Recently widowed with Special needs daughter

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Posted by: Amanda. Reply: Moderator.

Amanda: I was widowed in March after 23 years and have an 8 year old special needs daughter. When my husband was taken ill as he was her main carer we managed to get a Direct payments grant to pay for care as I work. I still work but the grant is being cancelled because my husband died! I have been told that I have to get a childminder. My daughter is hard going so I am trying to find a special needs childminder. I have a mortgage so can't give up work and can't claim benefits as I'm a home owner. I'm in a total 'catch 22' situation. I know I am going to have to work part time in the school holidays but if I can't find a childminder by the time the grant is taken away what do I do? Work are being really kind about it but it's the not knowing and the feeling that your alone. I have no family or friends that really want to know.

Life just sucks!

Moderator: Hi, thank you for your post. You mention a couple of things I think it would be good for you to get specialist advice about. Firstly, a local Citizens Advice Bureau or other advice service may be able to liaise with social services to clarify the reason why you are no longer entitled to direct payments and advise about whether there is anything that can be done about this. Also, it would be worthwhile to call the Lone Parent Helpline on 0800 018 5026 and ask an adviser to check that you are receiving all the financial help you and your daughter are entitled to (a Citizens Advice Bureau can also do this). When you call the Lone Parent Helpline, please mention that you are caring for a disabled child and if an adviser is not available straight away, they will call you back. We can also provide a list of useful organisations in your area. If you haven't already done so, contact your local Family Information Service (also known as Childcare or Children's Information Service) about finding suitable childcare. You can find contact details for your local service at www.childcarelink.gov.uk.

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