Free Prescriptions
Are available if you….
Are over 60, under 16, or under 19 and in full time education
Have any long-term disability which prevents you from leaving home without the help of another person
Have epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy
If you do not qualify for free prescriptions, consider buying a Prescription Prepayment Certificate for four months or a year. It will save you money if you need more than five prescriptions in four months or fourteen items in one year. Forms are available from your local pharmacist, Post Office of social security office.
Disability Living Allowance
This is not means-tested. To qualify you need to have had difficulty walking or looking after yourself for at least three months and these difficulties should be expected to last for at least the next six months.
The Disability Living Allowance is made up of
Care component (for difficulties with looking after yourself)
Mobility component (for difficulties with walking or getting around)
People receiving the higher rate can use the allowance to buy a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. To apply phone 01279 635999 or visit www.motability.co.uk
Transport
If you have lost your driving licence due to epilepsy, you should qualify for a 50% discount on all local bus fares in England and Wales
You are exempt from paying Road Tax if you receive the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance
If, as someone with mobility problems, you have a blue badge (available from the social services department of your local council), you will not have to pay the London congestion charge. For information telephone 0845 900 1234 or visit www.cclondon.com
Carers Allowance
You or your carer may be eligible for this allowance if you are caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week. You can be working outside the home too but there is a weekly earnings limit of £79 a week after certain deductions. You cannot claim Carers Allowance if you are studying full time (21 hours a week or more). Claim forms are available from your local Jobcentre Plus or social security office. You can also download a claim form from www.dwp.gov.uk
Council Tax Disability reduction scheme
You can claim a reduction in your Council Tax if you are disabled and have special needs at home. Contact your local authority for further information.
State benefits (both means tested and non-means tested)
For further information on benefits such as
- Incapacity benefit
- Income support
- Disability living allowance
- Carers allowance
- Pension credit
- Attendance allowance
Contact the Department for Work and Pensions on Freephone 0800 882 200
The UK Government has a website giving details of all benefits available to be claimed at www.direct.gov.uk
Carers UK also offers help for carers with benefits and finances. Their phone number is 020 7490 8818 and their website is www.carersuk.org
Help with costs travelling to and from hospital
Travelling to hospital may be difficult for you because of the cost, the length or complexity of the journey, or the lack of access to private or public transport.
You may be entitled to help with necessary travel costs to and from hospital for National Health Service (NHS) treatment.
The Hospital Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) is for patients who do not have a medical need for ambulance transport and who cannot afford the cost of travel.
You may be entitled to HTCS if you receive, for example, Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance. Some people receiving tax credit may also be entitled to help.
You may also be entitled to help with the travel costs of a companion if, for medical reasons, you need someone to travel with you. Their travel costs are counted as part of your travel costs.
The booklet ‘Are you entitled to help with health costs?’ is a useful and detailed source of information. It is available from main post offices, Jobcentre Plus offices or hospitals. Your local doctor, dentist, pharmacist and optician might also have a copy.
You can get a copy by ringing the Department of Health’s order line.
Telephone: 08701 555 455, Monday-Friday, 8.00am-6.00pm
Quote the reference HC11
DISCLAIMER
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information above is accurate, you are strongly urged to check with the relevant agencies to confirm details of benefit entitlement.