Published on 12, July, 2020
hi, i'm Lisa and I've just got back from a really useful meeting organised by NAS surrey about transition.
my question is about my financial situation.
until 6 months ago i was in a long term (20 year) relationship with the father of my 4 children and we took care of all of our children's needs.
since he left i have found myself in financial chaos through no fault of my own and am trying to secure the future for my kids, especially my 19 year old with ASD.
i was turned down for pip, am not eligible for a carers allowance, but was told i should apply for ESA but after going on the gov.uk site i'm utterly confused and have gone around in several circles.
i'm a full time teacher, but am eligible for child and working tax credits they even sent me a 'free NHS' certificate - so clearly things aren't great.
my question is, how on earth do i get more financial help for my son knowing that he is unlikely to become financially independent anytime soon.
i consider myself to be fiercely independent and pretty bright but this system has me flummoxed
any help or advice about this or anything else would be greatly received
i see a solicitor tomorrow and hope they can help too.....
thank you
Dear Pinkertyponk,
You may like to have a look at our website which includes many topics on benefits that you may find useful:
Benefits: http://www.autism.org.uk/about/benefits-care.aspx
PIP: http://www.autism.org.uk/pip
DLA:http://www.autism.org.uk/about/benefits-care/benefits/children/dla-children.aspx
ESA: http://www.autism.org.uk/esa
Universal Credit: http://www.autism.org.uk/about/benefits-care/benefits/universal-credit.aspx
Carers Allowance:http://www.autism.org.uk/about/benefits-care/carers-allowance.aspx
Appeals and Reconsiderations: http://www.autism.org.uk/about/benefits-care/appeals.aspx
Making a complaint: http://www.autism.org.uk/about/benefits-care/letters-and-complaints.aspx
You can also contact our Autism Helpline team who can give general autism information and advice, but please be aware that they are unable to offer specialist advice on benefits.
To contact the Helpline directly you may wish to call them on 0808 800 4104 (Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday, 9am to 3pm). Please press Option 2 to speak to an adviser. Please note the Helpline team are experiencing a high volume of calls so it could take you a few attempts to get through to an adviser.
Kind regards,
Ayshe Mod