Are there any benefits we can claim ?

[Barley3]

We are caring for our daughter who has anorexia. As one of us needs to be with her most of the time and it is going to impact dramatically on our working hours, are there any benefits that we can apply for pls ?

[Hidden]

Hello Barley3!! I am in Australia...the 3 types of welfare you can access here are (2 for you, 1 for your daughter) 1. Low Income Supplement - this is paid to a couple when combined earnings are well below "the poverty line" - 2. Carers supplement: this is soo small it is outrageous, but, you will get further assisstance with "medical help" and 3. she can apply for Disability. All are basically impossible to qualify for - unbelievably intrusive questions have to be answered, all sorts of neverending paperwork (supplied by you at your own cost) and their is no guarantee of a successful outcome - any outcome will take years...

As cruel as it sounds your best option is to invole your daughter, with you, in some form of part time income earning from home. It will help both of you. Maybe some of the people at your current employment would love a cleaner...she can go with you, even if she doesn't help. If you can please talk to your current employer about "coming back oneday". All 3 of you need to put your "thinking caps on!!! They say it is darkest before the dawn, you can do this!

Please look after yourself, she needs to see you do this. Just remember in time she will be o.k..

[Barley3 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you