Contact a Family has launched Cash Counts, a new online service dedicated to ensuring families with disabled children are getting every penny.

Cash Counts includes:

• An online benefits calculator, allowing families to work out how much they are entitled to
• A top tips guide on the benefits available to families with disabled children written by the Contact a Family helpline
• A frequently asked questions page to help families navigate the complex benefits system.

Srabani Sen, Contact a Family Chief Executive, said: “Cash Counts gives families with disabled children the latest financial advice and information specific to them and all in one place.

“It costs three times more to raise a child with a disability, so families with disabled children are more likely to be living in poverty and be reliant on benefits. In these tough economic times, finances are tight for all families, but for those with a disabled child things are even harder. They need a helping hand to navigate the complex benefits system.”

Families with disabled children face enormous financial challenges. They incur additional costs caring for their child – childcare, heating, transport, home adaptations and equipment. It can also be difficult for families to hold down a job due to the demands of caring. Despite this, many are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

Mum, Stephanie, said: “My husband recently stopped working because the strain of working and caring for Isaac was too much. It has meant we have had to tighten our purse strings. Isaac is doubly incontinent and this means clothes, bed linen and furniture need replacing far more frequently than is usual. And we have the washing machine on at least twice a day often doing a boil wash. This is not something we can reduce, so we have to incur the extra costs.”

Srabani Sen added: “We would urge families with a disabled child to use Cash Counts or telephone the Contact a Family helpline to make sure they are getting every penny they are entitled to.”

• Cash Counts