AQW 54974/11-16 Written question to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
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.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 1 March 2016
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 1 March 2016
- Answer due by
- 16 March 2016
- Answered
- 23 March 201622 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
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.