When a child becomes seriously ill, everything in a parent’s life changes immediately. Jobs are put on hold, routines are broken, and parents often need to stay by their child’s bedside full-time.
But during this emotional and difficult time, many families also face serious financial stress. This is why Hugh’s Law is gaining attention—it calls for urgent financial help for parents from the day their child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
What Is Hugh’s Law?
Hugh’s Law is a proposal that asks the UK Government to provide immediate financial support to parents of seriously ill children. Right now, parents must wait weeks or even months before receiving long-term benefits like Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The gap between the diagnosis and receiving benefits leaves many families without any financial help, even when they are dealing with high hospital costs, travel expenses, and loss of income.
Hugh’s Law aims to change this by offering a non-means-tested grant (not based on income) from day one of diagnosis, allowing parents to focus on caring for their child without money worries.
Petition Deadline: 29 July 2025
A public petition for Hugh’s Law is currently live.
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Why Hugh’s Law Matters
Each year, around 4,000 children in the UK spend over 60 days in hospital. Their parents are often forced to stop working, spend on travel, food, or even accommodation to stay near the hospital.
But no immediate support is available during those first critical weeks. This creates huge pressure on families already facing one of the hardest moments in life.
Hugh’s Law would provide:
- Instant financial relief from the day of diagnosis
- Support for basic needs like food, travel, and rent
- Reduced stress and better focus on the child’s recovery
- A fair and simple system not based on income
Cost vs. Impact
The proposal estimates that only around 4,000 families would need this help each year, and for just 3 months. The total cost to the government would be small, but for each family, the difference would be life-changing.
Real-Life Struggles
Many parents currently face impossible choices—go to work to earn money or stay with their sick child in hospital? Hugh’s Law would mean no parent ever has to choose between earning and caring.
This law is not just about money—it’s about giving families dignity, peace of mind, and the ability to be fully present during the most critical time in their child’s life.
Hugh’s Law offers a compassionate solution for families in crisis. By providing fast, simple financial help from the day a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, it could remove the burden of financial stress during a time of emotional trauma.
With enough public support, this change could soon become law. If you believe no parent should face financial hardship while caring for a seriously ill child, sign the petition before 29 July 2025.
FAQ’s
What is Hugh’s Law?
Hugh’s Law is a proposal asking the UK Government to provide immediate, non-means-tested financial support to parents from the day their child is diagnosed with a serious illness.
Why is there a need for Hugh’s Law?
Currently, parents wait weeks or months before receiving DLA. Hugh’s Law aims to fill that gap so parents get help instantly when their child is diagnosed.
Who will benefit from Hugh’s Law?
Around 4,000 UK families every year who have children in hospital for extended periods due to serious illnesses would benefit from this support.
Is this grant based on income?
No. Hugh’s Law calls for a non-means-tested grant, meaning parents will receive the financial support regardless of their income.
When is the petition deadline for Hugh’s Law?
The petition to support Hugh’s Law will close on 29 July 2025. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
