Apart from the obvious health disadvantage, chronic illness can also mean a dramatic financial burden to many of us. For many of us, illness can mean an end to a full working life which inevitably can mean a serious lack of money. Our team has put together a few tips on how to perhaps make life a bit easier financially for you. It must be stressed that our circumstances may be different and therefore not all benefits are relevant to you. This is not a complete list of benefits and we are not financial experts so please check with the correct authorities to confirm entitlement.

Nor can we be responsible for wrong information. We have also included some entitlements and tips that do not necessarily save you money but are useful to know.

Government Benefits│Getting Around│Miscellaneous benefits and Tips

Incapacity Benefit

If you lose your job through ill health, you may be entitled to this benefit. Usually, you must have paid enough National Insurance contributions to qualify, but not if you are incapable of work before aged 20, or 25 in some cases. IB is not affected by savings or by most kinds of income, other than occupational and personal pensions. For more information, contact the Dept. for Work & Pensions or:Freephone 0800 882 200 (Benefit Enquiry Line)

IMPORTANT !! Benefit change

From October 2008, Incapacity Benefit will be replaced with Employment Support Allowance (ESA) which is intended for people with a medical condition that prevents them from working, and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for those who are able to work.

ESA begins for new claimants in October 2008 and those already claiming Incapacity Benefit will be moved to the new ESA by 2013.

It is intended that those now claiming Incapacity Benefit and new claimants will go through a medical assessment. The government says that people with severe disabilities will get more money under ESA.Income Support claimants will be moved to either ESA or JSA.

Disability Living Allowance

 
Is a benefit for adults and children with disabilities? If you are under 65 yrs of age and need help with mobility and/or care, then D.L.A. is worth considering. There are three levels of care & two levels of mobility. If you receive the higher rate of mobility there are other benefits available including free road fund tax for your car.

You can claim D.L.A. even if you are working and it is not means tested. It is not taxable and you do not need to have paid National Insurance contributions.

For further information, freephone 0800 882 200 (Benefit Enquiry Line)

Attendance Allowance

 
If you are more than 65 yrs of age, then Attendance Allowance replaces D.L.A. This allowance has no mobility component or lower rate care component but has two rates of payment. Conditions of entitlement are very similar to D.L.A.

For further information, freephone 0800 882 200 (Benefit Enquiry Line)

Carers Allowance

If you are receiving Attendance Allowance or the middle or high rate care component of D.L.A. it is possible that someone can claim Carers Allowance in order to care for you. They must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for you but they need not be related to you. There is a limit on their earnings if they have a job and they can’t be in full time education.

There are quite a few conditions concerning Carers Allowance so it is best to ring the DWP freephone advice line for disabled people and carers (0800 882 200) for further details and to receive claim form DS700.

Income Support

IS a means tested benefit that is intended to provide for basic living expenses for yourself and your family. Don’t be too proud to claim IS because it is a benefit that you may be entitled to if your income is less than the law says you need to live on.

IS provides payment direct to you but may also provide benefit in the form of help with mortgage interest payments, housing benefit, council tax, prescriptions, dental treatment, school meals, hospital fares etc. etc.

Unfortunately, making a claim for IS can be quite a daunting task so it may pay to get help from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Income support changes to Pension Credit when you reach 60 yrs of age but application procedure is similar to Income Support.
A useful reference book about Income Support and all other benefits is the Disability Rights Handbook, which contains quite a comprehensive list of all benefits. Your library will probably hold a copy (it is also available on CD Rom).

IMPORTANT !! Please refer to paragraph below Incapacity Benefit for change of Income Support.

Listed above are probably the most popular benefits, but there are some other benefits that are also worth checking e.g.

Budgeting Loans

If you have been receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least six months, you may be entitled to a loan to pay for things like clothing, bedding or a washing machine.You will have to repay the loan though, unlike a Community Care Grant which may also be available to ease exceptional pressures on you.

Council Tax Benefit

Is available to people on a low income and little capital. This is a very under claimed benefit so if you think that you qualify for it, CLAIM.

