CARERS DIRECTORY
If you are on a low income there are a number of benefits you may be
entitled to.
If you are disabled or ill you may be entitled to certain disability
benefits such as Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance
If you help look after someone who has a disability, you may be able to
claim Invalid Care Allowance.
These benefits are all administered by the Benefits Agency and you
can obtain application forms for these from the Benefits Agency office.
If in doubt contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or Welfare Rights and ask
them to check and see what you are entitled to.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit may be available for people on
low incomes to help with rent or council tax.
This is dealt with by the Housing Benefits Department:
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Town Hall
Dalton Square
LANCASTER LA1 1PJ
( (01524)
582961
For information, advice or help filling benefit forms see, Age Concern
in Carnforth,
Welfare Rights Service, Citizens Advice Bureau,
or the Benefits Agency.
Prescription Charges: you
can get free prescriptions if you are over 60, you are on a low income (usually
if you are getting certain State benefits) or if you are a war/service
pensioner. You may also be able to
get help if you live in a residential or nursing home and receive assistance
from the local authority with the fees or if you have a certain type of illness
or disability.
Vouchers for Glasses:
you may be able to get help with glasses if you have certain eye
conditions or if you are on a low income.
Dental Treatment:
you automatically qualify for free dental treatment and dentures if you
are on a low income (usually if you are getting certain State benefits) or live
in a residential or nursing home and receive local authority help with the fees.
Travel to hospital for NHS Treatment:
if you are receiving
income support or you are on a low income you may be able to get help with your
travel costs. Payment is normally
made at the hospital each time you go (ask at reception where to go to claim
your travel expenses). You will be
asked to bring your bus or train ticket as proof of your journey. If you came by private car you need to give an estimate of
how much fuel was used. Taxi fares
are only paid if there is no other way you can travel for all or part of the
journey.
You will also need to show that you are entitled to have your travel
costs paid by bringing an Income Support payment book or an exemption
certificate.
Application forms for help with NHS costs:
For leaflets and application forms for help with NHS costs, contact
the Benefits Agency. Alternatively,
your doctor, dentist, optician or pharmacy may also be able to help.
The PALS can also give you information about help with NHS costs.
For general information and advice, your local Citizens Advice Bureau
offer a money advice service, including debt counseling if needed.
There are a number of different ways of raising income or a lump sum from your home. It is sensible to take independent advice before proceeding though because some schemes may prove to be expensive in the long term. To find out about the different types of schemes you could contact the Citizens Advice Bureau. Alternatively, Age Concern Fact sheets also provide a lot of information on this matter.
See Legal Issues
Morecambe Bay Credit Union
Morecambe Bay Credit Union is a financial co-operative owned and run by
local people. Contact them for information on savings and loans.
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Morecambe Bay Credit Union Limited
38 Poulton Road
Morecambe
LA4 5HB
(
01524 411240
There are a wide range of charitable and occupational trusts that make
grants to individuals. Ask at the reference library for a copy of Grants to
Individuals in Need.
See also Benevolent
Funds
See also Repairs for
information about possible help with home repair assistance
See also Warmth
for information about possible help with insulation costs
See also Age Concern
and Help the Aged fact sheets