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Family Fund

The Family Fund is the UK’s largest provider of grants to families living on the lowest incomes.

It gives grants to families who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child aged 17 and under.

The Fund’s grants bring practical and essential help that is often a lifeline to a family such as washing machines, fridges, bedding, specialist toys and much-needed family breaks. It has also provided grants for computers and tablets.

Family breaks are usually booked through holiday providers such as Haven and the Inspire travel company.  They are able to help with breaks around the UK and abroad.

With limited funding it tries to help as many families as it can. It uses its own eligibility criteria to ensure that it only helps families in the most need.

If you can say ‘Yes’ to the following, the Fund may be able to help you and your family.

• I am a permanent resident in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
• I have a current legal residency in the UK and have lived in the UK for the last 6 months, and I am eligible to work and apply for public funds.
• I am the parent or carer of a disabled or seriously ill child or young person (aged 17 or under) who lives at home.
• I am eligible for, and I can send evidence of my entitlement to, one of the following tax credits or benefits: Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Income related Employment Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit.
• The grant I am asking for is related to the needs of the child or young person in my care.

If you don’t receive any of the benefits listed you can still apply but the Fund will still require details of your household income.  Evidence will be required.

The disabled child or young person must require a high level of support in three or more of the following areas:

• The physical environment
• Education
• Communication
• Access to social activities
• Personal care, supervision and vigilance
• Requirement of specialist resources, including information and communications technology
• Medical or therapeutic treatment and condition management

The child or young person does not have to be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.  In the absence of these a medical report or educational report may be sufficient.

Their condition must be long-lasting (over 12 months) or life-limiting.

How to apply to the Family Fund

To apply download an application form or request for a form to be sent to your home. You can also apply online.

The charity may arrange to visit you and your child at home or telephone you to chat about the help it can provide and your eligibility.

A young adult aged 16 years+ living on their own can apply independently.

If you are offered a grant you can apply for another grant 12 months later. The Fund may need to confirm that your child is still eligible for support.

Further details can be found on the Family Fund website:

 www.familyfund.org.uk

Find out how the Family Fund has helped other disabled children:

Family Fund for Holiday Vouchers

Family Fund Grant

Family Fund also run a series of iPad and tablet workshops.  This helps families with disabled children develop their digital skills and to get the most out of their iPads or Android tablets through training.

It is able to offer grants for computers and tablets.

Your Opportunity:  Help for 18 - 24 year olds

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2. Grants for Children
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3. Family Fund