14th June 2012

• Sheffield City Council have just confirmed that they are running the short breaks grants scheme again this year.

  Families with disabled children aged 0-19 who live in Sheffield can now apply for a one-off payment of up to £400 per family.

  The money can be used for anything that gives parents a break from their caring responsibilities. For example, you could use it for a family holiday, for a carer to support your child to access an activity, or for your child to attend a holiday/weekend playscheme. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2012, and the money must be spent by 31 March 2013. 

  You are automatically eligible for the grant if:

  * your child receives the high rate care or high rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  * you received a short breaks grant last year following the submission of additional information, and approval was given less than 12 months from the submission date of this year’s application
  * you already receive another form of assessed short break, e.g. residential provision, SNIPS

  If none of these conditions applies you may still be eligible, but will need to ask a professional who knows your family to provide additional information.

  Please click here to download an application form and guidance notes.

  If you would like to speak to someone about the grant scheme, please contact SIGN Information Service on 0114 2669476 or email sign@sheffinfolink.org.uk.