Green Light for Toddlers’ Benefits

Stephen and Wendy Meeks have been successful in their fight to receive mobility benefits for their disabled toddler, Justin.  Their court case has brought about a landmark ruling granting a judicial review of mobility benefits for disabled children under three years old.

The couple put forward the argument that the Department of Work and Pensions contravened their son’s human rights by refusing to pay mobility benefits to Justin, due to his age.

Justin, who has a rare genetic disorder known as Prader-Willi syndrome, is dependent on oxygen and unable to walk.  Travelling to and from hospital appointments has been a great struggle, requiring two cars for each and every hospital trip to accommodate the large oxygen tanks for his respiratory needs.

Ecstatic

Following the ruling Justin’s father, Stephen, commented: “We’re ecstatic and also very proud Justin’s action may change the lives of thousands of disabled children and their families.”

Over 10,000 families in the United Kingdom could benefit from the ruling which could force the Department of Work and Pensions to review their mobility benefit policy to disabled children under three.  If families are able to claim the Higher Rate Disability Allowance they would receive £45 per week to help towards transport costs.