To ask for advice on using child's DLA?

[kerrypn]

DS receives HRC and LRM (ASD, new diagnosis), Im feeling really overwhelmed and whilst I am sure there are a million and one things I already spend the equivalent amount of money on (replacement clothes, shoes, laptop, taxi fares for appointments etc etc!) I feel weird about it, probably as he is nearly 9 and we have only just got diagnosis and dla, im really grateful for it and want to use it for DS-what do other parents use DLA for that improves life for their LO? Could I use a little bit to make Ds's siblings lives a bit better too (they miss out a lot as DS needs constant supervision) sorry if it sounds stupid, im just feeling overwhelmed with it all

Tax credits will be an extra £81 a week on top of normal child tax credits.

As long as you tell tax credits within a month they will back date it to dla award start date.

His real passion is football, he went to lessons once before but ran off with the ball and refused to share it could definitely try again though!

That made me laugh. Ds1 did exactly the same at his first lesson. I'm afraid he never mastered football but he is a fantastic swimmer now.

£81??????!!!! thanks so much for telling me, you don't get a lot of guidance with things like this, we got given a huge ASD pack but nothing on useful websites for toys or financial advice, this has been a real eye opener and so so helpful!

Run your figures through this benefits checker, it should give you a fairly good indication of the other benefits you may be entitled to. Check out carers allowance too:
www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/overview
www.entitledto.co.uk

lol eva I thought it was very funny too but the 20+ other children and a rather serious bunch of parents (who tbf were paying for their children to play football not chase!) didn't find it funny :/

DS has had HRC since November and so far I've used it for a keyboard and touch typing programme and to put towards a holiday! I'm so excited :)

In a more mundane way, my DS has wrecked a coat and lost half of two pairs of shoes plus all his behaviour badges since the start of term. Normally I'd be massively stressing out about the cost of replacing all this stuff but since he got awarded DLA, I can buy new shoes without feeling annoyed (and yes I know it's not his fault that he loses everything but it's still vv frustrating!).

And that's what it's for I think. All of those things.

Thanks JS I will!!

Some other good charities to look at when you have time:
www.caudwellchildren.com
www.cafamily.org.uk
www.sibs.org.uk ( for siblings)

Just another thought, if you don't already have one, get an all in one printer/scanner/fax machine. With a disabled child there is a lot of paperwork, and it is much easier to scan something then email or fax it.

Soontobesix I had a letter saying he will get another letter when he is 16 telling him how to apply for pip. I think it's because I claimed so close to his 16th birthday.

Yes you will get a letter with information about applying for pip however you shouldn't have to actually apply until the dates I previously stated.
Basically when your ds turns 16 he will be treated the same as any other current adult dla claimant. If you look at the timetable for adults being invited to claim pip it say when award ends ( in practice claimants will be invited to claim pip six months before dla award ends) . From October 2015 everyone who has not already been invited to claim pip due to award ending will start to be invited to claim pip. Your sons dla will continue once a pip claim has been submitted until a decision has been made.

Really soontobesix ? Ds DLA runs out on his 16th birthday (was indefinite to that age,was years ago) but we haven't been invited to claim PIP yet? Did have the bloomin appointee appointment today though,was easy though,she only had to look at him!

OP, I get HRC and HRM for autistic ds. It largely goes on repairing and replacing broken things,clothing that gets chewed,stretched beyond belief or magically made holey ( I have found better quality lasts much longer though),sensory stuff,safety bits and pieces things to keep him occupied or assist him in some way,taxis, trips to get him out and around others more,constant washing and drying clothes (uber messy!) special needs climbing and transitioning clubs along with the taxis for that sleep balms and sprays and other nice smelling bits that help to relax him (I've accidentally created a Lush addict,BUT it was using the shower jelly in the bath that first got him starting to wash himself) and various other things.It also helps towards holidays where he gets to experience more things in an environment he can easily retreat from and move onto something else or just let it all go out in the open and gives me a chance to relax with him for a bit.

*trampolining club not transitioning! Stupid phone

We used DD1's on living expenses as she was awarded higher-rate care and mobility for having a rare form of paediatric leukaemia. The food was inedible. Most of it went on her chemo cravings to keep her dwindling weight up and increased washing as she was an extreme infection risk.

Just now getting round to DS's app, ASD. To be spent on the private care he needs to suit his needs and the appointments we have to attend 2 hours away the cheapest way to attend is, with his and my fares, £25 off-peak. If the appointments are early, £30+taxi to hospital.

DS1 gets HRC and LRM, it goes in to the family pot at the moment to cover things like hospital parking fees (how ridiculous are those?! 2 weeks stays at £24 a day with no permit given!) and it allows me to feed myself whilst staying on the ward with him, this is a huge step up from not som many years ago when I was relying on the housekeeping staff to give him an extra slice of toast for breakfast or some extra potatoes etc that I could eat when he'd had his fill

Hopefully it will make life easier for you OP, it does ours certainly, hopefully you don't get any of the unpleasant comments from people about receiving it either like I do!

Actually hadn't realised pip dates were different depending on areas.
This link explains what areas will be affected before October. Trip your ds will be invited before award ends but keep dla payments until decision is made.
www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/benefits_w/benefits_sick_or_disabled_people_and_carers_ew/benefits_personal_independence_payment_e/benefits_pip_where_to_start_e/pip_when_can_you_claim.htm

This is fabulous: www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4325444.htm

My six year old grandson, who has a social communication disorder - probably ASD, loves it and it sends him off to sleep every night. You can take the globe off the top and it creates a lightshow on the ceiling. At £19.99 it's a steal.

I kind of want one too

That's looks great my dd who has asd would love one.

Sister (adult) as Indefinite award of DLA, does she have to be reassessed for pip or is it automatically changed over??

Yes your sister will need to be reassessed mini. As she is already an adult this will be some time between October 2015 and September 2017. Your sister will be sent a letter which invites her to apply for pip. As long as she does apply she will continue to receive her dla until a decision has been made.

Ouryve we get Huggies night time pull up via nhs / Hartmann supplies. They are age 8-15 version which fit our 5 year old! Didn't have any problem with getting them. I would try again.

Could you perhaps use it towards getting a sensory assessment done on him, or perhaps s few sensory courses for yourself, before buying any sensory equipment that may not be what he needs for his particular problem.

Loving the boy running away with the ball at football.

My son swims but if any of the family forget he has to win and they overtake him he jumps out the pool and runs up the side before jumping in at the end shouting 'I won'.

My DS gets higher rate mobility and care, first awarded just before Christmas. So far we've taken taxis instead on carrying him to bus stops, got a cleaner, bought him compression clothing and ordered a specially made bike for me with two seats, on for him, one for his little sister, so that we can use that instead of a wheelchair . Been feeling the same as you. Husband feels ridiculously guilty. Handsome strange responses from friends too. Their definately is a stigma to recieving benefits