Disabled Students Allowance

If you are a student in higher education and you need help or equipment, claim DSA. Money can be used for a support worker, heating, specialised computer equipment etc. Apply to your Local Education Authority (England/Wales) or Student Award Agency (Scotland). For more info. Visit www.skill.org.uk or telephone 0800 328 5050

Housing Benefit

Is another means tested benefit for those who pay rent?
Claim forms are available from your local authority.

Working Tax Credit

Is paid by the Inland Revenue to people who are perhaps unable to perform a full time job because of their MS. Certain conditions will apply but why not check it out?

Visit www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk or telephone 0845 300 3900

If you are unsure where to claim for any benefit, telephone the Benefits Enquiry Line on freephone 0800 882 200 who will be happy to help.

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Shopmobility.

If you are having problems walking around the shops, there may be a Shopmobility scheme in your nearby town. Shopmobility is a service that hire wheelchairs and scooters at really reasonable rates. Shopmobility can enable you to regain your independence and become mobile again to explore the shops.

Your local Council Office will probably be aware of a scheme in your area.

Wheelchair voucher scheme.

If you feel that you need a wheelchair for yourself, ask your G.P to refer you to the nearest wheelchair clinic. After an assessment, the N.H.S may supply you with a wheelchair or perhaps issue you with a voucher to assist with the purchase of one.Electric wheelchairs are not so easy to obtain on the N.H.S because your property usually needs to be wheelchair user friendly.

Buying Wheelchairs/scooters

If you feel that you would prefer to buy your own wheelchair or scooter there are plenty of shops that supply them. However, it is always worth considering buying a used model. It is a fact that wheelchairs / scooters are worth far less once they have had use.
Check the small ads in the local papers, disability magazines, shops etc. or the internet can be well worth a visit.

Try www.ebay.com which is an auction website offering plenty of second user wheelchairs / scooters as well as other products for disabled people.

Motability scheme

If you or your child is in receipt of the high mobility rate of D.L.A or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement you are probably entitled to get a powered wheelchair, scooter or car under the Motability scheme. Your Mobility component can be used to finance a contract which will get you a new vehicle, insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover. There is also a hire purchase scheme for new and used cars.

For more details call Freephone 0800 093 1000. Or visit www.motability.co.uk

Travel tokens

Some local authorities offer concessions to disabled people on local buses or they may offer travel tokens that may be accepted by taxis or other transport provider’s e.g. dial a Ride. Telephone your local council to find out what travel concessions are available.

Blue Badge scheme.

If you have a severe mobility problem, you may be entitled to a blue parking badge. A blue badge will enable you to park a car in a parking space reserved for disabled people or even on double yellow lines, as long as there are not specific restrictions. You do not have to be the driver of the car to have use of a blue badge. Obtain an application form from your local authority.

Car breakdown cover

Vehicle organisations i.e. AA, RAC offer reduced rates for disabled people. (You do not have to be the driver).

London congestion charge.

If you receive free road fund tax because you get the high rate mobility component of DLA, then the London congestion charge does not apply to you. Cameras are linked to DVLA so you will not get a fine as long as you display a current disabled tax disc.
Blue badge holders can also be exempt but it is necessary for them to pay a registration fee.

Rail travel

If you get a Disabled Persons Railcard, you can save up to 1/3 on most rail fares + rail/sea trips to Ireland.
Wheelchair users automatically get much reduced fares anyhow. Apply to a Disabled Persons Railcard Office, PO Box 1YT, Newcastle-on-Tyne, NE99 1YT

National Rail

Get a free National Rail Map for people with mobility difficulties. It shows all the stations in Britain with useful information such as where you can get onto all platforms without having to use any steps.
Write to: PRM Map, Disability & Inclusion, 3rd floor, 40 Bernard St. London WC1N 1BY (include your name / address).
Or e-mail: disability@atoc.org

Fares Discounts

Also, if you join the Disabled Drivers Association, Athwellthrope, Norwich, NR16 1EX you will save on ferry fares.

