shortie Report post Posted April 18, 2007 I put in my first claim to FF at begining of Feb,got a letter early March to say it would take about 3 mths,got another letter 3wks ago asking for copy of DD's DLA as they lost the one i sent,had letter today with cheque inclosed...�380 for holiday,�380 for day trips out in school holidays,�250 voucher for argos for outdoor play equipment(only asked for trampoline for garden)i'm over the moon!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted April 18, 2007 PAH! I applied for help towards a holiday and they said they'd only give me something IF I TOOK BEN WITH ME!!!! Useless!! Seriously, the FF is a godsend when you find needs and income impossible to balance... Enjoy that trampoline and the hols (Now that's cheered you AND Suze up!!) boinnnnng! L&P BD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted April 19, 2007 I have had the forms since mid Feb!! But have not really have the time to complete them, But I will sort them and the DLA renewel forms this weekend! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynda4 Report post Posted April 24, 2007 (edited) We've had it for years, first of all for ds2 and now for dd as ds2 is too old now, the top age is 16. Don't know what we'll do without it when dd is 16! Unfortunately, her 16th birthday comes a month or so before we can claim. You can only claim once in a 12month period and they are strict about that. Over the years I've had A washing machine ) - his clothes needed washing much moreas he slops down them and things a tumble drier ) a bed - he'd jumped on his and broken the base outdoor play equipment, like a climbing frame and sit and ride toy for dd when she was small clothing allowance - they don't last as long because they're always in the wash and also get torn and stuff much more than your usual child Bedding - extra bedding as he wet the bed for years a holiday grant every year. you can either go away or spend the money over the summer hols on lots of outings, ice creams cinema, funfair, whatever but MUST keep the receipts in case they ask for them. So far they never have. We stayed at home most years as a normal going-away holiday would have been impossible and no fun for them cos of the change aspect. You could also claim for driving lessons, that's quite usual and a fridge if you need a separate one for storing their meds as they have lots. I think you can try asking for most things but they do have restrictions on what they'll agree to. If you have one of their washers or driers, they'll give you free repairs for I think 5 years. If you don't, I think they'll give you half the money towards a repair on your own machine. The only problem is, while you're waiting for it to go through, you have no washer! Edited April 24, 2007 by lynda4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bambi Report post Posted April 24, 2007 Wow that is great news Will be sending mine off soon too Bambi x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rachelp2 Report post Posted April 25, 2007 Hi all, Many thanks for this.....my application is all filled in now and ready to send off in the morning, fingers crossed as a little treat for Dan will be nice! I've never claimed from them before but should be entitled as Dan is now 12 and been diagnosed since he was 5! We get DLA high Rate Personal Care and Low Rate Mobility and have sent my award letters so just lets hope he'll be entitled. I've put down a computer as we share this one and then day's out if we can manage to get him to go anywhere! He's a typical homebird but is becoming a little more sociable now at last! Been a good help reading others idea's and don't feel too much like i'm begging, I've spent too long being proud so fingers crossed and hopefully not too much of a long wait to hear! Havn't mentioned it to Dan incase it doesn't come off! Best Wishes, Love Rach x . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MichelleW Report post Posted April 25, 2007 I've just received the forms, but there only appears to be space for 3 items, so I'm trying to decide how to prioritise things. J was diagnosed at 4, but this is the first time I have applied and he is nearly 7. As he has grown out of his 3ft trampoline, I was thinking about asking for a trampoline, but I want one that is good quality and will last a few years. Has anyone any advice which ones to get, or which ones to definitely avoid? I was also going to ask for a computer and a holiday, but thought that might be asking for too much! There are loads of things that would be useful, such as treehouse/climbing equipment - anything to get him off the playstation and ds! