Practical and Financial Support

Submitted by omega.group on Wed, 21/10/2009 - 9:20pm

 

 

Financial Support

Many ME sufferers find it difficult to manage financially if they are unable to work, and often require financial advice.

There are different benefits to which ME people may be entitled, including Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance. Carers may also be entitled to claim Carers Allowance.


For further details please contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau, or, for Oxford residents:

Barton Information Centre: 01865 744152
Agnes Smith Advice centre, Blackbird Leys: 01865 770206,
Rose Hill and Donnington Advice Centre: 01865 438634. 

There is also information on the various forms and medicals from:
ME Association: www.meassociation.org.uk
and Action for ME: www.afme.org.uk.
See Newsletter no 66 for more details.

Action for ME now has a welfare rights helpline: 0845 1228648.

Discounts
If you are well enough to go out to the theatre/cinema/concerts etc, many venues have reduced prices for disabled people or allow a carer to have a free seat if they need to push your wheelchair or otherwise look after you. Ask at the venue.

Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card (CEA) - £5.50 p.a.
Tel: 0845 123 1297
www.ceacard.co.uk or email info@ceacard.co.uk.

 

Practical Support


Direct Payments
The A4e – Improving peoples lives website provides details and support for help in claiming Direct Payments to help provide care to support your specific needs. For more information see:
http://www.mya4e.com/getdoc/4cfd519e-1d3d-4cec-a6fc-bfdfd82df103/Direct-...

Social and Health Care
Mountfield House
Berinsfield
Wallingford
Oxon OX10 7LZ

 

Mobility Support

Blue Badge Scheme    01865 854409 or 0870 1226236
email: SCS@oxfordshire.gov.uk

This enables you to park in places set aside for disabled people, and on some double yellow lines.

Octabus/Dial-a-Ride     01865-876176

This is a mini-bus that will come and pick you up at your house and take you wherever you want in Oxfordshire - book 1 week in advance.


Bus Pass
For free travel for disabled people on local buses, anywhere in the country.

Different local authorities in Oxfordshire have slightly different procedures, so contact them directly for details.


Disabled Person’s Rail Card - 0845-605-0525
http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
This gives you, and an accompanying carer, one-third discount on all train journeys. It also gives other discounts e.g. for hotels. You pay for the card. This is available for people on a range of benefits including Incapacity Benefit.

Details of a new card you can apply for to assist in getting a seat.  This can be useful for people with hidden disabilities.

http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/news/please_give_up_your_seat_...


Exemption from motor vehicle licence - 08457 712345
Minicom users: 08457 224433
DLA Unit, Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool, FY2 0YE.

For those who get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (the higher mobility rate).

ShopMobility
Oxford:     01865 248737
Bicester:     01869 320132
Witney:     01993 864787
National Federation:    08456 444442    www.shopmobilityuk.org
Mobility scooters or wheelchairs for hire (free). No need to prove disability.

Travel Assistance

All the train companies and most major airlines can help you when travelling e.g. with wheelchair or carrying luggage. Book well in advance.

See Newsletter Vol 63 for more details.

 

Links to other OMEGA pages within this site:

OMEGA
Useful Publications
Join OMEGA
Forthcoming Events
ME Support & Treatment
What is ME?
Practical and Financial Support
OMEGA Competition


 

 

 

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