Moneysaving For Carers

meghanrose

Crikey theres a lot of info on here, thanks everyone for your tips its been very helpful. Just to let you know about a couple of schemes I've heard about. Firstly you can get a bus pass that allows you to travel anywhere in the country free if you travel with someone who is disabled as their carer. Up until now this has been restricted to local authority areas, but has now been pushed out nationwide. Check with your local authority for full details.
Also, if you travel up the M6 toll several times a year, it might be worth your while getting a pass that allows you free travel through the tolls. We bought a pass for our son a couple of years ago, for £5 and it lasts 3 years, so well worth it as you get the cost back by the end of the first journey! (It may have gone up since then but still worth the money). Go on google and put in M6toll and look for disabled info.

dan8

Could you tell me where else one can find out about the free bus pass scheme for carers of disabled relatives other than our local authority? We were told by them that only my disabled daughter could get free bus travel via a free bus pass but not her carer. This has meant that she is unable to use her free bus pass as she needs to be accompanied at all times.

Also, are there any agencies that we can apply to for free driving lessons for my disabled daughter as she only gets the lower mobility rate for her DLA and does not qualify for the Motability scheme. She gets the highest rate for care.

Thanks

softwaremad

I thought that i'd just mention that the local councils have to re-band disabled persons homes if they have wheelchairs or a room specifically used for the storage of device aids.

My daughter here uses a wheel chair when out a\nd about and its stored in the hall, someone will come out and assess your home, if you pass then your council tax is reduced by 25% i.e. down one band (C->B).

It has been stated that this should be back dated to whenever the disabled person was first registered but i am struggling to get this with my local council however the saving is amazing as is.

all you have to do is ring your localcouncil tax office and tell them you want a disability reduction - they should know the rest.

softwaremad

carers do not forget if you have somebody living with you or you transport someone around in your vehicle who has a blue badge when you get your aa/rac cover remembet to tell them this as they do large discounts for disabled patrons. i think the last time i rang the aa it was £45 instead of the normal £90 charge

Trix

RE: The MAX card scheme.

In my area at least, this has now stopped being used for children with disabilities and has been replaced with the FACT card. So far, they have only managed to get some discounts off some places, instead of the free entry they had before. With the FACT card, you also have to provide a photograph of the disabled child. I got the information from a newsletter so will try to find it to get a bit more information and give any links or phone numbers.

katya1971

panicos wrote: »

My son gets Middle rate DLA and Lower rate mobility because my wife and I work we do not qualify for carers allowance. Are we still entitled to the lists above my son is ADHD and looks perfectly alright its his behaviour thats the problem. To tell the truth Id hate the red face if they did'nt believe me.

hi im just reading through this long and very good post, i have just been awarded lower rate mobility and middle rate care for my son who has aspergers and possibly other problems (still undergoing tests) most problems ar behaviour related. i have not applied for carers allowance yet, im on income support will i be able to get the carers allowance without it making my income support lower as i dont really understand.

thanks

Penny-Pincher!!

dan8 wrote: »

Could you tell me where else one can find out about the free bus pass scheme for carers of disabled relatives other than our local authority? We were told by them that only my disabled daughter could get free bus travel via a free bus pass but not her carer. This has meant that she is unable to use her free bus pass as she needs to be accompanied at all times.

As far as I know, there is nothing for carers to claim Free Bus travel. I have a Freedom card but my OH although he is my FT carer has to pay for his bus travel.

PP
xx

Edinburghlass_2

It seems to depend on your area, in Scotland the carer will get free bus if travelling with the disabled person using their bus pass.

Post by poppycat here referring to his disabled daughter having a pass and being able to travel with her.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=9062813&postcount=91

edited to add this link for Everyday life and access

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Everydaylifeandaccess/index.htm

Babe1

Just found this very informative thread ... Many thanks to all posters :beer:

Has given me lots of info that I am trying to find out for ourselves re my son, but also a friends Grandmother.

Hugs, Babe1

Js_Other_Half

katya1971 wrote: »

i have just been awarded lower rate mobility and middle rate care for my son who has aspergers and possibly other problems (still undergoing tests) most problems ar behaviour related. i have not applied for carers allowance yet, im on income support
thanks

You will be entitled to the carers allowance as your son has middle rate care awarded. However, your income support will go down to take account of it - but you'll still be better off by £27.15 per week, as you'll be entitled to carers premium.

Has your income support gone up since the DLA was awarded - you should have an extra £49.69 per week (unless child has more than £3000 savings).

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/ssa/benefit_information/a-z_of_benefits/income_support_gbi/income_support_gbi_premiums.htm

hth