This is based on a wiki post @KGB created and then a couple of us augmented on the Stroke Assoc.'s forum
(Needs tiding up and extending)
11th May 2024
Dear All,
I wanted to try and share some things that I have / have applied for / could apply for and ask if anyone else has anything to add.
I wanted to try and share some things that I... <--Click to expand
…have / have applied for / could apply for and ask if anyone else has anything to add.
He are a few bits to start with:
I will keep tidying it as best I can!
And please polar bear in mind that I live in zone 2 London so I have probably the right postcode to give me an edge in the lottery 🙄 🤣 😉
{I’ve made a few additions as well @SimonInEdinburgh }
3rd party agencies that may help. See:
https://stroke.logicalmodel.net/flarum/public/d/84-finding-support-groups/1
Forms
Most of the benefits below need some experience with filling the forms in, or knowing that they apply - the list above may be able to help. The below may not match your postcode.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - how and when to claim, rates, eligibility, change of circumstances, claiming due to a terminal illness.
https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim
Employment support allowance (ESA)
(By courtesy of @Nigelglos )
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) money if you cannot work because of illness or disability - rates, eligibility, apply, assessment.
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
Universal Credit
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
Freedom pass
https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass
CEA card (BOGOF cinema)
https://www.ceacard.co.uk/
Disabled persons railcard
https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
Disabled Persons Railcard | Official Retailer | National Rail - Disabled…
Get a Railcard for disabled persons and save an average of £115 a year on train travel
CVI card (should be provided by local council)
Access card
https://www.accesscard.online/
Radar key
https://shop.disabilityrightsuk.org/products/radar-key
Sunflower badge
https://hdsunflower.com/
Also available from Tesco for free if you ask and on sales from eBay, Amazon etc
Invisible Disabilities Index
London Specific Travel Assistance
TFL offer me a seat badge / card
https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/please-offer-me-a-seat
Register with as much as I can to get BOGOF (ie personal assistant)
London Taxicard
https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/taxicard
Taxicard is a subsidised service providing Black Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles to those who might find it difficult or impossible to access other modes of transport.
TfL Dial a ride
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/dial-a-ride/
Dial-a-Ride is TfL’s free door-to-door service for those with permanent or long-term disabilities
Other Services
Stroke association review - ask SA or get referred by OT etc
-
Council tax reduction - local council
-
Prescription delivery service (free) - just ask your pharmacy
Blue Badge
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge
Check if you’re eligible for a Blue Badge and apply or renew
https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
RNIB
Free sticks (RNIB canes) - from local authority enabled living centre
I always say I have had 3 strokes and I can’t queue and often people say ok you go first - i’m not ashamed to ask!
Local charities and referrals and funding such as:
Headway in East London where I live
https://www.headway.org.uk/
Headway is the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support and information services.
Attendance Allowance (DWP)
Always get GP to mark blood test forms etc as urgent so you don’t have to book an appointment generally if you go somewhere else for the tests like I do!
Enduring Power of Attorney
(Courtesy of @Nigelglos see below - Who advises ”only buy directly from the government for £82 not from the websites that Google finds”)
Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
How to make a lasting power of attorney (LPA): starting an application online, choosing an attorney, certifying a copy, changing LPA.