I get PIP now. What else can I get?

RandyRos

Thanks for all the advice and sorry for being sensitive. I have had Bipolar Affective Disorder with frequent depressive episodes for over 20 years now and since being diagnosed with a bulging disc causing sciatic pain and Osteoarthritis in my whole spine at the grand old age of 43, I have been more depressed than usual.

From your advice, it seems the only thing I could get and use is the Radar key for public toilets. But with the state of the pubic loos in my area, that will be a godsend lol

I'm with Engie for electric, I will check them out, but I don't think they do the Warm Home Discount scheme, which is a shame. We have 2 open fires and I find it very difficult and painful to clean them out. If my hubby, son or daughter hasn't brought wood and coal in for me, then there is no fire till someone else gets home. We have 2 storage heaters, but can't afford to run them.

I wouldn't use any 2 for 1's on cinema etc because I go out as little as possible (depression). Hubby isn't my official carer. Not yet, anyway. I didn't want to disclose much about my situation because it makes me feel awful

w06

For a radar key, amazon is probably simplest, there aren't any qualifying criteria

RandyRos

Amazon? How bizarre lol

Ames

Your husband doesn't claim carer's allowance, but he's still your carer - and probably your son and daughter too. So look into what support's available for them via carer's groups near you. Especially if your son or daughter are children, there's lots of help out there, and there's no stigma or judgement attached to accessing it.

Re the fires, when I lived in a flat with no heating I found heated throws a godsend. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreamcatcher-Washable-Electric-Chocolate-Overblanket/dp/B01I3KCH5E/ref=pd_sim_121_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6MY9WZQS2511SVJJ9PJV

Although obviously do your own research into which brand etc. The one I had cost pennies to use - I didn't notice a change in my electric bill - and turning it on for twenty minutes kept it and me warm for hours.

Also, make sure your energy supplier knows that you're disabled and vulnerable in case of power cuts. I'm not sure what they actually do, never having had to find out, but it's something to be aware of.

Ames

RandyRos wrote: »

Amazon? How bizarre lol

Not really, it sells a lot of aids cheaper than 'proper' sources, and I think you can claim the VAT back with them too.

mcculloch29

You can indeed claim the VAT back. I get nearly all my disability aids from Amazon.
Sometimes the VAT is deducted at source, as with wheelchairs. It's also worth looking out for sale offers from disability supply companies in January. Last year, I got two ergonomic walking sticks for a quid each.

Radar key three pack, post free for £2.49

RandyRos

how do you claim VAT back? I just bought myself a grab rail for the bathroom from Coopers

w06

Usually you don't pay it rather than claim it back. Most places have a form to complete declaring that the item is for personal use and that you are chronically ill or disabled

linky to the gov.uk site https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vat-relief

butterflies56

I have just been given zero vat discount for a new Electric Adjustable Bed and a new Wheelchair

RandyRos

ah I see. Big purchases. Hopefully they are some time off!