The starting point for all entitlements is Domiciliary Care Allowance. This is a monthly payment for the benefit of your child. It is not means tested. I have nicknamed this the gate opener because when you are in receipt of this allowance then other entitlements are made available to you and your child. The official […]
entitlements
A good heart is sometimes a bad thing
I sat down with a married couple who have two boys with a rare genetic disorder that has turned their world upside down. Being loving parents and worried about the future, this couple started a savings plan in 1998 and a second plan in 2000. To give credit where credit is due, they lived within […]
9-Crucial Questions
The most important financial questions a parent of a child with special needs must answer YES to. Have you set up a trust and will for your child with special needs? Have you decided your child’s future living arrangements? Have you provided sufficient life cover for when you die? If you become ill long term […]
Back to School Allowance
This allowance helps parents meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for their children. It doesn’t matter whether or not you have children with special needs. The scheme operates from June to September each year and is means tested. The main criteria are you must be in receipt of one of the following: Social welfare […]
Diet Supplement Scheme
If your hospital consultant prescribed a special diet for your child with special needs. Then it may be possible to claim an allowance from your health board. As usual this scheme is means tested and you must be in receipt of a social welfare payment. The following is a list of diets that qualify: Low-lactose, […]
Free Nappies Scheme
This arrangement is hard to get information on and seems to vary from county to county. The main benefit is parents can get nappies for free if they have a child with special needs. You can only access the scheme when your child reaches the age of 3 or over because up to this […]
Home Based July Provision
If you have a child with special needs you can apply for Home Based July Provision. This will provide your child with additional tuition for the month of July. If your child school provides a similar service then you should enrol in this because you are unlikely to receive the home base provisions. Like all […]
New record set for Financial Wellbeing
I am so pleased with myself. A couple I meet last month whose daughter is in the Cope Foundation in Cork rang me up on Wednesday to inform me that they got a cheque in the post for €15,420 because of me. From 2011 onwards, they will also receive just over €5,000 each year till […]
Disabled Parking Card
The Disabled Person’s Parking Card is for drivers or passengers with disabilities. Card holders can park in disabled parking spaces. The card is for people whose disability affects their mobility and who currently hold a Primary Medical Certificate. Generally, the card is not issued to anyone under five. The parking card scheme is administered by […]