Anyone know much about family fund?

[2boysnamedR]

I'm on a career break but need to buy something for ds. Has anyone got experience of FF?

I've heard of it 2boys ... and read their website ... but I'm still confused so haven't applied myself yet.

Let's hope someone more knowledgeable comes along to our rescue shortly.

www.familyfund.org.uk/faqs/how-do-we-apply list everything you might want to know.

It takes months the first time, but once you are in the system you can apply yearly.

It depends on what you want whether it is worthwhile going through them. Eg they won't fund tough furniture, just from argos.

And the holiday grant often isn't worth it for abroad, as the travel agent you must use often are more expensive.

It is best for things like day to day things like bedding, etc from argo.
Trampolines are funded from atlantic trampolines.
Sensory toys are from Learning Space.

It's for a iPad as ds is non verbal but his Sen nursery are having some Sucess with a sentence building app.

Swings for smaller children are from atlantic trampolines, but if you need an adult sized swing atlantic trampolines can order from another supplier.

www.familyfund.org.uk/computers-and-tablets

There are a number of charities that offer support towards ipads,but most if not all of them are dependent on household income.

www.turn2us.org.uk/Find-Benefits-Grants

Thank you. We are on tax credits so I think FF will be ok

Caudwell children do sensory stuff for children with disabilities, including autism:

www.caudwellchildren.com/how-we-help/core-services

Oh my goodness ... what a list of help available! Do they give you a voucher for the appropriate 'store', do they buy it and send it out to you, or do they give you cash?

Family fund now only give vouchers for the items to specific organisations.

www.familyfund.org.uk/Pages/Category/using-your-grant

I've used family fund a lot over the last few years. We have had Argos beds, Argos TV, euronics tumble dryer, and a stone laptop for DS.

They are brilliant, and really friendly and helpful. Drop them a ring - our first application we had a lovely lady come do a home visit

Thanks for all the lists. I wish I could get a grant for ds bed wetting. Whatever I use I have to strip and disinfect his cot. The Eric website has pjamas - pyjama bottoms that don't leak at ..... Over £50!!

w3.cerebra.org.uk/help-and-information/grants/frequently-asked-questions/

skybadger.co.uk/money/grants

I applied to the family fund less than 2 weeks ago for the first time and heard today that the application has been successful. Very simple process unlike some others who seem to want to know a rediculous amount of information!

www.independenceathome.org.uk/pdf/allowable_items.pdf

This needs a referral from a professional though.

Dd3 recently got a laptop from family fund, it was the first time we had applied.

That Turn to us page is worth a look at too.

Oh and if your child gets DLA you can get the disabled element of tax credits so that might mean some people who think they dont qualify for family fund do!

If you get DLA ring the tax credits people and check