Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

SN children

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

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Family Fund assessor visiting tomorrow..any advice?

37 replies

Chocol8 · 30/04/2004 18:07

I have the Family Fund Assessor visiting tomorrow afternoon - besides the obvious questions about ds, what does this involve? Do I need to worry about anything except blitzing the house?
Any advice would be welcome. Thank you.

OP posts:

lou33 · 30/04/2004 18:57

They will ask you about ds's condition, need to see proof of income, or benefits you are receiving, and generally have a chat about the FF and what they can and can't do for you. The lady who came to see us was lovely, really helpful.

You have reminded me that I need to get in touch with them again!

coppertop · 30/04/2004 19:02

I applied to the FF a couple of weeks ago so would be interested to hear what happens.

dottee · 30/04/2004 19:29

Just be natural. They're paid to try to help. Have you already asked for specific items? S/he may have alternative suggestions to suit your needs. If you're planning on a holiday this year, opt for a holiday grant that rather than a leisure grant (the amount is more). Don't forget you may have to show receipts at the end of the year (I've never been asked for these but I always have them to hand. I've spent dd's clothing grant already but she's s growing girl!)

Please let us know how you go on.

Relax!!!

mrsforgetful · 01/05/2004 11:29

hope all goes well!

Original poster

Chocol8 · 01/05/2004 22:04

Well! I am amazed! My assessor came along in the shape of Jean who is 60 tomorrow...and she's lovely! She was with us for just under 2 hours and in that time she managed to also fill in my DLA form too! I have been putting it off for AGES, and now it's done! Yippeeeeeee!

Thank you for your advice - I needn't have worried. I may be offered money for a holiday, which was my first choice (as majorly stressed), or a playhouse for my ds, or some help getting the garden sorted out so that he can play in the Summer.

She also told me about a scheme being set up/just started called "Direct Payment" which you will/can apply for when you get DLA. It (somehow) gives you payments which enable the main carer to either "employ" staff or helpers to clean, look after or whatever, or else you can pay yourself to do those things so that if you work full time it allows you to work maybe one day less a week!

I am sure I didn't fall asleep and imagine this dream scenario...it just sounds too good to be true! Do any MNetters know anything about this excellent dream..ooh, I mean scheme???

I can't believe I have my DLA form sorted!!!!! Would thoroughly recommend Family Fund to anyone else.

OP posts:

coppertop · 01/05/2004 22:09

That sounds brilliant! I haven't heard anything back from the FF yet but I'm no longer quite so nervous about it. Thanks!

dottee · 02/05/2004 17:17

And now the lady's been to see you Chocol8, your records will be on file and it's unlikely you'll get another visit (unless you want one). Diary note to reapply next year around the same time (if your circumstances remain similar - that is, you've not won the lottery or anything like that ).

I'm glad it all went well - told you so!

How new is this direct payment? Is it connected to DLA? I'm off to the web-site to have a look. One thing I'd really like to do (if I ever won the lottery ) is to employ someone to come on holiday with us. That would mean I could spend quality time with dd and then have a precious hour or two to myself to recharge batteries. I can wish, can't I?

Original poster

Chocol8 · 02/05/2004 17:56

Thanks Dottee, yes, it was quite painless really! Jean said the best time to apply to FF was just after Christmas if it was a holiday required, that way they would have enough time to organise it. Also, they cover holidays taken abroad now, where they didn't used to before.

This Direct Payment thang sounds like it could possibly allow you to do that with your holiday - it is where it is most beneficial to you and your child...and very much in need. I need to give Jean a call when/if my award comes through and she will tell me how to go about it. I gave her the Mumsnet address as she said she has some clients who are socially isolated.

I was also given a business card with a freephone number on it which gives advice on all things special needs/disabilities. I will post the number when I am home later tonight. I am sure that Direct Payment is a government initiative, so may be look there? Good Luck. x

OP posts:

Original poster

Chocol8 · 02/05/2004 20:56

The business card I mentioned below is for "contact a family" for families with disabled children. The freephone helpline is: 0808 808 3555, and they are open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm.

They offer (I quote)

advice and information on all issues
Support Groups / Medical Information / Rare Disorders / Respite / Benefits / Special Ed needs.

The web address is: www.cafamily.org.uk, and they are a registered charity.

Hope this is of help. I will try and find out about Direct Payment soon.

OP posts:

dottee · 02/05/2004 22:50

Thanks v. much. I've got info on C.A.F.

I'm currently doing some Parents Group organising for dd's school and I liaising with Barnardos at the moment. They seem very clued up on SEN stuff. www.barnardos.org.uk

Original poster

Chocol8 · 15/05/2004 23:11

Just to update you - I received a letter back today from the Family Fund and was given a big fat cheque to: sorting out a bedroom door for my ds, a family holiday and levelling my garden and buying suitable recreational items for my ds.

