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Original poster

Not sure what to do about my disabled daughter

27 replies

laurajp91 · 05/09/2017 13:42

I am in a total mess and can't stop crying my eyes out. I have 3 young children one of which is severely disabled with cerebral palsy , blind, epileptic and fed through a feeding tube. I also have a 6 year old and a newborn baby. My tax credit award has stopped , something to do with me stupidly getting my renewal incorrect ? I dunno I am waiting on the letter. Well basically I have no money until next Monday now which will be my carers allowance and I get dla on Tues. I have no money at all this week, I don't know how I am ment to feed my disabled girl with no electric (She is pump fed overnight) aswell as transport her to therapy... appointments. I don't even no how I am ment to get milk and nappies. My carers went in yesterday but it has all came out on bills because I didn't expect my tax credits to have been stopped. I have to claim all over again sorry I am totally stuck thinking of putting my kids into care or into a hospice . Is there any charitys or funds that can help me? I have nobody to turn to for help. Can't stop crying right now thank you for any replies.

OP posts:
MrsSquiggler · 05/09/2017 13:47

I'm so sorry this is happening to you - HMRC are just awful. Can you get to a Citizens Advice, or give them a call - they should be able to help you sort out the tax credits and they will know of emergency help available locally. They can give you a referral to a food bank and maybe also an electric voucher depending on what's available locally.

You could also try looking here to see of any grants which might be available: grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 05/09/2017 13:48

Do you have a health visitor? They should be able to advise on any local charities or services that might be able to help. Also does your daughter have a specialist nurse or anyone like that? They might also be able to help.

Is there anyone at all that you could borrow money from or stay overnight with for the electricity?

What a worrying time for you. I hope you can get some help soon Flowers

MrsSquiggler · 05/09/2017 13:49

Citizens Advice should also be able to advise whether it will be best to make a new claim or put in a mandatory reconsideration to get them to look again at the old one.

Devilishpyjamas · 05/09/2017 13:51

If you have no electricity and she needs to be pump fed I would call the duty social worker or alternatively turn up at A&E as a last resort. The appointments can be rearranged but not having access to a pump is an emergency.

Do you have friends or family you can stay with until you get electricity? That would give you time to sort everything.

MrsJayy · 05/09/2017 13:57

Contact your HV today they will help you out also if you can contact your electricity company they sometimes allow extra credit on your key token I am sorry this is happening they stop without thinking about the humans it affects

LondonLassInTheCountry · 05/09/2017 13:57

There use to be an emergency benefit fund amount you could apply for.

Best bet is citizens advice

MrsSquiggler · 05/09/2017 14:00

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/you-cant-afford-to-top-up-your-prepayment-meter/

"Your energy supplier might agree to give you temporary credit if you’ve run out of gas or electricity. Tell them about your situation, including your income and anyone you look after, so they know why you need temporary credit. You’ll need to pay this credit back next time you top up."

"Your supplier has to replace your prepayment meter with a normal meter (one that lets you pay for energy after you use it, rather than before) if you have a disability or illness that makes it:
...
bad for your health if your electricity or gas is cut off"

Laststop · 05/09/2017 14:02

Can your borrow money even at last resort a payday loan just enough to get elec and some food ?

Original poster
laurajp91 · 05/09/2017 14:13

Iv tried loans and been a straight up no. I spoke to my nurse and she advised going to the council and asking about a welfare fund. I have just done that and they said no because I got paid yesterday . I don't know where else to turn. Can't believe they have done this to me, I don't know what to do anymore 😑

OP posts:
MrsSquiggler · 05/09/2017 14:14

Try Citizens Advice, they will know of any other help available locally including emergency help

wowbutter · 05/09/2017 14:18

Which area do you live in?
Look on your local c until website for the children and families service, or children's centre. They can help with food bank referrals and electricty top ups. Or you can call the social care duty team and say it is a safe guarding risk, because you cannot keep your children safe currently.
There are things you can do, you just have to stay calm.

TwigTheWonderKid · 05/09/2017 14:29

Speak to your MP

MNHQ
LornaMumsnet · 05/09/2017 14:31

Hi folks,

We're awed daily by the astonishing support that our members give each other through life's trickier twists and turns – but we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster (emotionally or financially) than they can afford to spare.

Flowers
Devilishpyjamas · 05/09/2017 14:50

Yes ring duty SW re safeguarding.

Pancakeflipper · 05/09/2017 14:54

As they all say and your local church (our local has money set aside for those in emergency need).

KosmoKramer · 05/09/2017 15:04

Phone children's services and ask for a s17 payment. Do you have a social worker for your DD? Most children with such complex needs have a named SW even though they may not be actively visiting. Are you receiving direct payments?
It may be in your best interests to ask for a new child and family assessment.

DixieNormas · 05/09/2017 15:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ineedamoreadultieradult · 05/09/2017 15:15

Call your energy provider and explain they will put money on your meter. They may ask for it to be paid back but they have discretion to put it on and not need it paid back. Speak to your health visitor they are not there just to help the baby but the whole family.

MrsJayy · 05/09/2017 15:18

Yes ring your social worker and also your childs consultant/childrens ward she might be able to go there to get her pump feed

SomedayMyPrinceWillCome · 05/09/2017 15:22

In some areas of the country, food banks can give electricity top ups out. Where are you OP?

Original poster
laurajp91 · 05/09/2017 15:30

I am from Plymouth South west. I will give my daughter's disability social worker a call thanks for the advice. I'm so at a loss I can't stop crying.

OP posts:
MrsJayy · 05/09/2017 15:40

It is just shit for you but it will be ok phone social work see what they say the should come out and see you .

KosmoKramer · 05/09/2017 16:10

Just use the words 'section 17 money'. This is a duty under the children act, where your local authority must provide resources if a child is in need.

Do call the social worker x

clairethewitch70 · 05/09/2017 16:18

Re: your daughters pump feed. Does she have a PEG? if so you can feed you without the electric pump using a syringe. My dad was PEG fed and gave him medicines using a syringe and we had a larger one and used it to give him the prepared food during a power cut.

wowbutter · 05/09/2017 16:20

Have you managed to call anyone?