The following is a list of the main entitlements for people with Autism and their carers. The list is not exhaustive and changes from time to time. It is for information purposes only and the final decision on granting any of these issues is with the relevant authority.

Domicillary Care Allowance (& Respite Care Grant)

Since the 1st April 2009 the Department of Social Protection has been accepting new claims for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA). This follows the transfer of the scheme from the Health Service Executive on foot of a Government decision to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme.

The qualifying criteria for DCA remain the same:

The following is the qualifying criteria as advised to us by the Department of Social Protection:

A person may qualify for DCA if:

• they are providing for the care of the child
  the child will need continuous care and attention for at least 12 months and has not yet reached age 16
  the child ordinarily resides in the State
  the child normally lives with the applicant
  the child is not detained in a children's detention school

NB: In order to qualify for DCA a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, almost all of the time, so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.

Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly allowance paid in respect of eligible children from birth up to their 16th Birthday, who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age.

IClick On The Department of Social Protection Logo To Visit Their Site

Medical/GP Visit Card

Medical or GP Visit cards are means tested, eventhough the qualifying criteria are greatly enhanced for a child with a disability qualification for one of these cards will depend on your personal financial circumstances.

Application Forms are available from the HSE or your local Health Care Centre

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2. Department of Social Protection 

Click On The Logo To Go Directly To The Department's Website

• Carers Allowance/Benefit (can also lead to free telephone line rental, TV license etc.) (Means Tested)

The Carer's Allowance is a payment for carers on low incomes who live with and look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. Carers who are providing care to more than one person may be entitled to up to 50% extra of the maximum rate of Carer's Allowance each week, depending on the weekly means assessed.

Carer's Allowance Application Forms Available From Dept of Social Protection

Visit The Carer's Association Website for more information: Click here

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3. Department of Education and Science

www.education.ie

Please read the following extract from the Dept of Education's Website

APPLICATION FOR HOME TUITION FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER

Home tuition is intended to provide education for children with:

A clear diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder who have a significant special educational need and who are awaiting the provision of an appropriate school based educational service.

Home Tuition is for educational purposes only. The provision of therapeutic services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychological services etc are a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). Therefore Home Tuition grants should not be used, under any circumstances, to fund health related supports.

Ø Details and qualifications of teacher must be included in the application form. Teacher must submit some form of identification displaying their signature e.g. driving licence, passport. This may be submitted with the home tuition application or directly to the Home Tuition Section, Special Education, indicating the name of the child to whom he/she will be delivering home tuition. Sanction of Home Tuition will only be given when full details of the proposed teacher are provided to the Department of Education and Science and the application has been fully completed. No arrangements should be entered into with teachers in anticipation of funding until confirmation of sanction is received from the Department – Appendix 1 outlines Acceptable Qualifications for Home Tuition Providers

Ø Copies of recent psychological assessments/professional reports should be attached. All reports submitted will be treated confidentially.

Ø Home Tuition will be sanctioned on a term basis only/or until a school placement has been sourced, again arrangements should not be entered into with teachers in anticipation of funding beyond the sanction date unless Department of Education & Science sanction has been received. Retrospective Grant Claim Forms will not be processed.

(Application form download available on the Department Website)

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4. Revenue Commissioners

 www.revenue.ie

Contact Your Local Tax Office. Proof of diagnosis is required for the Incapaciated Child Allowance and a basic form must be completed. This allowance is retrospective to the date of diagnosis or the start of the current/previous tax year.

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Don't Forget That People With Disabilities Rights Are Protected In Legislation

The following information may also be of assistance to you:

Equality & Rights

Voluntary Organisations

National Council for Special Education

National Educational & Psychological Service

(Click Here for More Information)