Useful sources of information about benefits

It can be difficult for families looking after a child with serious health needs to work out what benefits they are entitled to, and it can be confusing to know what each type of benefit means. The organisations listed below are great sources of information and advice about benefits.

Contact

Contact, a charity for families with disabled children, have a wealth of information about each type of benefit you may be eligible for. The information is specifically designed for parents who look after a child with a disability. Their website contains information about what each benefit means, for example Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Universal Credit. Visit contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/benefits-and-tax-credits/

Turn2Us benefits calculator

The Turn2Us benefits calculator is a useful tool that can help you find out what means-tested benefits you are entitled to. You will need to enter information about yourself, your current housing situation, your child and their disability. For a full list of the information you will need to complete a benefits calculation, visit turn2us.org.uk/get-support/Benefits-Calculator/Information-for-a-benefits-calculation

To start using the benefits calculator to find out what you are entitled to, visit benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

Citizen’s Advice

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau can provide you with advice about what benefits you are entitled to, as well as how to manage debt and other financial issues. They have useful information on their website here: citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits

You can find your local Citizen’s Advice and find out how you can speak to an advisor here citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us

Other helpful organisations

Working Families – For information about benefits for parents and carers of disabled children: workingfamilies.org.uk/article-categories/benefits-for-parents-and-carers-of-disabled-children

Carers UK – for information about benefits for carers: carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support

Gingerbread – for information about benefits for single parents: gingerbread.org.uk/what-we-do/advice_and_support_for_single_parents