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 […]
financial planning
Stay Informed
From years spent assisting parents who have children with special needs, I can only imagine and try to understand the additional pressure parents are under. If it’s not the stress of getting children to school, consultants, hospital appointments or bringing them to speech or occupational therapy, then we also have the worry of providing for […]
Adopting a child with special needs
If you adopt a child with special needs then you are treated the same for all benefits and entitlements. One difference is you will not receive Maternity Benefit but instead you will receive Adoption Benefit. Similar to Maternity Benefit, this is a payment to both employees and self-employed people who meet certain PRSI contributions. Adoptive Benefit is paid […]
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 […]
Don’t set up a standard will
If you have a child with special needs then you need legal advice on how best to pass on any assets to them when you are gone. Many parents make the mistake of setting out a standard will and not realising the impact this will have in the future. Instead parents need to discuss with […]
Housing Adaptation Grant
The Housing Adaptation Grant is for people with a disability. The scheme is administered by local authorities and is means tested. The grant will pay for necessary building works to rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation needs of a person with a disability. A maximum grant of €30,000 (covering up to 95% of […]
Health Expenses
One major entitlement that parents overlook is having a Medical Card. A Medical Card allows you & your family to receive certain health services free of charge such as: Free doctor visits Prescribed drugs & medicines (€0.50 per prescription) Public hospital services Dental, optical & hearing services Some personal & social care service The issue is […]
Home Carer’s Tax Credit
One of the most unclaimed credits I have come across has to be Home Carer’s Tax Credit. You can claim a tax credit of €810 if you are married & one of you is a stay at home parent. The small print is you must be in receipt of Child Benefit & one of you […]
Household Benefits Package
If you are entitled to Carer’s Allowance, you may also be entitled to the Household Benefit Package. It will take you a bit of time getting the correct forms and filling them out but it will be worth it because you will get allowances for all of the following: Electricity Natural Gas / Bottle Refill […]