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Computers

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, computers seem to be playing a major part in our lives today. If you cannot use a computer, don’t be afraid to learn. There are lots of courses available at evening classes, many of which are free or at a reduced rate. Most local Councils are aware of classes that are available so why not have a go?

Your local Council Office will probably be aware of a scheme in your area.

Computers in libraries

Most public libraries now have computers for public use. You can spend up to two hours a day using the free facility if you hold a membership card. All of the computers have internet facilities so why not surf for free.

Council Tax reduction for wheelchair use

If you need to use a wheelchair indoors or have a room that meets the needs of a disabled person, you will probably be entitled to have your Council Tax reduced by one band.

Criteria: You must be substantially & permanently disabled.
AND one of the following must apply:
*You have a 2nd bathroom or kitchen needed by that person; or
*You have a room (other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet) needed by and predominately used by that person; or
*You have enough space in your dwelling for that person to use a wheelchair which he or she needs indoors.
Between £590m & £860m is unclaimed each year for this benefit so get on the phone soon and start your claim if you feel entitled.

Free prescriptions

If your illness prevents you from leaving home to collect a prescription from the chemist without the help of another person, you are probably entitled to exemption from prescription charges. Obtain Form FP92A from your Doctor, Dentist or Pharmacist to apply.

Free cinema tickets

CEA Card. This is a national card that can be used to verify that the holder is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to a cinema that belongs to the scheme.

To apply for the card, you will need to meet one or more of the following criteria:

a) Be in receipt of the disability living allowance or attendance allowance.
b) Be a registered blind person.

The card is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Application forms are available from cinemas across the UK supporting this card. Alternatively, download an application form to print out and fill in.

www.ceacard.co.uk
E-mail: info@ceacard.co.uk

If you have any difficulty, please contact us at the address below:
The Card Network
Network House
St Ives Way
Sandycroft
CH5 2QS
Tel: 0845 123 1292
Fax: 0845 123 1296
Minicom / Text phone: 0845 123 1297

Free Directory Enquiries

If you have a problem with using a telephone directory because maybe your hands don’t work too well, you are probably entitled to receive free Directory Enquiries. Telephone your telephone company for full details.
BT 0800 5870195
NTL 0800 052 2000

INFORMATION

A BT charge !!!

Please be aware that you will be charged for using BT ring-back service. If you dial 1471 to see if anyone has rung, make a note of the number and dial it back yourself - no charge. If you use the 3 button for automatic ring-back, it will cost you 6p every time. You have been warned.

Warning

Before BT introduced the 1571 answer service, you knew if a number was engaged because it was indicated by an intermittent tone.

Your cost of the call – NIL

If you ring a number now and the call is 1571 regiustered, an automated voice tells you that the line is engaged and it costs you money to find out that you cannot be connected.

A tip: count six rings and hang up before the expensive voice starts charging you.

Rail travel

If you get a Disabled Persons Railcard, you can save up to 1/3 on most rail fares + rail/sea trips to Ireland.
Wheelchair users automatically get much reduced fares anyhow. Apply to a Disabled Persons Railcard Office, PO Box 1YT, Newcastle-on-Tyne, NE99 1YT

Radar key

Throughout the country, there are about 4000 toilets that are wheelchair user friendly. They are always locked but you can obtain a key at a minimal cost from your local council or from Radar Tel: 02072 503 222. You could also buy a guide from Radar.

Radar produces various books including the very usefuL “If Only I’d Known That A Year Ago”. So look at the website. You can order online if you want.
www.radar.org.uk

Uribag

Is a useful little aid for men that really need a loo now. It is a little tube (3ins. long x 17/8 ins. diam) with a lid which contains a rubber bag. The bag can be easily emptied, cleaned and re-used.

