Finances & Benefits

Being in hospital with your child can be a stressful time and it can put a strain on finances.

Below you will find out more information on the different benefits you may be entitled to claim when you have a heart child. You may be eligible for some benefit help in the way of:

Disability Living Allowance - non-means tested benefit

Carer's Allowance - means tested

Child Tax Credit - means tested

Housing and Council Tax Benefit - means tested

Income Support - means tested

The Social Fund - means tested

There are many extra expenses when you do have a heart child from feeding, frequent hospital visits, frequent medical appointments (not at the hospital), warm clothes for the winter; and these all add up. But when you are in hospital and you have no where to turn to, it may be useful to have immediate financial assistance.

Ocean Ward and Children's Heart Support Network will provide a welfare grant to families treated at Southampton General Hospital.

The Family Fund, Patches Heart Group and Amelia Matters can give grants nationally.

We will always try to help our friends in need; sometimes a food parcel can make such a difference, or knowing that you can ask us (in confidence) to liaise with organisations to assist you.

Please contact us if you need any help at all.