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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

family fund washing machines

21 replies

frillypants · 12/10/2005 18:31

has anyone had a washing machine from the family fund?

do you get to choise which one you want?
are they all white as i'd like a silver one to match my kitchen - snob i know

OP posts:

Jayzmummy · 13/10/2005 08:55

Yep.We got a washing machine and a tumble dryer last year.
They send you a list that you can choose from....basic white only or you can have a voucher and buy what you want. You have to buy the 5 year warranty and that comes out of your voucher. We paid the extra so we could have our choice. You have 6 months from the date the voucher is issued to go and select your machine......we waited until the sales were on and got a better quality machine

HTH.

coppertop · 13/10/2005 09:11

Yes, we got a washing machine last year. It's a silver one too.

As JM says, you can either choose one from their selection or they will give you vouchers to get one from somewhere else. If you choose a different one you also have to pay for the 5yr warranty thingy out of the vouchers.

lucyep · 13/10/2005 13:11

Yes I've had two Indesits from them and would never have another!

The first one went wrong and I was without a machine for 12 weeks!!!!!

The second went wrong on 19/9/05. Engineer came out and said that the bearings had gone without even taking it apart. He came yesterday with an armful of parts. The machine has more wrong with it than he thought, its beyond economic repair. I now have to wait to see if Family Fund will replace it. It's only 18 months old and still looks like new and certainly hasn't been abused!

I have to do at least 3 loads of washing a day because of dd2 arggghhhhhhh.

I'm tempted to try and get 12 months interest free credit and get one of my own.

doormat · 13/10/2005 13:17

frilly yes, got a washing machine and tumble dryer, indesit, bog standard white
we have had them 4yrs now and still look good as new, they break down from time to time but I used to get that with my old machine
btw I do at least 6 loads a day

SoBlue · 13/10/2005 14:46

I just got one this month there was a choice of 3 in with my award letter. 2 Beko white or silver or the Zanussi in white which i chose instead of the voucher. As the insurance was couple of hundred. I had my old one taken away and they fitted the new one, it was so nice to just start using it without the hassle.

spooklymieow · 13/10/2005 14:48

I had a tumble dryer from them last year, didn't have a choice of colour then so got a Zanussi condeser white one.

madmummyof2 · 13/10/2005 15:53

Ok. im probably going to sound a bit silly but what is family fund?? and how did you all get your appliances??

misdee · 13/10/2005 16:16

i have a beko washing machine from them in silver. i have kept my old machine and also have it plumbed in. with 2 kids ith eczema i can be doing laundry all day.

Original poster

frillypants · 14/10/2005 10:10

thanks for that everyone - has much are the vochers for? and do you have to have the five year warrenty

OP posts:

spooklymieow · 14/10/2005 11:04

they pay for the warranty if you get one from them.

coppertop · 14/10/2005 11:09

Madmummyof2 - have a look at this site here

Original poster

frillypants · 14/10/2005 11:20

does anyone know if there is a list you can look throygh as to what you can apply for?

OP posts:

Jayzmummy · 14/10/2005 11:23

We had £740 in vouchers to spend at Comet. The 5 year warranty is compulsary, so we put an extar £50 towards to total cost to get the machines we wanted.
If you choose one of the machines from their list you dont have to pay for the warranty as its included in their package.

When we went to comet the assistant was really helpful and he even threw a free kettle in for us

Original poster

frillypants · 14/10/2005 11:24

was the £740 for one or more children?

OP posts:

Jayzmummy · 14/10/2005 11:25

You can apply for almost any electrical appliance so long as its needed for the child....washing machine, tumble dryers, dishwasher etc.They also give funding for beds, play equipment,bed linen, clothing allowance, days out and even a holiday....my friend just got a £800 voucher for a hoilday for her family

Jayzmummy · 14/10/2005 11:26

They work out what you are entitled to from your need and financial circumstances. We have one DS with Autism.

coppertop · 14/10/2005 11:27

When you apply they tell you that you can ask for help with things that aren't the responsibility of other services IYSWIM, eg wheelchairs, therapy equipment etc. Otherwise you can ask for things like washing machines, tumble driers, help with driving lessons/travel costs, holidays etc. Last year we were given a washing machine (the same one as Misdee), a drier, and £200 towards travel costs.

If you want a washing machine they send you a sheet of paper with a photo and description of the machines. You can choose one from there and the FF will deliver it, provide you with the 5yr insurance policy and also take away your old machine if you want them to. The only thing they don't do is actually plumb it in. If you don't like the ones on offer they send you vouchers to buy one with the condition that you also purchase a 5yr warranty/insurance policy.

madmummyof2 · 14/10/2005 23:54

wow.
is there a certain criteria for this. also how do i apply??

i know im being a bit thick but because my son isnt really what you would call obviously impaired ( he has SAL disorders and under developed gross&fine motor skills, with serious behavioural issues conected to his severe fear of failure.)

i only realised i could apply for DLA this year and my son is now 5.
i have no real medical diagnosis although he does have a full statement with total 1;1 support (22 points) and had various CAS and MPT assesments.

do you think i would be able to apply? teh travel costs would be a huge bonus as he doesnt walk for more than about 50 metrs without sitting down or running in roads so i have to drive everywhere.

coppertop · 15/10/2005 13:07

From your description it sounds as though your ds would be more than eligible. The only other thing is that you have to have an income of less than £23,000ish. It's worth checking out the website in case the amount has changed. They may also give you some leeway if you are only just over the limit.

You can either phone them to ask for a form or you can apply online. For your first application they will send someone to visit you at home. They usually ask you to have copies of proof of income, bank statements, medical reports, IEPs, statements etc. You can talk to them about your needs and they will advise you.

misdee · 15/10/2005 13:11

they paid for 37hours of driving lessons for me and a driving test. in the end i had to pay for the last 5hours of lessons, but didnt need the 2nd test they pay for.

madmummyof2 · 17/10/2005 19:57

THATS BRILL!
cant beleive they can even pay for driving lessons. thats fantastic...i have now learned to drive as taking my DS anywhere was a nightmare with public transport.

shall have to try and investigate this a bit further.

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