AQW 54974/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 01/03/2016
Answered On Date: 23/03/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the financial support available to families that have children with disabilities to help cover additional expenses related to their care.

Answer:

Health and Social Care Trusts provide support to families that have children with disabilities based on their assessed need. The options available for families are discussed with parents, children and young people during the assessment process.

Parents and carers may also be eligible to apply for welfare benefits through the Social Security Agency for themselves as carers or for their child through Disability Living Allowance. In addition, Article18 (6) of the Children (NI) Order 1995 allows HSC Trusts to make a payment to children/families in exceptional circumstances.