Homepage > Money > Additional Needs
This section helps you with money. You can find out more about where to get it, what benefits you can get, where to get more help and how to look after your money.
It’s great to have money. With money you can buy CDs, go out with friends and pay your bills! As you become an adult you will have more responsibilities and will need to learn to use your money wisely. Make sure you get all the money you are entitled to and think about what you want to do with it!
It’s important to claim benefits if you are entitled to them. If you don’t you could lose out on a lot of money. There are several different benefits you or your carers could apply for. Some benefits depend on what your needs are.
At 16 your main benefits are likely to be disability living allowance, incapacity benefit or income support. If you get the disability living allowance then your carer can also apply for a Carers Allowance. You might also be able to claim for help with housing, council tax or get social fund payments.
There are lots of people to help you. These include:
- Student Support
- Your local Social Security office
- DIAL - 01302 310 123
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Benefit Enquiry Line – telephone 0800 882 200
- Skill 0800 328 5050
You have the right to look after your own money or ask someone to look after it for you. Looking after your own money can be hard work but it means you're more in control. Remember, you don't have to take charge if you don't want to. You could hand the money back to your parents, let them sort out the bills and give you some pocket money from what's left.
Saving some of your money for emergencies or in case you see something you want to buy is a good idea. Be warned, if you get a means-tested benefit (like Income Support) any savings over the capital limit will reduce your benefit by one pound every week for every £250, or part of £250, over the capital limit. This can be a problem if you are saving up for a piece of special equipment, for example. You must check with the Benefits Helpline or JobCentre Plus for the exact amount.
There are lots of credit agreements and credit or store cards available to people over 18. Be careful. You need to check how much interest they charge you – they can be a very expensive way to shop. Any money you spend has to be paid back and you are legally responsible if you get into debt.
These websites offer more advice on lots of different financial information including support if you can’t work, are a student, are at work, in training or unemployed. You can also talk to an Additional Needs Personal Adviser about anything that's worrying you.
Social Security
Services and benefits information for young people who have additional needs
Snowdon Award Scheme
Grants to help students with physical disabilities in further education, higher education or training
Sensoryworld
This website lets you plan and manage your money easily using The Money Manager.
Skill
The National Bureau for Students with Disabillities offers lots of information on benefits for students. The site has a benefits checklist, rights handbook and a benefits frequently asked questions.
Your Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for posting a comment.
Your message will be moderated before going live on the site.
Please enter a message.
Why not rate this article? Give this article your rating from (1) not very helpful to (5) very helpful
Posted - 01:13, 03 Sep 2008
hi i fink dat dis page was fairly useful wiv da info dat it givs ya!! :-)