House extension

[Twinklyp1]

Hi I have a disabled 2 and half year old who we believe will never walk. We live in a 2 bed council house with 2 older children, youngest currently share with us. We've been on the bidding list for over 3 years, and tried home swappers to try get a 3 bed house with no look. My sons health ot referred us to social ot to try get an extension(downstairs bedroom and bathroom) as the council have said its highly unlikely they can help anymore with finding a bigger property. We had a phone call meeting with social ot which say we're not allowed the extension as we're classed as overcrowded and need to find a bigger house. Phoned housing officer which said nothing they can do and just keep pushing with social. Health ot is going to try speak to someone from social. I'm really starting to worry that they're not going to let us get the extension, even though I have already fell down the stairs with him twice in my arms. Is there anything else we can do to try and get accepted for an extension for him? Thanks

Do you have medical priority on the housing list? If there is more than one band/category with medical needs in, are you in the right one?

You can appeal.

Other than another bedroom and accessible bathroom, is your current house accessible long term. For example, is there enough space downstairs for DS to move around and all his equipment? How big are the bedrooms upstairs? It might not be feasible in your particular house, but in some houses upstairs could be adapted and a stair lift or through-floor lift fitted.

Have you had social care assessments? A carer’s assessment for you and an assessment by the children with disabilities team for DS? Not directly related to housing but social care are responsible for children in need, which DS is by virtue of his disability, and that can include ensuring he is adequately housed.

If all else fails, you could speak to a solicitor who has housing experience. In some circumstances, you can take legal action.

We've let housing know(i emailed and health ot) and they've said we're on the right banding. The house is a decent size but wouldn't have anywhere to put a lift. He's still in a cot atm in our room(biggest room) we will really struggle getting a single bed in here. He's already taken over half of downstairs with all his medical aid, has limited space to use his walking frame. We had social care assessment over the phone which they said we won't be able to get the extension. Never heard of carers assessment or children with disabilities team. Housing officer asked if I had a social worker which I don't, am I suppose to have one?

You need proper social care assessment. A carer’s assessment for you and an assessment for DS via the children with disabilities team (CwD team). On their website, Contact has model letters you can use. I would expect you to have had contact with a social worker, yes. If the LA refuse proper assessments or assess but refuse to provide support, complain - if that doesn’t work you can go to a review panel and in some circumstances JR can be possible. If DS has an EHCP and you appeal the educational elements, you can also request SENDIST looks at the social care sections. (If DS doesn’t already have an EHCP/isn’t already going through the process, request an EHCNA.) Social care can support with housing problems. They will fob you off and say they can’t because it is easier for them, but it isn’t true.

Depending on DS’s needs, have you looked at continuing care funding?

Honestly I didn't know any of this until you've said. No we haven't had any contact from social worker. I have messaged his portage worker about all this to see what she says and hopefully can help. We don't have ehcp yet but we're in talks about getting that sorted soon. What's continuing care funds? Sorry for question I have no one else to talk to that's been through it before

You can request an EHCNA yourself. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use. IPSEA and SOSSEN are charities who have lots of helpful information about EHCPs on their websites and have advice lines.

Similarly, Contact has lots of helpful information about social care provision on their website. They also have a phone line you can call.

Children’s continuing care funding is NHS funding for care for some disabled DC. Depending on DS’s needs, he may qualify.

Will we need to apply for EHCNA if we're going to be apply for EHCP soon? We will look into similarly and childrens continuing care

The EHCNA is the needs assessment you first request as part of the process to get an EHCP. It is all part of the same process. Technically you don’t apply for an EHCP, you request an EHCNA.

Ok lovely thank you