Anyone who has had a child admitted to hospital, which I imagine is a lot of MNers, will be very aware of the extra strain this places on us as a family, emotionally, logistically and financially.
Families whose children have severe or complex health needs face losing their DLA if their child is admitted to hospital for more than 84 days at one time.
Often these children are some considerable distance from home and travel, food and accommodation expenses alone can be astronomical.
Families in receipt of DLA don't suddenly stop caring for their children just because they are in receipt of medical treatment. Nurses don't take over the day to day caring - parents are expected to stay and provide it. Even if they did provide it, who would want to walk away and leave it to strangers anyway?
It is grossly unfair that these parents stand to lose, not only their DLA at these times but also other associated benefits too, e.g. carers allowance, tax credits.
Please consider signing this petition to prompt a change in the rules to enable these families to continue to claim this important allowance and enable them to focus on their children at the times they need to most.