Disabled Moneysaving

foxxymynx

pipkin71 wrote: »

What about headset.co.uk?

I bought a cordless phone with a loudspeaker option, because it's difficult when I'm lying flat to use the phone sometimes [mainly because of the aerial]. That would be cheaper than a headset, but there is then the problem of privacy.

Pipkin xxxx

Thanks. I'll give them a try. You're right though, I'd prefer a headset for privacy

zzzLazyDaisy

Count me in - it would be great to have all disability/chronic illness related moneysaving in one place!

As a starter, did you know that if you hold a disabled person's railcard, you are also entitled to discounts off some hotels and short breaks (although it is still worth checking to see if the same deal is cheaper elsewhere). Also, I just found out today that you can get half price membership (£4.99) of rio midweek dining club which gives special offers like 50% off meals and 2-4-1 offers - there are loads of participating restaurants round my way, so I'll be looking into that.

Also - re phones - if you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to use a phone book (this includes exhaustion caused by ME or other chronic illnesses) you can get free directory enquiries.

Daisy

Holeypockets

Great Idea. Lets see it happen.

pipkin71

If you contact your energy suppliers and register your disability, you can also go on a priority reconnection list, so if there is a power failure, you will be given priority over others in the area, to have your supply switched back on.

Once you've registered with the energy suppliers as disabled, they send out a letter confirming your priority. I'm not sure if this is for specific disabilities - I'm on the list, but don't have to use life-saving equipment that needs an electricity supply.

Pipkin xxxx

pipkin71

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

Also - re phones - if you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to use a phone book (this includes exhaustion caused by ME or other chronic illnesses) you can get free directory enquiries.

I also read on youreable that if you have specific needs, you may be able to get help with your phone costs through social services.

Pipkin xxxx

Edited to add info:

Telephone bills: if you are disabled, the telephone can become a lifeline. You should check the policy of your provider in the event of bill non-payment. Some will be more sympathetic than others. It is possible that if the Social Work Department assesses you as having a particular need, you may get help with telephone charges. Contact your local authority for more information.

This is the link to the site, which also details other help you may receive:

http://www.youreable.com/TwoShare/getPage/09Money/2Benefits+&+grants/Grants

foxxymynx

I'm a little shocked that no one from MSE admin has responded to our request...

but then again I'm also concerned that if we did have a board, would there be alot of bad comments about DLA and "free cars" etc etc like there has been on other boards?

vivatifosi

foxxymynx wrote: »

I'm a little shocked that no one from MSE admin has responded to our request...

but then again I'm also concerned that if we did have a board, would there be alot of bad comments about DLA and "free cars" etc etc like there has been on other boards?

It would be a shame if that got in the way of genuine need.

I've already found out about some interesting stuff on this thread - like the directory enquiries. My cousin has ME and epilepsy following a severe bout of meningitis, she would find that really helpful. I'm sure that the doubters will still call her a layabout for not being able to work, but equally she'd be happy to swap the disease that nearly killed her and left her with those conditions for being able to work again.

I'm really sad at the way in the last couple of weeks to month the boards have become much more adversarial. I can understand why - people are far more worried about jobs, pensions, debt, savings and a whole host of things that were less of a problem a year ago. But that's hardly a good reason to go kicking people who have a genuine need for the likes of DLA, and possibly because the tide is turning and money will get tighter - an even greater need for a disabled/long term illness section.

zzzLazyDaisy

People in receipt of DLA or AA, or who are registered blind, can get a cinema pass that entitles them to 2 tickets for the price of one. There is a £5.50 admin charge and the pass lasts for a year.

http://www.ceacard.co.uk/

It is also worth phoning your local theatres and asking what concessions they have for disabled people, and what the qualifying criteria are. My local theatre gives two for one tickets to anyone on DLA. I had to produce my DLA evidence, which was entered onto the computer, so now I just phone and say I'm on their disabled list, and the discount is given automatically. There was no admin charge for this either.

Similarly, most local authority leisure centres operate a discounted (or sometimes free) scheme for people on DLA, and also for people in receipt of certain means tested benefits. It is worth phoning around to see if your local leisure centre has a warm water pool, as often the temperature in normal pools is too cold for disabled people as they may not be able to expend enough energy to keep warm.

hth

[Deleted User]

I made a similar suggestion a few months back

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=981967

Disabilty is about so many things including moneysaving. Having lots of useful info in one place would make researching things a lot easier.

brodev

I agree with this concept. Why doesn't the op open a section in the "Home work and Play" subsection "Moneysaving in Marriages, Relationships and families" subsection "Health and Beauty Moneysaving"