Around 25% of the population worldwide have a disability that not only makes life a bit more tricky, but more expensive as often you need adapted devices and comfortable wheelchairs. Use online benefits calculators to ensure you are getting all money you are entitled to otherwise it just goes unclaimed (if you ask, sometimes you may even get a few months backpay if you were unaware).
The government also offers Disabled Facilities Grants (these don’t affect benefits) to widen doors, install ramps and grab rails, build downstairs bathrooms and easier-to-use heating/lighting controls. To help children with disabilities, apply for the Family Fund (grants for adaptations, sensory toys, clothing and even days out and holidays).
NHS has info on how to apply for mobility devices like walking sticks and NHS wheelchairs. It pays to also apply for a personal wheelchair budget to upgrade to a more comfortable one (and easier to use for carers). Which? has a good post on how to choose the best wheelchair for your needs, depending on your height, weight and needs.
Remap is a super little outfit where ‘garage tinkerers’ come up with free inventions to help unique needs. For instance, a relaxing garden chair for an amputee, an oven door opener (for someone with weak hands), a one-handed sandwich cutter (for a stroke survivor) and an emergency brake for a woman prone to epileptic fits (in case she has one when out with her baby).
Ben Ryan created a fantastic bionic limb for his young son, who had to have a limb amputated at birth, due to a blood clot. He quit his job to set up Ambionics in North Wales. Yet despite winning an inventor’s prize, the government won’t fund him. Yet his genius could change the lives of so any children – and yet MPs spend money on bombs.
Once you qualify for disability benefits, you often then are entitled to other freebies, and not all of them automatic. You’ll usually get free prescriptions from your GP, same with dental care. And if buying disability-related goods, you won’t have to pay VAT. Other benefits include:
Capped Water Bills
Most water boards offer capped bills for disabled people, due to using more water. Same for parents on benefits who have three or more children.
Reduced TV License Fee
Claim 50% discount on a TV license (over 75 or on Pension Credit is free). A bonkers rule in England is that blind people get a discount on their license if it’s black-and-white?
Free Help with Home Telephones
Relay is a free app to help people who have difficulty using the telephone. Also register with BT Protected Services Scheme (this prevents your bill being cut off, in case you forget to pay).
BT Home Essentials offers cheaper calls and broadband (also apply for BT Priority Repair & free BT directory enquiries).
If you’re registered blind, Royal Mail offers free postage (national and international) of books, media & mobility aids. Also get free loan of digital radios and touch-to-see books.
Free Mobility Equipment
People who use wheelchairs may be entitled to free equipment like raised toilet seats, bath rails and slip mats, easy-grip kitchen equipment, bed rails and reclining chairs. Also order a £5 radar key (to access disabled toilets) and a blue badge (for easier parking).
Discounted Public Transport
Londoners with a disability can get discounted (limited) travel across the city via Taxicard. Apply to your borough (GPs can also endorse applications).
The Disabled Person’s Railcard is available for many people on benefits (and epilepsy). It costs £20 for 1 year and entitles a third savings on all fares.
Read rules for train travel with pets. Animals must be kept on leads or in carriers, and aside from guide dogs (who still may find them stressful), pets are not allowed on seats/escalators (must be carried).
Possble Compensation from the Armed Forces
You can claim for compensation if you were made disabled (or have mental health issues) while serving in the Armed Forces (including Reserve Forces). Paid as a lump sum or regular payments, you can also claim if you were victim of a violent crime while serving abroad, under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
