Family Fund Scheme for families with seriously ill or disabled children: Information for parents/carers22 May 2020 (by admin) |
The government have announced £37 million for the Family Fund scheme to assist low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children with the cost of equipment, goods or services. Check the link and information below for details of eligibility.
Families may apply for grants to help educate and look after disabled or critically ill children who are now staying at home more than usual. Grants are intended to help low-income families with the cost of equipment, goods or services - from washing machines and refrigerators to sensory and educational equipment that they might not otherwise be able to afford.
The grants are typically worth £400 to £500 per family, but vary depending on need.
Families can find out more and apply for grants from Family Fund directly - LINK
Eligibility:
A parent / carer can apply to Family Fund if:
They live in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales (Please note: there are separate processes for applications in Wales)
- They are the parent or carer of a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 0-17 who lives with them
- They are currently living in the UK and have done so for at least six months, or three months if their child is less than six months old. (They must be eligible to work and apply for public funds)
- Their child is not in Local Authority care
- They have evidence of entitlement to any one of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Related Employment Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
- The child or young person has a high level of additional support needs arising from a long-term disability or disabling condition or a serious or life limiting illness.
(By long term, Family Fund mean lasting, or likely to last, 12 months or more)
Please read the Family Fund child and young person eligibility criteria - LINK
Applications must meet all Family Fund eligibility criteria in order to be considered for a grant.
See the website for details - LINK