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Annea Report post Posted May 17, 2007 (edited) Does anyone know what sort of things family fund will fund? I am awaiting a decision and applied 4 weeks ago, I am under the impression it will be several more months before I get a reply. My dd loves singing (she has a very husky voice due to all the screaming) she would love singing lessons but they are far too expensive... Do you think they might fund these? or is it generally a 'physical thing' thye will fund. quote michelle>> I've just received the forms, but there only appears to be space for 3 items, so I'm trying to decide how to prioritise things. J was diagnosed at 4, but this is the first time I have applied and he is nearly 7. As he has grown out of his 3ft trampoline, I was thinking about asking for a trampoline, but I want one that is good quality and will last a few years. Has anyone any advice which ones to get, or which ones to definitely avoid? I was also going to ask for a computer and a holiday, but thought that might be asking for too much! There are loads of things that would be useful, such as treehouse/climbing equipment - anything to get him off the playstation and ds! << end quote The things I asked for on my form a month ago, I have now had to go out and buy as i couldn't wait, but I was told that they would come and talk to me anyway, and people often get different things than on the form.. so maybe don't worry too much about what to put down? Anne Edited May 17, 2007 by Annea Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elly Report post Posted May 18, 2007 I have just asked for the forms, after phoning about 30 times too get through We are hoping to get a computer, multi sensory equiment and money for riding lessons. Does the child have to be on High rate care? My daughter is, but my son is on middle rate. Does anyone know a similar fund that helps disabled adults? I am on high rate for both care and mobility and hubby had to take very early retirement to help with the family care needs. Been a shock to the system losing a regular wage Keep smilin Elly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Annea Report post Posted May 18, 2007 Before I got my forms the lady on the phone told me that DLA was not necessary, my eldest has highest care but my other daughter I am claiming for doesn't get DLA as i am waiting disagnosis before i apply. I was told a supporting letter from a paed would be satisfactory. Great to hear about the horse riding lessons, maybe my daughter will get funding for singing lessons? Anne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mother in Need Report post Posted May 26, 2007 Received some very good news! I applied in Feb, received a letter a little later stating that it would take 3 months for them to contact us again, then a lady came round and asked lots of questions. She was very nice and very helpful, and she did some research for me afterwards and checked that over with me, she then sent it off to the Family Fund and within a week I had a letter confirming money for a holiday AND for a specialist trike for my son!!! Chuffed over the moon we are!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mandyque Report post Posted May 28, 2007 Rachel, I suspect they may ask you to choose, I asked for a computer and a few other things last year and I had to choose which was my priority. I chose the computer because she's a little whizz and really enjoys playing on it. This year I asked for money towards sensory toys and specialist software, I got enough to cover a big 6ft slide, some small sensory toys from Rompa and 2 special needs computer programs, both �40+ grrrrrrr I hate it when they hike up prices when it's for special needs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keriann71 Report post Posted June 9, 2007 hello my first post here .. we have just sent off our 2nd application for the family fund .. we applied and we were succesfull last year i got driving lessons and we got spending money towards our holiday.. this time ive asked for a holiday , spending money for holiday & clothes and shoe money for thomas.. thomas has autism and other complex needs , poor cognitive skills .. and speech and laungage delay thomas is 12 years old.. thomas was diagnosed in december 2005 with autism.. thomas is middle to severe autistic .. we had a very late diagnosis.. see you from kerry.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Annea Report post Posted June 13, 2007 Well I sent off my application about 10 weeks ago and heard today that someone will be coming around to see us next week. I was expecting it to be longer having read some of the responses to my earlier post. Does anyone know how long it takes to receive an award when (if ) one is made? Thanks Anne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rachelp2 Report post Posted June 19, 2007 Hi All, Well it felt like christmas this morning when my post came.... I actually cried! I'm so grateful & pleased....... I have been awarded for Dan.... A computer from DELL, including printer, moniter etc all he needs, which will be making it's way here very soon then.... They are paying 380.00 into my account within 5 day's for day's out/holiday although not gonna have holiday now as decided...... I'm buying Dan a new shed and having it carpeted and alarmed for him to put all his obsessions in (Wrestling Figures it's his life!) which he'll love, I havn't told him yet about the computer.... once his stuff is out of his bedroom into the new shed, i'm going to redo his bedroom and he'll have his own computer in there.... it's like a dream come true, not just for me but Dan will love it. Thanks to you everyone here for putting me into contact, as I've said he's 12 now and been on DLA since the age of 5 but just never asked for anything before now, it's meant such a lot to us and I genuinely appreciate it. I know if I ever won the lottery, i'd certainly give to The Family Fund, they are amazing. Best Wishes, Rach xx A Happy Mum to a Happy Son! