Calling families affected by suspension of benefits when disabled child hospitalised
06 January 2010
Contact a Family is looking for families whose children have had their Disability Living Allowance (DLA) suspended after a stay in hospital. Families from Northern Ireland are asked to contact Elaine as she wants to get feedback from across the UK.
At present DLA regulations state that if a child under 16 is in hospital for more than 12 weeks their DLA payments are suspended. For young people aged 16 and over the payments are suspended after only four weeks.
This can impact on a parent's entitlement to continue getting Carer's Allowance.
Contact a Family thinks this is wrong and we are gathering evidence from families about the effect of this benefits rule, to highlight the issue and push for change.
Claire Pimm, Director of Policy and Communications, said: "Children who have long-term health needs are often in and out of hospital and this puts tremendous pressure on their families. It is wrong that they are financially penalised at such a difficult time.
"If your child's DLA has been suspended after a stay in hospital please do get in touch. We would like to gather as much evidence as possible so that we can highlight this issue and encourage change in the regulations."
For further information contact Elaine Bennett on Telephone: 020 7608 8741 or e-mail: elaine.bennett@cafamily.org.uk