Also, have been given a choice of 3 washing machines should I need one in the future!

So, thank you to those who replied to my worried thread - but just one last favour, please could you keep your fingers crossed that my DLA comes through as quickly - and in my favour??? Thanks in advance!

OP posts:

misdee · 15/05/2004 23:15

thats excellant!

mrsforgetful · 15/05/2004 23:59

that is so brilliant- to get everything is so fantastic!XXXXxXXXX

lou33 · 16/05/2004 01:39

Well done

coppertop · 16/05/2004 09:47

That's brilliant news! Fingers crossed for your DLA.

Original poster

Chocol8 · 16/05/2004 14:55

Thanks Coppertop - think the DLA will take some time, but in total the FF took 2 weeks from the interview to receiving the cheque, but she did enter it as urgent as I originally applied last June.

Please let me know if you get yours, from what I have read previously, you more than qualify. Good luck. x

OP posts:

coppertop · 16/05/2004 16:09

We sent the FF application off just before Easter. If it takes as long as yours did Chocol8 we'll probably have a visit at Christmas!

Only 2 weeks between the visit and the cheque? I'm impressed!

Original poster

Chocol8 · 16/05/2004 17:47

Yeah, i was mightily impressed! I thought it was a rejection letter saying my ds didn't fit the criteria and looked at it through my fingers - then I noticed it broke down what the amounts were for and that the cheque was actually included! Gobsmacked.

I called Jean who helped me with the application to say thank you and she seemed a bit annoyed that I didn't have anything towards clothing...I was just pleased to get something!

Fingers crossed Coppertop that yours comes soon. You could try giving them a call to ask if they received your application maybe? Then you could ask how long you will have to wait to be seen by an advisor? x

OP posts:

misdee · 16/05/2004 18:09

how does the family fund work?

Original poster

Chocol8 · 16/05/2004 18:36

Hi Misdee, "The Family Fund provides help to families with severely disabled or seriously ill children".

The website address is: www.familyfundtrust.org.uk (sorry, not clever enough to do a link). If you visit the site and go to "About us" there is an online application form which is really easy to do. Then you mail it off and then someone local to you calls round and interviews you.

They can offer money for family holidays, and specialist things like the garden stuff - particular to your childs needs. I didn't think I would get the award, but I can now apply once a year for anything else my ds may need. I hope that is of some help Misdee, there are some other links back in the vaults that are probably more helpful, but the service is excellent - I wish I had known about it sooner. x

OP posts:

misdee · 16/05/2004 18:50

sp if applied for specialist knickers for dd1 (non elastic) as her ezcema has started up in knicker area (poor luv) and think its to do with the elastic, do u think we might get some help? (£18 for 3 knickers for a 4yr old, )

Original poster

Chocol8 · 16/05/2004 20:57

Blimey, I would have thought so Misdee, it is something she really needs and having it would make her life and your life better - I'd say to apply, you have nothing to lose. There is a limit of joint income - I think it is £23,000pa, (I could be wrong but it is somewhere in that region) but they would say about that on the website.

I thought FF was a charity, but it is a government initiative...and definitely a worth while one. Good luck, wow that is a lot of dosh for knickers. I hope dd is not suffering too much, the poor hon.

OP posts:

dottee · 16/05/2004 22:18

Just caught up on the thread Chocol8. Brilliant! Enjoy that holiday!

mieow · 17/05/2004 17:47

Had the FF assessor out today, she was a lovely lady and went through everything with me, She is hopefully we will get the help this time (we were turned down before, I thought it was because we were £2000 over the limit, but apparently she spoke to someone at headoffice and they said we were turned down not on the being over, they would have put it through as we have two disabled kids, but it was because they requested a medical form from the doctors, which never came ) Anyway she has asked for a holiday, a tumble dryer (as mine is on its last legs) some soft garden surfacing, clothing for both kids and bedding....... I only asked for a holiday when I applied.....
She thinks we will get it all on DD1 alone, without DS, but she will put both through....

coppertop · 10/11/2004 18:47

Well, as predicted in this thread , it's not far from Christmas and the FF adviser is due to visit tomorrow afternoon. Eeek! Does anyone have any last-minute tips or advice?

I've got my proof of income papers ready. The house is in it's usual chaotic clutter-filled state thanks to the assistance of ds2 and his throwing abilities. I've just finished washing ds2's gravy artwork off the doors. The FF advisor's coming just after school finishes so ds1 should be nice and tired and generally out-of-sorts. I hope this poor woman knows what she's letting herself in for.

Flip

1 2