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My three all get it. SS have tried a couple of times when I needed support to tell me to use the DLA to fund it. I replied that I was already using all of it on the children. They then reluctantly provided the support. They haven't asked about it now for a couple of years.I spend it on lots of things - special activities for disabled children, doing the extra washing caused by bed wetting, replacing footwear for one who is very destructive, paying other adults to help support them at activities.Fostering Network states that it is up to the Foster Carer how the money is best spent for the child.

Little fosling gets DLA. We have used it for similar things to Hilly7. Also for continence products as free ones were a) not plentiful enough b) not really suitable; and also major work on our garden (landscaping and apparatus which will be needed and used by her for many years); special toys - as LAC often don't qualify for charity grants in the same way adopted or birth children with disabilities do. No one has ever queried what we spend it on...I think they can see that LO is well catered for.BB

I spend it on holiday activities - clubs so I can get a bit of respite, swimming lessons etc, as the girls are best kept occupied.If we go to a theme park or even for a pub meal we usually have to take another adult along so there is one adult to one child.At 12 and nine they still spill a lot of food down themselves and the stains don't come out so new clothes, extra washing because of the occasional "accident" and repairs round the house as we've had mirrors smashed, blinds and curtains pulled down, doors broken etc. Then there is petrol to get to the various cAHMS, hospital appointments etc.If you get DLA, your tax credits, if you get them, usually go up too.Good luck,Papergirl x

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. It is much appreciated. I have a lot of ideas what it can be used for and think I just need to have more confidence when handling SS! Xx

Well unbelievably they have both been awarded middle rate and the eldest will start to receive lower rate mobility when he is 5 next month. This is going to make such a big difference for them....so happy!! When will they start to pay it? Got the letters today.Thanks again!!

Check your bank account. When I first applied the money was in the bank before the letter arrived. And social workers never asked what I spent it on or made any comments at all about the DLA. You can now apply for carers allowance as they don't count your fostering allowance as income.

Hi funny bones!Thank you for your reply. Money not in bank account yet. Just glad that after weeks of waiting there has been a positive decision and can now start making plans to help support my foslings! Xx

and its usually backdated to the date of application (max of three months backdated or was when I first applied!). and carers is a whole lot easer to apply for and get than dla so do that on Monday too (or do it online now!)

Congratulations, Mrsdusty!Re loadsofbubs' reference to carers allowance, does anyone know if you can claim this if you work? I thought it was for those who couldn't work because of their children's needs? or do people who work part time qualify too?

Hi Papergirl I think you can claim Carers Allowance if you earn less than £100 per week. I have applied for Carers Allowance online - thanks for the tip loadsabubs! Now to see how long this will take.My two foslings are absolutely gorgeous but are fairly needy and whilst the extra money wont .agic all of their extra needs away but it will make so much difference its unbelievable!!

Thanks. That counts me out for now then, but with redundancy on the cards, and the lack of jobs out there which will give me some degree of flexibility, it's nice to know I might qualify in future.

Mrs Dusty I think carers allowance is usually quite quick. Mine certainly was very quick. I applied online on the Friday and the money was in the bank on Thursday backdated to start of DLA.