Disability Allowance and Autism (Aspergers)

[Mrs Vimes]

Hi dubdub,
The incapacitated child credit is a tax credit, not means tested to assist a family which has a child with a long term disability.
It is granted to the parent and reduces their tax bill.
Congrats and comiserations on the diagnosis and well done for supporting your son.

 

[dubdub123]

Incapacitated child credit info is here. Your doctor has to sign a form to say that the child wouldn't be able to maintain themselves after they turn 18.

Do you happen to know if there's a standard form? Im not sure he would qualify or what the criteria is. Hes in mainstream school, sat his exams but needs to be remindee to shower, eat and has a lot of anxiety. He wont answer the door if there's a delivery for example. I cant see him taking on any type of work for next few years, but msybe as he's older and has continued with therapy.
Im so confused whether he fits the criteria and if i should apply.


Anyone know what the steps are?

 

[dubdub123]

Hi dubdub,
The incapacitated child credit is a tax credit, not means tested to assist a family which has a child with a long term disability.
It is granted to the parent and reduces their tax bill.
Congrats and comiserations on the diagnosis and well done for supporting your son.

Thank you. Its a relief to have a diagnosis and im hoping that will help him understand himself more. Hes still gling to Pieta due to the self harm and i think later in the year I'll send him to therapy as pdychologist mentioned he is avoiding dealing with his feelings and has difficulty in this area.

Im not sure if he fits the criteria for incapacitated child csre credit.

Any pointers appreciated. I expect therapy will be expensive and im concerned about any escalations regarding his mental health in the future, so if he could have a small financial safety net it would make a huge difference.

 

[Ciru75]

Do you happen to know if there's a standard form? Im not sure he would qualify or what the criteria is. Hes in mainstream school, sat his exams but needs to be remindee to shower, eat and has a lot of anxiety. He wont answer the door if there's a delivery for example. I cant see him taking on any type of work for next few years, but msybe as he's older and has continued with therapy.
Im so confused whether he fits the criteria and if i should apply.


Anyone know what the steps are?

I don't see any reason not to apply, it sounds to me that you'd be due the credit.

The form for your doctor to fill out is here. The steps to claim the credit are all set out on the revenue website here.

 

[dubdub123]

I don't see any reason not to apply, it sounds to me that you'd be due the credit.

The form for your doctor to fill out is here. The steps to claim the credit are all set out on the revenue website here.

Great thank you so much. Any idea if it should be the psychologist or our GP to sign off? Im awaiting full report.

Ive printed out the disability allowance form and starting to go through that as well and there's a medical section in thete as well.

Would be huge peace of mind to get some support for him.

Thanks so much

 

[november16]

Great thank you so much. Any idea if it should be the psychologist or our GP to sign off? Im awaiting full report.

Ive printed out the disability allowance form and starting to go through that as well and there's a medical section in thete as well.

Would be huge peace of mind to get some support for him.

Thanks so much

Please Get help with the Disability Allowance form from citizen info as they are very used to the forms, sometimes T.D.s eg parliamentary assist are excellent with advice and filling forms and tracking the application. Also I.N.O.U. Dublin very good. Robbie Lynch information section. If denied first time (very common) appeal, ask for written reason that application refused eg not enough medical information and reapply and you can either ask for a review or appeal the refusal. Appealing the disallowance might be an advisable route. This appeal is held outside the department and they are independent of DSP The higher the specialist who assessed I believe the most value is ascribed (my opinion).
G.P. section on D.A. form vital the G.P. fills that out with full knowledge of your sons condition how it affects him. Reports are very important to confirm the diagnosis and explain as the person doing the desk assessment may not understand neurodivercity. The mental health and physical aspects and affects should be outlined fully and any medication prescribed, lists can be printed from chemist. psychologists, counselling, school reports etc. can assist the Medical officer assessment. The D. A. section in Department can be very helpful and emphatic if you can get through.

 

[dubdub123]

Please Get help with the Disability Allowance form from citizen info as they are very used to the forms, sometimes T.D.s eg parliamentary assist are excellent with advice and filling forms and tracking the application. Also I.N.O.U. Dublin very good. Robbie Lynch information section. If denied first time (very common) appeal, ask for written reason that application refused eg not enough medical information and reapply and you can either ask for a review or appeal the refusal. Appealing the disallowance might be an advisable route. This appeal is held outside the department and they are independent of DSP The higher the specialist who assessed I believe the most value is ascribed (my opinion).
G.P. section on D.A. form vital the G.P. fills that out with full knowledge of your sons condition how it affects him. Reports are very important to confirm the diagnosis and explain as the person doing the desk assessment may not understand neurodivercity. The mental health and physical aspects and affects should be outlined fully and any medication prescribed, lists can be printed from chemist. psychologists, counselling, school reports etc. can assist the Medical officer assessment. The D. A. section in Department can be very helpful and emphatic if you can get through.

