Almost there: Any benefits I should be applying for?

[LuLuDoLoo]

We are working towards placement at the end of May with an 18 month old, and currently have a 6yr old birth child. My husband and I were talking last night about any additional benefits that we may be entitled to to help me through adoption leave. Does anyone know of any obvious (and non-obvious) ones that we should look into?

Thanks

[thomassmuggit]

Child benefit, and maybe tax credits if you're low earners. Tbh, don't expect much! Do you get adoption pay? Did SWs not discuss your financial planning?

[LuLuDoLoo]

They wanted to see bank statements and wage slips, but nothing really about any benefits that we could claim, maybe because there aren't any! We get child benefit for our birth child, so guessing that doubles? Yes, I do get adoption pay, so with some careful budgeting we will fine. Just didn't want to miss the boat on anything!

Do you know whether child benefit starts from placements or from when the adoption order goes through much later?

[B1rdonawire]

Child benefit starts from placement date - they should give you a form at your Introductions planning meeting if they're organised.

Otherwise there are no state benefits different to those you could claim for a birth child. Good luck with your prospective placement, hope all goes well

[newcupcake]

Also child benefit doesn't double it's less for subsequent children , off the top of my head I think it's about £13 per week

[newcupcake]

Also child benefit doesn't double it's less for subsequent children , off the top of my head I think it's about £13 per week

[newcupcake]

Also child benefit doesn't double it's less for subsequent children , off the top of my head I think it's about £13 per week

[IAmMumWho]

Hi I did foster to adopt. We got payed foster allowance until he adoption placement began. I then had to download and print of child benefit paperwork fill it in with a letter from Social workers stating we were potential adopters. That no birth family were to be contacted or payed. We have siblings. My child benefit started the day we changed from fostering. I get £165 a month.
Social workers never gave us documents, we had to sort it out ourselves. Also had to send child's original/current birth certificate. Make sure you have these before you apply.
I did get a phone call a few weeks after I submitted the forms to ask when I last received a payment. They worked out what I was entitled to from X date. Good luck x

[LuLuDoLoo]

Fabulous - thank you so much!