Get what you're entitled to (From Worcester News)

Get what you're entitled to

2:25pm Thursday 30th July 2009 in

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FAMILIES with disabled children in Worcestershire are being urged to get advice on what benefits they are entitled to.

There are about 8,600 disabled children living in the county and their families can face enormous financial challenges.

Despite this many are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to, according to charity Contact a Family - a charity which supports families with disabled children.

Chief executive Srabani Sen said: “From 2010 the Government will contribute £100 every year to the Child Trust Fund accounts of disabled children, with severely disabled children receiving £200 per year. To benefit from these payments a child must receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and have been born on or after 1 September 2002. The first payments are due in April 2010 for those in receipt of DLA at any point in 2009-10.

“DLA is the key benefit designed to meet the additional costs of raising a disabled child. Despite this, more than half of families with disabled children are not claiming a potential £109.50 per week. It is crucial that all families with disabled children who are eligible for DLA make a claim.

“For those families whose children are seven and under in September you should make a claim now to ensure your child receives the significant annual payment to their Child Trust Fund.”

For more call 0808 808 3555 or visit cafamily.org.uk