How the Access Card can Help People With SMS
Many families tell us how difficult it can be to explain their child’s support needs every time they visit a new venue or book tickets for an activity. Staff may not understand SMS, hidden …
Help & Practical Advice
Guidance for parents and carers on navigating daily life with SMS — from equipment and support services to benefits, practical tips, and where to find the right help when you need it.
Becoming a DWP Appointee
Some young people with SMS are not able to manage money or apply for benefits by themselves. When this happens, a parent or carer can be authorised to act for them. This is called being a DWP …
Turning 18 with SMS: PIP and Universal Credit
When a young person with SMS turns 18, the benefits system changes. Families often move from receiving benefits on behalf of their child to the young person receiving support in their own name. This …
Applying for DLA for a Child with SMS
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit that helps with the extra costs of caring for a child under 16 who has a disability or health condition. It isn’t based on income, savings, or whether a …
Statement Describing SMS for Assessments and Forms
How this statement can be used: parents and carers may include this statement in applications for DWP benefits (such as PIP), EHCP processes, social care assessments, housing or adaptations requests, …
Understanding the Move from DLA to PIP
Many young people with SMS will move from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as they turn 16. This change can feel overwhelming, but understanding the steps …
Support For Families Reaching Crisis Point
Families of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) may at times reach a crisis point, where behaviours and challenges feel overwhelming and difficult to manage safely at home, in school, or in …
Newlife’s Emergency Equipment Loan Service
Newlife’s Emergency Equipment Loan Service aims to address the specific needs of life-threatened/limited and terminally ill children and their families and/or protect children with disabilities from …
Other Support Organisations
Further reading on Smith-Magnenis syndrome and living with disability can be found on some of these websites. Other SMS Organisations PRISMS (Parents & Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis …