At Bathtime Mobility, we’re experts in adapting bathrooms to suit elderly and disabled people. In fact, it’s the only kind of bathroom work we do. Nonetheless, our Blog likes to touch on subjects our potential customers may be interested in, other than, of course, bathrooms. In this blog we thought we’d give a brief overview of the kind of financial assistance available for disabled people. As we’re sure you appreciate, disability can be a sudden life event for which no one prepares us and adapting one’s home and life can be costly.
Disability/sickness benefit
There are several disabled benefits available: Disabled Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. The amounts payable can be variable and the eligibility criteria can be different between each benefit.
Vehicles/transport
The Motability Scheme can help with buying or leasing a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. You will need to meet certain criteria and already be receiving one of the eligible benefits. If you have a vehicle adapted to suit your needs you may not have to pay VAT on the modifications. Vehicle tax exemptions or reductions may also be applicable as well as Blue Badge parking permits. In addition, public transport assistance may be available from local councils in the form of vouchers or tokens to be used on public transport or with taxi schemes. A Disabled Persons Railcard is also available.
Housing
Housing benefit may be payable if you are on a low income and paying rent. You may also be eligible for a reduction on your Council Tax bill – local councils can give you more information about this. A disabled facilities grant (DFG) may be payable if you need to make essential adaptations to your home in order to continue living there.
TV licence
Reductions in the TV licence may apply if you are blind or have severe sight impairment. Talk to TV Licensing to find out more.
VAT relief
If you are disabled or have a chronic illness you may be eligible for VAT exemptions on products designed or adapted for your personal use, including the installation of such items. Products designed for or adapted for a disability qualify for VAT exemptions, eg scooters and wheelchairs, adjustable beds, etc.
Work related injuries or illnesses
If you have been disabled by an injury or illness contracted at work you may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Benefit. If you were injured or became ill serving in the armed forces you may be able to claim Armed forces compensation.
We hope the above has served as a useful, if brief, overview of the kind of financial assistance available to disabled people. Obviously it is not an exhaustive guide and you should investigate further with the appropriate providers. To get started, see more at: https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled and remember the above is based on information available at time of writing and is subject to change.