Great 'What discounts can I get when I'm disabled' Hunt

I-Owe-You

Just to go back to the original subject of the thread...:cool:

I've just recieved my copy of the RADAR book from Amazon (slightly cheaper than the RADAR website) and after my quick flip through I think it maybe a valuable tools for any disabled people or carers...

Thanks for the orignial poster for the recommendation.

Will feedback once Ive had time to read it properly.

Freddie1

LORNS wrote: »

Hi, my mum is disabled and in a wheelchair and my stepdad caresfor her 24/7. they bought a car a couple of weeks ago as my mum hates being in all day and likes to go out every day. we were unaware about this not having to pay VAT on a car. is it too late to do anything now or can the VAT they paid be returned upon completion of the necessary form after this purchase ? thanks.

Hi LORNS....if they bought the car brand new from a dealer then you need to contact the dealer. They will get you to sign a declaration form and then hopefully refund the VAT element. Double check with the VAT office first as there is certain criteria to fulfil. If the car was second hand then there is no VAT anyway.

Freddie1

Have just found out about a website that allows you to list your unwanted mobilty aids for free, or to buy 2nd hand mobilty aids. It is disabledgear.com

melcmgr

SuzySF wrote: »

very interesting stuff - repeatedly it says take proof of disability - well I am classed disabled but have no visible disability, and having been repeatedly challenged of my use of disabled parking, and asking if Disabled get concessions at various places, and trying to explain my illness, the last time I renewed my Blue Badge the lady at the council solved the problem. This may be peculiar to Powys County Council in Wales, but they issued me with their acceditation and gave me a small credit card type card stating I was physically disabled, a registration number, and contact numbers for them so they could be contacted to confirm the holder is who they say they are etc. This has proved incredibly useful, and saves showing DLA entitlement as this states how much money you get too, other ppl dont have to show their wage slips for things as proof !
ask you council if they have such a scheme

If you ask your local Social Services they can issue a similar card that acts as proof of disability.

hildark

Couple of things first someone earlier said that one advantage of a disabled persons railcard is you get help on the trains. You dont need a railcard for this either ring the station or the train company (probably not network rail) and they wiill arrange for help at the staion or on the train. Most rail companies also have an assisted travel dept who can make a booking for you and book particular seats if needed such as near toilets etc. Always worth while booking through them if travelling with a carer as they can ensure seats are together something Virgin Trains website for one cannot do....

Also my local council Staffs County Council run a companion bus pass scheme meaning if your doctor writes a letter stating you need someone with you whilst on public transport they can also travel for free you get a new bus pass with a special logo on it. Some time restrictions on this I believe.

Also you dont ned to be "disabled" to get free bus pass in our council, anyone who would be or has been refused a driving licence on medical grounds is entitled to a free bus pass. This includes both a relative who is perfectly healthy but has very poor night vision so cant drive, and me I am short sighted and would just fail the sight test for driving. Sadly I only found out about this 6 mths ago at age 41...

idlydan

merlinsmagicwand offer a free day out to some of the big attractions all round the country for children who are disabled, suffering long term illness or are disadvantaged, free tickets are included for the whole family and I believe they will also consider paying travel costs

barbadoskido

My husband was referred for Exercise By Invitation by the Physio Department, for the local Leisure Centre. After 16 weeks he now has free membership to use the Gym whenever he wants. Each apparatus he uses has to be programmed by the Experts who run the Gym, (for his own safety). His disability is balance, after having both knee joints replaced, which have damaged his tendons/muscles and he needs to build up some strength in his legs.:j

dizzylynny

kevanf1 wrote: »

Blue Badge holders can get 'free' travel on the M6 Toll but they have to first apply for a special pass costing a one off 'admin' fee of £15. It's up to the individual if you think it is worthwhile spending that £15. I only live about a mile from the Toll end junction 11a and have never used the road.

i need to point out that this only applies to ONE car and it isnt transferable. it can only be used if the disabled person is in the car. some of the staff try to play dum about these cards and try and make you pay so please stand your ground!!

karendb

KarenA wrote: »

My son is in receipt of DLA and I also receive Carers Allowance for him. We have had a number of free or 'cheap' days out. We now take the letter from his doctor stating that he doesn't understand the concept of queuing and he lacks social skills, as well as the letters stating that we get DLA and Carers Allowance, as some places have wanted to see all 3 letters before allowing a carer to enter for free or issuing exit passes.

Just to let some of you know, as most of you know, most places do let in a free carer with a disabled person BUT sometimes you have to pay for them in full - ie cash or card and NOT with Tesco's clubcard vouchers.

We've been refused a free carer pass from Merlin when using Tesco clubcard vouchers, as they say that their heavily discounted the pass in the first place. I told them that the were discriminating against disabled people, but they stuck to the guns, which meant I had to use Tesco clubcard vouchers for me too! Also Cadbury's World, you have to pay cash for the disabled person to get the carer in free.

I've just received 5 tickets for Warwick Castle using Tesco clubcard vouchers. We have 2 disabled children and my dh and I are carers for them. Would we be able to use the Tesco vouchers for the children but get free carers passes for ourselves do you think?

blue_monkey_2

Just about the wetting. My son was adamant that he did not want to wear 'nappies' anymore so I took the plunge and ditched the Dry Nights. We had a few dry nights and then it was back to normal but I wake him up at 10.30 to take him to the loo. It might be worth setting your alarm at 2.30 to get up and take him again so that he does not have a full bladder and gradually set the time a bit later - 2.45 for 5 days, then 3am, etc....

For us it is so far so good so it might be worth a try. Anything is worth a try.