Finances – Support

This guide for families about finances covers benefits, Appointeeship, banking, lasting power of attorney and court-appointed deputyship. It’s a really comprehensive guide and we are really pleased that Emma from our management team was able to contribute to the contents of the guide.

Autism Anglia have created the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) booklet, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) booklet and a Diary with information and tips.

DOSH supports people with a learning disability to manage their money. They believe that everyone should have personalised support to use their money in the way they want and for the things they enjoy. Dosh say they can support people to manage and use their money in the way you want. This is called financial advocacy. We can also support you to manage your benefits as your appointee.

To find useful guides like easy read guides to banking, see their resources page.

The UK government have a page on their website with guidance on Cost of Living

Contact’s Benefits Calculator can help families plan for changes in their benefit entitlements when their loved one reaches adulthood or leaves education. With other guides around benefits and welfare this resource is useful to our families.

Some families may be entitled to a reduction in their Council Tax. Carers UK have produced a factsheet to help you explore if you can get a reduction.

Colchester Gateway say,

“Our service is for people with Learning Disabilities and their families.

There are times in life when we all need a little help with understanding and making decisions – we can support you with this and Advocate for you with other organisations.  For example, we can support you with accessing healthcare or social care services, challenging decisions about your care and treatment, future care planning, assessments and reviews, housing, benefits applications and appeals, legal matters, police issues, complaints and more. “