Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Family Fund Grant
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📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Family Fund Grant
Step 1: Check Eligibility (Low Income & Child's Needs)
You must meet both income and child's disability criteria.
Criteria 1: Low Income/Benefits
You must be the parent or carer of the child and be on a low income or receiving one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Related Employment Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
If you are not on benefits, they may ask for information about your household income.
Criteria 2: Child's Eligibility
The child or young person must be 17 or under, live with you, and have a high level of additional support needs due to a long-term disability or serious illness (lasting or likely to last 12 months or more).
They typically look for evidence that your child needs a high level of support in three or more of the following seven areas:
- Personal Care (e.g., feeding, washing, toileting)
- Supervision and Vigilance (e.g., constant safety measures)
- Education (e.g., high level of support with learning)
- Communication (e.g., difficulty listening, speaking, understanding)
- Access to Social Activities (e.g., difficulty engaging socially)
- Medical or Therapeutic Treatment/Condition Management
- Specialist Resources/Physical Environment
Step 2: Gather Required Supporting Documents
You'll need documents to prove your income and your child's needs. Have copies ready to upload for the online application:
- Income/Benefit Proof: A copy of your most recent benefit award letter or your last three months' payslips (if not on benefits).
-
Child's Disability Proof: Documents detailing your child's additional needs, such as:
- Professional reports (e.g., from a Paediatrician, Clinical Psychologist, SALT/Speech and Language Therapist, or Neurologist).
- A copy of their disability benefits award (e.g., DLA/PIP if they receive it).
- Their support/learning plan (e.g., an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in England, or similar plans in other UK nations).
Step 3: Decide What to Apply For
Think about what would make the biggest difference to your family life. Family Fund grants can cover a variety of items, including:
- 💻 Technology: Computers, laptops, tablets, or a games console.
- 🧸 Sensory Items: Sensory toys and equipment.
- 🏡 Household: Kitchen appliances (like a washing machine or cooker), or furniture (like a bed).
- 🏞️ Leisure/Breaks: A much-needed family break or a day out.
- 🚴 Mobility/Play: Specialist trikes or bikes.
- 👕 Essentials: Clothing or bedding.
Step 4: Complete the Application
The fastest and easiest way to apply is via the Family Fund's online application form.
- Register: You will need to create an online account.
- Start Application: The application typically has three parts, covering your details, your child's details, and the item(s) you are requesting.
- Provide Detail: Be as detailed as possible, especially when explaining how the requested item will help your child and ease family life, linking it back to their additional needs.
- Upload Documents: Upload the supporting documents you gathered in Step 2.
- Submit: The first two parts of the form must usually be completed in one go, while the final part can be completed in stages (you typically have 28 days).
Step 5: Await the Decision
- Assessment: Your application will be reviewed by the grants and eligibility teams.
- Further Contact: They may contact you by phone or email if they need more information about your child's day-to-day life, support needs, or proof of income. Be sure to respond promptly to any requests to avoid your application being cancelled.
- Decision: Once a decision is made, they will inform you of the outcome.
Important Note: If you have received a Family Fund grant before, you will typically need to wait 24 months (2 years) from your last application date to reapply (this can be 18 months in Scotland).
