Being a parent is a rewarding yet challenging journey, and when you have a child with additional needs, the challenges can be even more significant. Sensational Kids is committed to supporting families in their journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore various financial support options available to parents of children attending Sensational Kids, with a focus on resources specific to Ireland.

 

Financial Support Options in Ireland:

 

1. Tax Relief for Therapies:

Families can offset the cost of therapies against their tax each year at 20%.

 

2. Health Insurance Coverage:

Depending on the policy, therapies may be claimable through health insurance.

 

3. Domiciliary Care Allowance:

The Irish Government provides means-tested Domiciliary Care Allowance to assist with costs. Many families at Sensational Kids use this allowance to access subsidized services.

 

4. Carer’s Benefit and Allowance:

Carer’s Benefit is available to employed individuals who reduce their working hours to care for a child with additional needs.

Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment for parents caring for a child with additional needs. It comes with additional entitlements such as Carer’s Support Grant, Household Benefits Package, and Free Travel Pass.

 

5. Household Benefits Package:

Parents receiving Carer’s Allowance are automatically entitled to the Household Benefits Package, providing benefits such as a monthly discount on electricity or gas bills and a free TV Licence.

 

6. Incapacitated Child Tax Credit:

Families with a child with a disability can claim the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit.

 

7. Medical Card:

If a child receives Domiciliary Care Allowance or Disability Allowance, they may be awarded a Medical Card, granting access to certain healthcare services for free.

 

Financial Support Available to Parents for Therapeutic Intervention.

Child benefit:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/child_benefit.en.html

One parent family payment:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/one_parent_family_payment.html

Single person child carer credit:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/money_and_tax/tax/income_tax_credits_and_reliefs/one_parent_family_tax_credits_and_reliefs.html

Citizen’s information for families of children with disabilities or long term illness – financial support available:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/reference/checklists/checklist_disability.html

VHI – www.vhi.ie Any interested parent/guardian can contact the VHI Sales Team directly on 056 775 3003. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday (8am to 7pm GMT) and Saturday (9am to 3pm GMT).

 

At Sensational Kids, we understand the financial challenges that families with children with additional needs may face. By utilising the available financial support options and exploring the provided resources, parents can navigate their journey more effectively, ensuring the best possible care for their children.