They are not expensive and are also available on prescription. There is also a feminine attachment available.
Contact Manfred Sauer UK on 0870 1 904 100

Manfred Sauer is the company that also produce urinary sheaths in 11 sizes and leg bags. For confidential advice and free sample sheath, telephone 0870 1 904 150

Occupational Therapy Services

If you feel that you could benefit from the services of an O.T. then you can either be referred by your G.P. or you could refer yourself by contacting the local Social Services dept. They may not be able to help directly but they will point you in the right direction. An O.T can assess your situation to see if he or she can suggest any way that your quality of life can be improved.

Social Services or Health O.T.

Under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the local authority social services department has a duty in some circumstances to arrange for the provision of equipment and adaptations to the home for the greater safety, comfort or convenience of any disabled person.

Examples of benefits that can be given to you are grab rails, specialised furniture etc. as well as professional advice.
Home visits can be arranged or a local clinic is available.

Disabled Facilities Grant.

If your home needs major adaptations to cater for your needs, then a Disabled Facility Grant may be the answer. An Occupational Therapist will assess your situation to recommend what facilities are required.

It might be that it has become difficult to use a bath in which case you may need to have a shower fitted or you may even need to
have another room added to your property.

Depending on your financial situation, you will be required to contribute towards the cost of the grant but the grant is highly subsidised. Many thousands of pounds can be awarded for a DFG and therefore is a benefit worth considering.

Dustbin Collection

If you are unable to move your refuse bin to the front of your house for collection, ask your local council for “Special Assist” service and the collection crew will be advised to collect your bin from the rear of your property.

Disability Discrimination Act

The D.D.A 1995 makes it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in connection with employment, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services or the disposal or management of premises, and allows the government to set standards and targets for accessible public transport.

From October 2004, service providers (e.g shops, restaurants etc) must make reasonable adjustments to their premises to enable disabled people to use the services offered to anyone.

A website has been launched to provide advice on the DDA.
www.open4all.org

Great Website

Jeanie Read, from Surrey has formed a website which can save you thousands of pounds. Jeannie refuses to pay the full price for anything if she can get away with it and she has formed a website to help you do the same.

Log on to www.madaboutbargains.co.uk and prepare to be amazed.

Save VAT

Because of your disability, you may need to have adaptations done to your home (building work), or adaptations to your car. If so, you may be able to avoid paying the VAT. A phone call to Customs & Excise could save you loadsamoney.

To Register Disabled can be beneficial

You do not have to become a registered disabled person in order to qualify for an assessment or to obtain services from your local authority. However if you do register as being disabled, it reflects the number of disabled people in the community, therefore perhaps improving the facilities for us.

If you do register, you will be given a registration card which can be used to perhaps obtain concessions when offered.
Your local Social Services office will register you.

Aid-Call

Aid-Call is a useful device which summons help when you need it. A base unit is connected to your telephone line, and a personal emergency button.This can be worn as a pendant, or like a watch, or clipped to your clothes like a brooch or pen. Never feel alone again because help can be available quickly with Aid-Call.

Cost

There are 2 options, both with an initial set up fee.
Option A: Initial fee + quarterly charge
Option B: Initial fee + annual charge.
For more details: Tel: Freephone 0800 77 22 66
Address
Aid-Call
Freepost (EX2356)
Newton Abbot
Devon
TQ13 7BR

Or visit www.aidcall-alarms.co.uk

The Warm Front Grant

A Government funded scheme is available to those who either own their own home or who rent from a private landlord. Disabled people on certain benefits are eligible for a grant of up to £2,500.

The scheme exists to make homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. You could also be on average £179 better off each year on fuel savings.

Lack of adequate heating can exacerbate existing health and mobility problems.

For those who are not in receipt of benefits at the moment, there may also be help at hand. Eaga Partnership run a Benefit Entitlement Check service which can identify any benefits which you should be receiving.

For further information on Warm Front or the Benefit Check, telephone Eaga Partnership free on 0800 072 0610 or visit www.wfteam.co.uk

For impartial energy advice any other available grants contact a local energy efficiency advice centre, telephone 0800 512 012

We hope that you have found the list of benefits and tips useful. If you have any comments or can add to the list please contact by E-mail: brindalan@hotmail.com

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