I'm not sure how their availability has been impacted by budget cuts.

Adoption allowances have definitley been effected by the local govt finances. Many authorities are more or less broke. Adoption allowances are discretionary payments, usually means tested, and are usually given for children who have very high level of needs, sibling groups etc. Sometimes they are granted for a year or so, others until the child is 18 or 21. They do seem quite hard to get now.

I'm fortunate to have one, I have a commitment that it will be paid until as long as he is in full time education. It is reviewed every year. So far the LA has shown no sign of attempting to withdraw it but I doubt if I was adopting now they would be quite so generous.
Its made a huge difference to me, its what enables me to work part time.
No harm in asking.

[2dads]

The child we have linked with does have additional needs. Social worker is coming on Wednesday so will speak to her then. I was worried about it coming across in the wrong way if we asked about it.

[Ted27]

Very many adoptive children have additional needs, doesnt mean you will get an allowance. The system is very unfair I think. Many families who really should get an allowance don"t I'm afraid.

Have a think about why you might need an allowance.

Does the level of need mean one of you will need to give up work for example. The more specific you can be in the more chance you will have.

Good luck

[Ted27]

Do you know about DLA - Disabilty Living Allowance?

Its a statutory benefit, not means tested. The form is a killer but if you can get it, its very valuable, not only for the award itself. It gives you access to other benefits and increases tax credits

[Jellycatspyjamas]

If you’re in Scotland legislation sets out when local authorities should offer an adoption allowance, some authorities means test and some don’t. In my experience there’s more chance of you getting an allowance if your child is being placed out of authority, so outwith the local authority you’re applying through.

[Madelinea]

We are in the process of adopting a sibling group with additional needs. We were told we would get a means tested adoption allowance and a full package to support us. It's taken 5 months of fighting and the ombudsman to get what we were offered. I would not rely on it. Happy to Pm if you have further questions.