- This page has been taken from Encephalitis – a guide, which was compiled by Elaine
Dowell and Ava Easton with advice and assistance from the Society's Professional
Advisory Panel and members of the Encephalitis Society.
It is available from
our Online
Shop
In the days following encephalitis, money can be a concern. If the person who has
been ill was employed when they had encephalitis, their employer should pay them
in line with any company sickness package they have or at least Stautory Sick Pay,
which can be paid for the first 28 weeks of an illness.
The effects of encephalitis may have an effect on employment and a family's finances.
Claiming benefits can help to ease the pressure however the processes are often
not easy. It can be a frustrating experience, especially for someone left with difficulties
talking, with memory or with understanding. The system is complex and can be confusing,
so it is important to get professional advice and to apply as soon as possible so
that money to which you are entitled is not lost.
People and families on low income may be able to claim Income Support or Tax Credits.
The social worker at the hospital, your local social worker, or the disability benefits
advisor at your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau, can all help. Their details
can be found in your local telephone directory or go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Benefits advice can be obtained from the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.
Headway - the brain injury association produce a booklet 'Welfare Benefits after
brain injury', available from their web site www.headway.org.uk or from their Helpline 0808 800 2244
.
The Disability Alliance also have some excellent guides to help you claim benefits
and fill in the forms correctly. They can also provide advice and information. www.disabilityalliance.org
Tel: 020 7247 8776 or Email: office.da@dial.pipex.com
Direct payments - What are they, who can get them?
There is quite a lot of confusion about the term “direct payment”. Direct
payments can mean two things – the direct payment of state benefits into a
bank account or the direct payments that can be made by Social Services to someone
who has support and care needs so that they can arrange and pay for their own care.
This article is about the second type of direct payment.
Direct Payments are cash payments made in lieu of social service provisions, to
individuals who have been assessed as needing services. They can be made to disabled
people aged 16 or over, to people with parental responsibility for disabled children,
and to carers aged 16 or over in respect of carer services.
The aim of a direct payment is to give more flexibility in how services are provided
to many individuals who are assessed eligible for social services support. By giving
individuals money in lieu of social care services people have greater choice and
control over their lives, and are able to make their own decisions about how their
care is delivered.
The National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) produces “Everything you
need to know about getting and using Direct Payments” and other useful information
www.ncil.org.uk
Last modified: October 2009