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rachelp2 Report post Posted June 19, 2007 Hi All, Well it felt like christmas this morning when my post came.... I actually cried! I'm so grateful & pleased....... I have been awarded for Dan.... A computer from DELL, including printer, moniter etc all he needs, which will be making it's way here very soon then.... They are paying 380.00 into my account within 5 day's for day's out/holiday although not gonna have holiday now as decided...... I'm buying Dan a new shed and having it carpeted and alarmed for him to put all his obsessions in (Wre Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rachelp2 Report post Posted June 19, 2007 Hi All, Well it felt like christmas this morning when my post came.... I actually cried! I'm so grateful & pleased....... I have been awarded for Dan.... A computer from DELL, including printer, moniter etc all he needs, which will be making it's way here very soon then.... They are paying 380.00 into my account within 5 day's for day's out/holiday although not gonna have holiday now as decided...... I'm buying Dan a new shed and having it carpeted and alarmed for him to put all his obsessions in (Wre Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keriann71 Report post Posted June 19, 2007 (edited) i phoned up yesterday to see if they had received our 2nd claim for a family fund grant , the lady said they received it on the 11th june and it can take upto 10 weeks to hear .. she said it could be sooner than 10 weeks.. when you apply again for the 2nd time or 3rd time ,, do you still get family fund or is it like the 1st time you apply .. see you from kerry.. Edited June 19, 2007 by keriann71 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lil_me Report post Posted June 24, 2007 (edited) Usually on appliations after your first one you will be awarded one item, they will either choose for you or you could try contacting them and stating which would be your priority. I applied for a trampoline and a holiday grant last time (was second application) and they said they were unable to provide more than one and sent the holiday grant. Of course grateful for any help and we managed to save up for a trampoline Rachel, sounds great, hope he enjoys his new thing Edited June 24, 2007 by lil_me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
di30 Report post Posted July 15, 2007 Hi all Wow !! I would like to check if my son age 12 just been officially diagnosed with ASD -Aspergers syndrome/high anxiety levels and some learning difficulties. I am waiting to see if he will finally be awarded any DLA, and would also like to find out if he would be eligible for FF if not awarded DLA yet ? Only my hubby is working in our household and wages dropped to less than �19K this year due to the company cutting down on hours. Do they fund for bedrooms ?, my son's bedroom is in desperation and it is very small too, he does not need a new bed, but due to the size of his room, built in cupboards would be a godsend, so he will have some space for his belongings. you couldn't even swing a cat in there. Any help and advice will be a great help, thank you. Cheers Di xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynda4 Report post Posted July 15, 2007 Oooh! Glad I saw this thread. With all that's been going on at home this year, I'd completely forgotten to apply this time! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
di30 Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Hi I didn't know anything about this, but would like some advice about this please . What do they class as income, obviously it would be what you earn from work, but what about Child tax credits, child benefits etc etc ? I am also waiting to see if my son will finally be awarded for DLA at a tribunal hearing, so I assume this would be included too, anc Carers ? Any info will be gladly appreciated, thank you in advance. Cheers Di xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikergal Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Their website has lots of useful information on it. I think you're allowed to have an income of up to �25 000 if you're in Wales. Don't wait for the dla to be sorted apply now, I think there was a box where you can tick if you've applied for dla. I don't think I'd actually received dla when I first applied. Good luck with dla btw, I'm in exactly the same position as you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shadow cat Report post Posted July 16, 2007 (edited) i have just noticed it says 15 and under now for applications so this will be our last year ,don't know what were going to do now Edited July 16, 2007 by shadow cat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
