For applicants
Q: Who can apply for adapted equipment from Children Today?
A: Anyone living in the UK with a disability between the age of 0-25 can apply for a piece of adapted equipment from Children Today. The applicant must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. Parents/guardians can apply on behalf of the applicant. However, friends and other family members (unless a legal guardian) cannot.
Q: What specialised equipment can I apply for?
A: We are able to accept applications for specially adapted equipment including, but not exclusively: adapted car seats; adapted buggies; adapted trikes; specialist seating systems; manual, powered and sports wheelchairs; wheelchair powerpacks; walking aids; portable hoists; tough furniture; posturepedic sleep equipment; weighted blankets and sensory equipment.
Q: What won’t you accept applications for?
A: We are currently unable to accept applications for:
- Communication equipment like iPads, apps and laptops
- Outdoor play equipment (unless it is specially adapted i.e. adapted swings)
- Home, garden or car adaptations
- Holidays and respite care
If you are seeking funding for any of these items please check out our Charity & Trusts Funding Directory, which has lots of information about other charities and organisations who may be able to help!
Q: Do you means test?
A: We do not means test, however, we do ask that applicants are in receipt of DLA before applying.
Q: How do I apply?
A: For more information about how to apply read our step-by-step guide on our Apply Now web page.
Q: What information is required in my professional reference letter?
A: The professional reference letter must be typed on headed paper and contain the following information:
- Name of the applicant
- Date of birth of the applicant
- The applicant’s condition
- A comprehensive explanation of how the equipment will benefit the applicant
An example reference letter for guidance purposes can be downloaded here: Example Reference Letter.
Q: Who can write a professional reference letter?
A: Your professional reference letter must be written by one of the following professionals:
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Hospital Consultant
- Suitable member of SENCO team
Please note, we are not able to accept professional reference letters from GPs.
Q: What information should i include my personal reference letter?
A: The personal reference letter is an opportunity to provide additional information that might be relevant regarding your application. Things to consider including could be:
- Would the equipment enable the beneficiary and other family members to do things you otherwise cannot? If so, what?
- Would the equipment improve the physical and/or mental health of the beneficiary and other family members? If so, how?
- Are there any financial limitations within the family we should be aware of?
An example of a personal reference letter for guidance purposes can be downloaded here: Personal reference letter template
Q: I know my child needs a certain piece of equipment but not sure what suppliers can help with this? Can you help?
A: Yes, view our recommended Suppliers List for more information. As part of our process, we only release funds to the supplier after you have received the piece of equipment so, if you have a specific supplier in mind, please check they are happy to receive payment after delivery.
Q: How long will I have to wait before I get a decision on funding?
A: All applications are reviewed and processed in chronological order. However, we are not able to review applications until they are complete (i.e. valid quote provided, reference letter received etc).
Our awards panel aims to meet every quarter in March, June, September and December and, whilst we aim for your application to be reviewed at the next panel meeting, we cannot guarantee that your application will be assessed by a specific date. Depending on the volume of applications and funds available, your application may also be deferred to a later panel. We will keep you updated at all stages of your application.
Q: Will I definitely get support from Children Today?
A: Unfortunately, funding is not guaranteed for any application but we do try to support as many eligible applicants as possible.
Q: Is there a limit on how much Children Today will fund?
A: While there is no limit on how much we fund, we are limited by the monies available. As we aim to support as many eligible applicants as possible every quarter, we sometimes will offer partial funding towards equipment, especially for high-value items.
With this in mind, we recommend applying to other charities as well to help you get the full amount needed for your much-needed equipment promptly. You can find more information about where to apply in our Charity & Trusts Funding Directory.
Q: Can I apply for more than one piece of equipment?
A: Unfortunately, no. You are only able to apply for one item every twelve months.
Q: I don’t know what equipment my child needs and I don’t know what support I can get? Can you help?
A: Yes, please give us a ring and we can offer advice in the initial stages of your application.
Q: If you have approved my application, can I change the equipment I have applied for?
A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to change the equipment you have chosen once your application has been assessed and you have received your panel decision.
If you choose to change the equipment you are applying for, you will be required to restart your application and get a new personal reference letter relating to the new item being applied for, which will be reviewed at a future panel meeting.
Q: If you have approved my application, can I change the supplier of the equipment I have applied for?
A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to change the supplier you have chosen once your application has been assessed and you have received your award letter. This is why we recommend getting up to three quotes (where possible) in the first instance.
If you choose to change the supplier, you will be required to restart your application, which will be reviewed at a future panel meeting.
Q: What happens if I receive partial-funding from Children Today?
You can order your equipment, once you have secured all the funding needed. Your award is usually valid for four months, however should you need an extension while you make arrangements for additional funding, please let us know and this can be arranged.
You can find more information about other charities that may be able to help in our Charity & Trusts Funding Directory.
Q: How often can I apply for support?
A: After you receive your equipment or are informed that you are unsuccessful in your application, you are able to reapply after twelve months.
For donors & fundraisers
Q: I need to change my personal details, donation amount or contact preferences – how can I do this?
A: Just give us a call on 01244 335622 or email info@childrentoday.org.uk and we can do this for you!
Q: Am I able to specify a location or region that I would like the money I raise or donate be used for?
A: Yes – we are able to ring-fence funding to be used to support children that live in a specific area of the UK.
Q: How can I read about the difference my donation makes?
A: Visit our Meet the Kids page to read our latest case studies and see the life-changing impact specialised equipment has had on some of our beneficiaries.
