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It is important to claim all benefits which are available to you. Since we can only provide brief, general information here, we suggest you contact any of the Advice Services, Age Concern's Advice Service, any other independent advice agency or your Social Worker who will all be pleased to help.
ANGLIAN WATER (AW)
Anglian Water recognises special circumstances for disabled and older people. Through WaterCare, AW hold a register of details about people needing special assistance or services. Alternative tariffs are also offered for those with a water meter. For details contact AW. PO BOX 770, Lincoln, LN5 7WX. Tel: 0845 791 9155. Website: anglianwater.co.ukATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE (AA)
This is a benefit paid to people who need supervision or help with personal care and who are aged 65 years or over. There are two rates of payment - a higher and a lower rate dependent upon whether the help is required for day and night or only part of the day. Your income and savings are not taken into account when calculating this benefit. This benefit may also entitle you to extra help with Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit and Carer's Allowance for your carer.CARERS ALLOWANCE
This benefit is paid to people over the age of 16 who care for at least 35 hours per week for someone who gets either Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance Care Component at the middle or higher rate. Carers, who are full time students, cannot get this benefit. There are also special rules regarding earnings. Sometimes claiming Carers Allowance can affect the benefits of the person you are caring for. You should take advice before you make your claim.
CHILD TAX CREDIT
Apply to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. There are extra allowance if you have a child who gets Disability Living Allowance. Child Tax Credit is paid in addition to Child Benefit to families with children whose annual income is below approximately £58,000. (This figure may be higher if you have a child who gets DLA).COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT
This is a benefit available to owner-occupiers and tenants (Council or private) who are either in receipt of Income Support, Pension Credit or who have a low income/ earnings and less than £16,000 in savings.The savings rule does not apply to people getting Pension Credit (guarantee) For details contact your local district or borough councilDEBT
Citizens Advice have advisers who can help people with money problems. For further information contact your local CAB office. Website: adviceguide.org.uk There are also other independent money advisers who may be able to help and who offer a free money advice service.DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE (DLA)
This is a benefit divided into two parts. The first part, called Mobility Component is paid to people under 65 years of age who have difficulty walking or are unable to walk. There are two rates of Mobility Component - a higher (paid to people aged3 and over) and a lower rate (paid to people aged 5 and over). The second part, called the Care Component, is paid to people who need help with their personal care or supervision to keep them safe. There are three rates of Care Component. There is no lower age limit but it must be claimed before the 65th birthday (for people over 65 years of age see Attendance Allowance). Your income and savings are not taken into account when calculating this benefit.HEALTH COSTS, DENTAL TREATMENT & GLASSES
Many people automatically qualify for help with NHS charges because of their age. Those on Income Support and Pension Credit (guarantee) will receive automatic assistance, as will their families. However, those on a low income may still be able to get help with all or part of their costs by filling in Form HC1 from the DWP, dentists, doctors, hospitals, opticians, Post Office etc. (you may already have a valid DWP exemption certificate HC2). There are a few medical conditions which entitle you to free prescriptions. DWP leaflet P11 gives you further information. However, if you would like help or assistance, please contact your local advice agency.HOUSING BENEFIT
This is an income related benefit available to tenants (Council, Housing Association or private) who are either on Income Support or have a low income and have less than £16,000 in savings. For details contact your local district or borough councilINCAPACITY BENEFIT (IB)
This benefit is paid to people who are sick and unable to work. The amount paid depends on your National Insurance contributions. This benefit is being replaced by Employment Support Allowance in November 2008.INCOME SUPPORT
This is a benefit which takes your savings and income into account. It is available if you work less than 16 hours a week and have less than £16,000 savings. Income Support gives claimants access to payments from the Social Fund which covers loans, community care grants and cold weather payments, funeral and maternity payments. You also qualify for free dental treatment, eye tests and glasses, hospital fares and free school meals.INDEPENDENT LIVING FUND (ILF)
Government financed Trust which works closely with Adult and Community Services to support disabled people by helping them live at home instead of in residential care. For details contact your Social Worker or the ILF directly at PO BOX 7525 Nottingham NG2 4ZT. Tel: 0845 601 8815. Website: ilf.org.ukINDUSTRIAL INJURIES DISABLEMENT BENEFIT
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is a weekly sum paid if you are assessed as at least 14% disabled as a result of an injury or disease caused by your employment.LEGAL AID
For information and leaflets contact Community Legal Services.
Tel: 01223 417991 or most Solicitors. Website: legalservices.gov.ukPENSION CREDIT
Pension Credit is a means tested benefit available to people aged over 60 to ensure that they have a minimum level of income.VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY EXEMPTION
People who receive the higher mobility component of DLA are exempt from road tax when the vehicle is for sole use of the disabled person. Application forms are available from the DVLA Swansea SA99 1AL. Website: direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeopleWORKING TAX CREDIT (WTC)
This is a top-up benefit to help people to return to or take up work by topping up income. There are additional allowances for people who have long term illnesses and disabilities. If you qualify for this benefit (you have to work more than 16 hours a week), you will also have access to maternity and funeral payments from the Social Fund. Apply to the Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.