di30 Report post Posted July 16, 2007 Their website has lots of useful information on it. I think you're allowed to have an income of up to �25 000 if you're in Wales. Don't wait for the dla to be sorted apply now, I think there was a box where you can tick if you've applied for dla. I don't think I'd actually received dla when I first applied. Good luck with dla btw, I'm in exactly the same position as you. Hi and thanks for your reply too. Daniel was given his official dx last week, and am waiting for the written report from the CAMHS Doc, which I hope will be here soon, as I am aware they need some sort of evidence to prove this, I can also supply evidence from his other specialist. I have checked out the Family fund website and I note it states we can apply if they are 'severely disabled' due to Dan with ASD Aspergers/high anxiety levels and some learning difficulties do you think he would be eligible ? What would they class as Severe ? Sorry for the questions lol, this is all new to me, and I don't want to waste anyone's time. I see you said your in the same position as me, I do wish you all the luck in the world. I will apply and let you know how we get on, good luck to you too, and thanks for your helpful reply. Cheers Di xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaalka Report post Posted July 18, 2007 I have just asked for the forms, after phoning about 30 times too get through We are hoping to get a computer, multi sensory equiment and money for riding lessons. Does the child have to be on High rate care? My daughter is, but my son is on middle rate. Does anyone know a similar fund that helps disabled adults? I am on high rate for both care and mobility and hubby had to take very early retirement to help with the family care needs. Been a shock to the system losing a regular wage Keep smilin Elly Hello Elly. Thought this might be helpful to you... Once my son reached 16 he was no longer eligible for help from Family Fund Trust but I was put in touch with Contact-a-Family phone: 0808 808 3555. If you ask for details of charities who will help over 16's who have a disability, they will send you a long list of charities. I was sent these but have since mislaid them. It's definitely worth thinking about doing. Good Luck. Jaalka. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Annea Report post Posted August 15, 2007 well, we had our visit in June 14th and on 11th July was awarded �400 toward a holiday (this has paid for a week in Blackppol in Half term hol October for all 6 of us a t Haven) �200 between my 2 daughters for clothes and �200 between my 2 daughters for bedding. We were also awarded �400 for a washing machine. In the letter it said a comet voucher would be with us within 21 days but to date it still hasn't turned up even though apparently re issued! I feel quite selfish complaining but as a charity spending public money I think they should be a little more careful and more organised. When we were awarded the machine back in june it was like THANK GOD! ours had just blown up, but now 8 weeks later we have been using the launderette twice a week at �25 a time!!!!! therfore we have actually spent �400 on washing!!! Also all the hassle of the getting the stuff to the launderette and the diesel and parking costs, it would have been cheaper to have asked my mum to buy us one and paid her back, week by week! It seems sucha shame and a waste of that part of the award! Ah well... hopefully it will turn up soon, when I rang them today they told me that Comet had reissued the card again BUT it could take up to 21 days!!! WHY??? Anyway,.... hope some of you are having more luck than us! Anne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
di30 Report post Posted August 17, 2007 Hi there you lovely people Wonder if you can help me........please ? Daniel, my son is so desperate for bedroom cupboards, his are falling apart, but are very old. I have the application.......and applying for the first time, I had also informed the FF dept that we will be attending a DLA tribunal hearing in Sept 07, and was informed that didn't matter and I can always update them on this later on. I was wondering if it were worth a try to write down 'Bedroom cupboards' as the first option ? I do not work as I have some health issues and also care full time for Daniel, so my hubby is on the only earner in our household, my 18 year old son has just received his A level results yesterday..................HE PASSED, okay not so high as he would have liked them to be but at least he has those graded levels Anyway back to my situation, my hubby's wages have now gone down to �17,000 a year, due to less demand at work with orders etc, we are now down more than �4 grand a year, some repayments from child tax overpayments are also being deducted from this due to due overpayment from the year before that I kept on informing them about !!!! So I do have about �30 a week of this, and obviously child benefit for 2 of my boys, I am aware both of these will now soon stop for Jamie so will be way down again !! So a mortgage to pay, this and that.........you know what its like ? Anyway Daniel my poor darling boy needs new cupboards so badly, I fear the ones he has now will be a danger to him !! His bed his fine, he has a very small room 'bless' . Anyway I have also been informed for Wales the limit it �25,000 a year, so we are way down, I hope we will be successful and we have nothing to hide when we