Waiting for dx but worried about money any help available?

[Financialworryontop]

My ds is waiting to be seen by a paeditrician as he struggles with change, and has severe anxiety issues.

I currently work 30 hours a week, but keep having to take time off work, as due to illness he is unable to attend school (incontinence, vomitting, diarhoea etc). I've used up my annual leave for the year, and I have 0.5 day left of parental compassionate leave left. I will then be on to unpaid leave. I am also on a contract due for renewal in November and I wouldn't be surprised if due to the amount of leave I've had my contract will not be renewed.

Without me working we can't cover basic bills.

What with worrying about our ds, and this financial worry I'm having many many sleepless nights.

Is there any assistance available?

Hi,

If you get a diagnosis you could apply for DLA (Disability Living Allowance)

I have heard of something called the family fund....not sure about the details i'm afraid but it might be worth a look

Would parent partnership be able to help with this? Not used them yet myself but they might have some ideas or point you in the right direction.

Thanks for those two - I'll google them and see if we qualify.

You don't actually need a DX for DLA, but as usual, it helps. It's based on care needs, but is a bitch of a form to complete. If you decide to apply come back here with questions and look at the Cerebra guide. (google Cerebra)

I agree, don't wait for a dx before applying for DLA. It takes effort to fill in the form but if you can get Middle Rate Care, you can apply for Carer's Allowance as well, plus it gives you extra tax credits as there's a disabled child premium. I was able to give up work when I got Carer's, it means you can get income support if your income is low enough and then you aren't expected to seek work (don't have to sign on). And income support allows you to access all the passported benefits like Housing and Council Tax benefits.

I get dla for my dd and we dont have a diagnosis. If you get middle rate care you can then get carers allowance. Make sure you get help doing dla form x

Thank you so much - it appears that I'm wearing goodwill thin at work - arrived 5 minutes late as had to get ds into school, after being off, and have to give update to teacher, stayed on at work an hour later to compensate for being off yesterday, and 5 minutes late today, and just as I was leaving got taken into a private office, to be advised that being 5 minutes late is not acceptable.

Have you taken the time to explain to your line manager everything that is going on.
Have a look at direct gov there is lots of information on there re time off to look after young and disabled children.
Also have a look at the flex working it may be that you need to push your start time by 15 mins, as a mum a young child with autism who recently started primary I know mornings can be very stressful and frequently do not go to plan.
I am also a manager in my work place and have made plenty of adjustments for people due to illness/childcare etc.
Make sure your conversation is documented by a 3rd person and retained on file.
They should make reasonable adjustments that suit you both.

Yes I've explained in detail the issues, but they struggle with empathy and have no dependents (elderly or children of their own), they couldn't understand why another colleague when heavily pregnant at 8 mths, was so worn out from the climb up to the 3rd floor. They just really could not get it.

I went to the next manager up, and was able to change my hours from 4 full days to 5 school hour days. That manager I believe really does understand and appreciates the occassional late start, and made up at the end of the day.
But my line manager arrives early and leaves late and believes everyone else should do the same, and does not get "flexible" part of flexible working.

I will take a look at that info thanks.