Families of disabled children (under 18 years old) can apply for a Short Break Grant of up to £400 from Sheffield City Council. We have compiled some top tips for completing the application form.

The Short Break Grant is means-tested and is only available to families who are not already receiving another short break service, like a SNIPS club, overnight respite or direct payment. For information about eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit the Council website.

Here are some top tips for completing the application form:

• Make sure your income assessment has been completed before submitting the application form. You will need an email or a letter about the outcome of your income assessment from customer services; a handwritten reference number on the application form will not be accepted as proof.
• Wait until you have gathered all of the information you need to support your application before posting it. It won’t be processed if there are things missing.
• Complete the whole form – don’t leave any parts blank. Don’t forget to provide your National Insurance number.
• If you have difficulty completing the form, contact the Short Break Grant Team (CYPF_ShortBreakGrants@sheffield.gov.uk / 0114 273 6032) and they will support you with your application.
• The letter about your child’s DLA or PIP award needs to cover the period up to and including the date when you want to use your Short Break Grant. Your application won’t be accepted if your DLA or PIP award runs out before this date.
• Your disabled child must live with you on a permanent basis.
• If your child doesn’t receive High Rate DLA or Enhanced Rate PIP, you must submit an Impact Information Form. This form must be completed by a professional, like a doctor, teacher or nurse – not a hairdresser, family friend etc.
• Make sure the date when you want to use your grant is at least 6 weeks after the date when you submit the application form.
• Please allow 6 weeks before making enquiries about the progress of your application. Applications and funding cannot be fast-tracked as the process must be fair for everyone.
• Keep receipts as you may be asked to provide them for the audit the council completes at the end of the financial year.