Thank you so much.
Im waiting to get official report and I was going to put together a few pages stating his day to day issues.
Hes attending counselling with Pieta House. Was previously at a psychotherapist but i cant get a response from him but he didnt provide a written report.
I have an OT report and hes been to MDT and disgnosed with autism.
We recently moved house abd have new GP and ill chat with her. She is aware that he was self hsrming and wrote letter to Lucena (he is waitlisted there)
Where do i find any of those supports you mentioned? INOU, Robbie Lynch? Would be great to get some help.

 

[november16]

Thank you so much.
Im waiting to get official report and I was going to put together a few pages stating his day to day issues.
Hes attending counselling with Pieta House. Was previously at a psychotherapist but i cant get a response from him but he didnt provide a written report.
I have an OT report and hes been to MDT and disgnosed with autism.
We recently moved house abd have new GP and ill chat with her. She is aware that he was self hsrming and wrote letter to Lucena (he is waitlisted there)
Where do i find any of those supports you mentioned? INOU, Robbie Lynch? Would be great to get some help.

Good idea to document day to day impacts and I think detail is good in clear language

I.N.O.U. welfare assistance team (01) 8560088 www.inou.ie or you can leave an email re welfare rights.
Citizen information phone service 0818074000 Mon Fri 9am to 8pm www.citizensinformation.ie that's where I am getting the information very good site
or you can go to your local centre or contact by phone or email. I think its better to have face to face appointment depending where you are living you could phone them perhaps to make appt or call in. When you phone leave a message and they will get back to you. Most offices now are very busy but the will phone you back.

Disability Allowance Section dept of Social protection is based in Longford
Tel (043)3340000 or 0818927770

Disability Allowance

Disability Allowance is paid to people with a disability. You can get it from 16. The maximum weekly rate is €208. From January 2023 it will increase to €220. You can work and receive a reduced rate.

www.gov.ie

email: DA InetInfo@welfare.ie
Be prepared for long wait times on phones but persist and you will get through or email
keep copies of all applications and timeliness. Don't do this on your own as the support will he required you have enough on your plate
Let us know how you get on

There is also community law and information there is an office in Dublin. Where are you based

 

[dubdub123]

Good idea to document day to day impacts and I think detail is good in clear language

I.N.O.U. welfare assistance team (01) 8560088 www.inou.ie or you can leave an email re welfare rights.
Citizen information phone service 0818074000 Mon Fri 9am to 8pm www.citizensinformation.ie that's where I am getting the information very good site
or you can go to your local centre or contact by phone or email. I think its better to have face to face appointment depending where you are living you could phone them perhaps to make appt or call in. When you phone leave a message and they will get back to you. Most offices now are very busy but the will phone you back.

Disability Allowance Section dept of Social protection is based in Longford
Tel (043)3340000 or 0818927770

Disability Allowance

Disability Allowance is paid to people with a disability. You can get it from 16. The maximum weekly rate is €208. From January 2023 it will increase to €220. You can work and receive a reduced rate.

www.gov.ie

email: DA InetInfo@welfare.ie
Be prepared for long wait times on phones but persist and you will get through or email
keep copies of all applications and timeliness. Don't do this on your own as the support will he required you have enough on your plate
Let us know how you get on

There is also community law and information there is an office in Dublin. Where are you based

Thats really helpful thank you so much. We are based in Dublin.

 

[dubdub123]

Im going through the Disability Allowance form now. ( to set the scene Its 4pm and my son has only woken up a while ago as he couldnt sleep til 7am. Its not a case of him staying up plsying games, but going to bed, not being able to sleep and trundling around his room.. )

Im looking at Part 9 for him (medical report)
If anyone has first hand advice on following, I would appreciate it. I plan to contact some of the places from previous post also.

1. Present disability, medical conditions, illness, injury. Its asking for Condition, Date of onset of condition, date that treatment started.
I can state Autism Spectrum Disorder from birth. He first webt to psychotherapist 2020, should I call this out? Its not "treatment" though, as ASD is lifelong, but more a support. Any advice?

Should I call out that hes been dealing with anxiety since Sept 2019 as well?

2. Past Medical Conditions, operations and injuries. Leaves space for details of Condition, Month and year of diagnosis.
Should I call out date of diagnosis for ASD?

3. Currently attending specialists.
He has just received disgnosis from a team and we met with psychologist for feedback.
He is also attending Pieta House and waitlisted gor CAMHS

What should I put down here?

4. Form asks sbout medical investigations and states to attach reports
- He has an OT report
- Pending ASD diagnosis report
Should i wait for ASD report or send in now?

5. Form lists a list of physical health areas that may be impacted.
OT has recommended exercises as he has muscle weakness etc. Flagged issues with his grip, however he manages ok. Not sure if i should flag an issue with standing, balance, hands? Its very unclear

6. Form lists some Mental Health areas (memory, concentration, sleeping, interacting, whether leisure activities affected)
He has poor social skills, but goes to a card event once a week. Other than that he really has no leisure activities.. no hanging out with friends..
Any guidance on this?

