News

Short breaks grant scheme 2019/2020 now open

16th September 2019

TAGS short break grant, short breaks

  • Sheffield City Council is now accepting applications for the Short Breaks Grant. You can apply for up to £400 per family. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2020, and the activity must have taken place and the grant must be spent before 31 March 2020.

    Who can apply?

    Changes were made to the eligibility criteria for the grant in the last grant round in 2018/19, and some families who previously received the grant may no longer be eligible. You can apply if all of the following apply:

    • Your child has a disability and receives a high rate component of DLA  or an enhanced rate component of PIP*;
    • Your child is under 18 years of age;
    • You are in receipt of means-tested benefits** OR your family household income is less than £21,000 a year;
    • You do NOT already receive a short break service (e.g. SNIPS club or befriending, overnight respite, direct payment) for this child – however, you can agree to stop using this service if you would like to access the grant instead.

    *If your child does not receive high rate DLA or enhanced rate PIP you can still apply, but will need to ask a relevant professional (e.g. GP, Health Visitor, SENCO) who knows you and your child to fill in an “Additional Information Form”.

    **Qualifying benefits are: Income-based free school meals, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Tax Credits (you must receive Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit), Housing Benefit, Universal Credit.
    Please note: Your household income consists of the income from everyone, aged 18 and over, who lives in the household, and includes Child Tax Credits. DLA and PIP do not count as part of your household income.

    How to apply

    If you believe you are eligible, then your first step is to complete a Household Income Assessment by calling 0114 273 4567 (choose option 4).

    When you receive confirmation that you are eligible to apply for the grant, download the application form and guidance notes from the council website.

    Please do not send in an application until you have completed the Household Income Assessment.

    If you have any queries or need help to apply, please email CYPF_ShortBreakGrants@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 273 6032.

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