Are children with BWS classed as disabled?

[nicmac]

Hi are children with BWS classed as disabled? I ask because when filling in Tax Credit information i was asked this question and can't find any information on the web and thought that someone here could help us.

[Songbird63 Administrator BWS Support]

Generally no as they are not affected physically or mentally severely enough. However, some children who are more severely affected eg if they have a trachy for breathing problems may qualify. General definition is:-

The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and

The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.

You would probably know from other sources if your child was classified as disabled. Just having a diagnosis does not qualify anyone as disabled.

[daisyduck BWS Support]

It does depend on their condition - the disability allowance also has a care element.

My daughter qualifies for the highest rate of the care component for disability - this is the element that affects tax credits too. She does not qualify for the mobility section.

The reason why she qualifies is because she has additional needs throughout the day and night every day. From the DWP website - "In order to qualify for benefit the child’s needs must be substantially more than a non-disabled child of the same age".

I suggest you look at dwp.gov.uk/healthcare-profe....

Hope this helps.