7. Activities of daily living (showering, dressing, toileting, housework/cooking, shopping, care of family)
While physically he can perform these tasks, in practice I have to push him to have a shower. At times he will go to the shop and get things but other times, he gets distraught at the thought of it.

Should I mark these as being affected? I believe they are due to anxiety, sensory processing issues.

8. Difficulty with driving or using public transport.
He absolutely does not want to drive and has said that clearly. He has no physical limitations but Its overwhelming fir him.
Is it ok to flag as an issue?

9. There's a space for additional information and Im going to privide separate sheet on this. If any pointers, please let me know

 

[Purple]

My son was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was 9. The school was utterly useless but we did get limited support privately.
He's in college now and he's agreed to be reassessed as an adult. I'm getting myself assessed as well as I see lots of behavioural traits that we have in common.
I haven't claimed for the incapacitated child tax credit because I don't believe that he will never be able to live independently so while I might get it, in good faith I can't apply.

 

[Bow tie]

Is the tax credit and DCA until 18, and then DA and adult supports?
Do/ should you re-assess at 16/18?

 

[dubdub123]

My son was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was 9. The school was utterly useless but we did get limited support privately.
He's in college now and he's agreed to be reassessed as an adult. I'm getting myself assessed as well as I see lots of behavioural traits that we have in common.
I haven't claimed for the incapacitated child tax credit because I don't believe that he will never be able to live independently so while I might get it, in good faith I can't

Myself and son have a very similar outlook on things and looking back on my own behaviour, I suspect that Im also autistic. At some point I may seek diagnosis, but right now thats ok.
Well done to your son - the college environment can be quite overwhelming.
Do you mind me asking reasoning behind further assessment? Is it to identify additional supports?
Im feeling bit adrift in thst we have diagnosis for him (pending report), but outside of asking for movement breaks Im not even sure what we can request in the school.

 

[Purple]

Myself and son have a very similar outlook on things and looking back on my own behaviour, I suspect that Im also autistic. At some point I may seek diagnosis, but right now thats ok.

Yep, they didn't pick it up off the stones, as my Granny liked to say.

Well done to your son - the college environment can be quite overwhelming.

Do you mind me asking reasoning behind further assessment? Is it to identify additional supports?

It is and what's the reason for the reassessment. I lot has changed since he was 9 and a re-assessment means that he can take ownership of it now. If he's involved then there's a better chance that he'll get the supports he needs. Of course there's no public funding for an adult assessment, how could there be, sure we only have one of the best funded healthcare systems in the world.

Im feeling bit adrift in thst we have diagnosis for him (pending report), but outside of asking for movement breaks Im not even sure what we can request in the school.

I found the schools at both primary and secondary level almost totally useless. Other than the insincere gushing that every parents gets at parent teacher meetings they had no interest in him.

 

[dubdub123]

Thats a good approach to take for your son to engage with assessment process more as he is older. Hopefully the guidance and recommendations will be helpful as well.
My son just had the assessment, had to go privately and even with that it was months before getting appointment and still pending report. I was (rightly) concerned that he would age out.
My sons previous secondary school in west of Ireland were actually pretty supportive and arranged psychotherapy sessions for him and then an OT assessment. I believe they would have funded assessment given time.
We then moved to Dublin and while on paper there are a lot of supports, there was no budget to help with assessments or therapy. Nothing for him anyhow. Apparently theres a NEPS psychologist connected to the school, but SENCo told me they dont support in this way. They did throw him into a few extra art classes to support. Oh and sending me a list of counselling services, when I discovered he was self harming.
So a lot of talk but really no practical support. For me this is my first time navigating all this, but with a school with hundreds of kids, they should have clearer support processes in place.

At this point hes hesding into TY and I dont even really know what accommodations to ask for.
He has dropped French and gets hugely stressed about Irish, but wouldn't get an exemption, though a different special ed teacher indicated sitting irish is not mandatory.

 

[dubdub123]

So i have the completed form for Incapacitated child credit. Do I just submit this online for 2022? Assuming its accepted, will this trigger a refund or will tax credits be adjusted for remainder of the year?

Can i submit this retrospectively for previous years ( 2018 to 2021) even if balancing was already done? Some tax company that i employed to do 2016 taxes, triggered tax refunds in recent years without discussing with me first. They re-added themselves as tax advisor, so ill need to sort that.

Any guidance really appreciated.

 

[dubdub123]

Ive sent in the application for Disabilty Allowance on behalf of my son. I outlined his daily challenges and GP completed relevant section.

Does anyone know what happens next? Should we see an update on my sons myGov?

Ive heard that nearly all applications get rejected first time, has anyone experienced this? And apparently its taking around 3 months for answer!
It's taken me endless hours to complete the form and this would make a huge difference for my son to have this in place.

Any guidance appreciated.

Separately I submitted ICC2 for this year. Will tackle other years Separately.