Disability Rights and Benefits
The information on this page relates to disability rights and benefits for parents and carers of special needs kids. The top section gives information whilst the lower section provides contact details. Browse through our special needs information and support pages to learn about what you are entitled to and which organisations are available to help.
Click the buttons below for information on specific aspects of disability benefits and how they work.
Carer's Allowance
Carer's can now make a claim for the Carer's Allowance online as well as by post. The new service has been tested by Carers UK and can be found at: www.dwp.gov.uk?lifeevent/benefits/carers_allowance.asp
Carers and Pensions
Carers are entitled to build up additional money for their future with a State Second Pension. To find out more and safeguard your future income get a copy of the frre guide 'State Pensions for Carers and Parents' (PM9) by calling 08457 313233 or visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
Flexible Working
From April 2003 legislation has meant that carers who want to work now have a right to request flexible working until their disabled child is 18, for other children it is up to age six. Flexible working includes an alteration of hours, working from home, term-time working etc. After an application has been made in writing an employer must arrange to meet you within 28 days and they can only refuse under certain circumstances.
Disability Rights Handbook
This is a guide to benefits and services in the UK to all disabled people and their families. To get your copy contact Disability Alliance on 020 7247 8776 or click here
The Disability Law Service
This is a charity providing FREE legal advice and a casework service for disabled people, carers and their families. Advice lines are available Mon-Fri 10.30am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.30pm. Telephone 020 7791 9800/9821 or email advice@dis.org.uk
Radar National Key Scheme
The National Key Scheme allows independant access to around 4,000 locked public toilets in the UK. The key price is £3.50 and the guidebook is £5.00 both available from Radar. Telephone 020 7250 3222 or mail radar@radar.org.uk
Blue Badge Holders
Any Blue Badge Holders planning a trip to Europe can obtain a free copy of the booklet 'European Parking for People with Disabilities' by telephoning 020 7944 6800 in England, 02920 826501 in Wales and 0131 2440860 in Scotland.
Disabled Living Foundation
The Disabled Living Foundation offers a range of factsheets on what to look for when choosing children's daily living equipment, including personal care, beds, bathing, seating etc. The factsheets can be downloaded from their website at www.dlf.org.uk or telephone the helpline on 0845 1309177
Special Educational Needs Tribunal
www.sendist.gov.uk gives details of how parents of children with special educational needs can appeal to the Tribunal against decisions made by local education authorities.
Disabled Motorist Stickers
GPSP have produced a range of stickers and signs to promote disability awareness, for example to politely remind people they have parked in a disabled parking bay. For more information contact GPSP on 01275 842322 or email gpsp.bristol@lineone.net
CONTACTS FOR DISABILITY BENEFIT |
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BENEFITS AGENCY Benefit Enquiry Line - 0800 882200 |
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE Blackpool - 0345 123456 |
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DISABILITY INCOME GROUP Millmead Business Centre, Millmead Road, London N17 |
DISABILITY ALLIANCE Universal House, 88-94 Wentworth Street, London E1 |
CONTACTS FOR EDUCATION & STATEMENTING |
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ACE Advisory Centre for Education |
INDEPENDENT PANEL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVICE 6 Carlow Mews, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1EA |
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INDEPENDANT RESOURCE CENTRE SPECIAL NEEDS 112 Grove Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 8QD This organisation provides a National Helpline Special Education Service for parents with children with disabilities, aged 0-19 |
PARENT FOR INCLUSION Telephone - 020 7582 5008 Unit 2,70 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL This service promotes of disabled children to attend their local mainstream school. |
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PARENT PARTNERSHIP SERVICES ask your LEA or childs school |
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS TRIBUNAL 7th floor, Windsor House, 50 Victoria Street SW1H ONW |
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NETWORK 81 1-7 Woodfield Terrace, Stanstead, Essex |
DIRECT GOV The official Government site has a section on special needs education |
CONTACTS FOR HEALTH MATTERS |
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| HENRY SPINK FOUNDATION | 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN |
CONTACTS FOR ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS |
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| HOLIDAY CARE SERVICE | 2nd Floor, Imperial Buildings, Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7PZ |
CONTACTS FOR HOUSING ADAPTATIONS & EQUIPMENT |
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RADAR 12 City Forum, 250 City Road,
London EC1VAF |
DISABLED LIVING FOUNDATION Telephone - 0845 130 9177 |
CONTACTS FOR WORK ISSUES |
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ACAS Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, London SE1 |
PARENTS AT WORK - WAVING NOT DROWNING 1-3 Berry Street, London EC1V 0AA |