have a visit they will see for themselves. I have been ringing and ringing child tax credits for the annual award notice to show this to FF, our credits were sorted about a month back, but I have a funny feeling these notices are mislaid in the post due to the postal strikes we have had recently !! So will ring them again later as they said 3 times since they will sent copies out, but nothing yet !! Any info regarding family fund will be a great help to me - thank you so much. Cheers Di xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Annea Report post Posted August 19, 2007 When the assessor came around to see us, he asked me about benefits etc, one of the children I applied for has A/S and is on full rate care the other is as yet undaignosed and I haven't yet applied fr DLA. I told him the situation but he never asked for proof. Two days after he came, i had a letter and some forms through the post asking me to fill in with proof details of benefits The letter said to give them to the assessor (who had been two days before) I meant to send them off to the family fund anyway but forgot and noone ever asked me for proof.... Must admit as said in my post above, the organisation seems to be,,, let's say a little unorganised... it seems a shames as they do so much good! oooo And we finally got our washing machine! I never thought I would be so happy doing my laundry! Anne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keepingmesane Report post Posted August 19, 2007 we applied for the ff as our support workers kept telling us to do so. i didnt think we would get anything but we got a phonecall and visit this morning, from the sounds of things we are entitled so i would say Di, put in for it... its doesnt hurt to ask Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
di30 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 Hi and thank you so much for your replies. I will add these items to the first choice, and I'm sure when they visit they will agree he needs these items. Right then, going to get cracking filling it in then hope for the best. Good luck to everyone else too and thanks again, I will let you know how we get on. Cheers Di xxx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wishingwell Report post Posted August 23, 2007 What do they do on a home visit. eg. wish to speak to the child, see around the house, check income. Would like more detailed information before i apply. This fund seems to good to be true. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marmalade Report post Posted August 28, 2007 We had our home visit 3 weeks ago (still waiting for news from that though....) and the really nice lady who came to the house simply sat on the sofa and asked lots of questions about The Small and how her ASD affects our lives. The Small was too scared to come downstairs and say "hello". but that didn't seem to matter as she could be heard moving around (I knew she was safe) and I did ask if the lady wanted to go up and see her, but she said she'd rather not as she didn't want to sress The Small out even more. They do ask you to show proof of income, but not how you spend it or anything like that. It was all really relaxed and friendly and not at all how I imagined it would be. Hope this helps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
allsetuk Report post Posted September 5, 2007 i applied in may, in august got 380 for summer holiday and 350 for a shed outside so my son has somewhere to sit of his own.it would have been more useful for outings and holidays as keeping my son occupied is impossible. i dont mean to sound like im complaingin , im very grateful but i thought you got holiday and day out money? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Caroline- Report post Posted October 30, 2007 Sent off my application for the Family Fund on Friday Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
di30 Report post Posted October 30, 2007 Good luck Caroline. My form has been hanging about for months and haven't even filled it yet, better get a move on I think lol. Let me know how you get on hun, and the progress of this, cheers. Di. xxx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Caroline- Report post Posted October 30, 2007 Hiya Di <'> will do, i think they look at applications a lot quicker now than what they used to! I'll let you know how it goes Carolinexx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JsMum Report post Posted October 31, 2007 I filled out the FF Form in July and today we got a letter to tell us J has been awarded a Specialist gymnastic Trampoline and a Weighted blanket as well as a CD Rom Anger Management so this will be really beneficial and will help J. Thankyou FAMILY FUND. JsMum Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
di30 Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Hi JsMum Thats good news, well done. Did you have a visit ? And was this your very first application ? I'm not certain but is this a yearly thing with the FF ? Cheers. Di. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Caroline- Report post Posted October 31, 2007 Hiya Di, yes, i think it is a yearly thing. Have you applied? <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
