Throughout your transition journey there may be changes to your financial circumstances. Although not an exhaustive list, this section includes resources relating to finance and benefits that we hope will make you feel more prepared for any upcoming changes you may face. If you are unable to find what you need, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Councils and Citizens’ Advice Bureaus are often able to help.
Citizens Advice Herefordshire (herefordshirecab.org.uk) Website for Citizen’s Advice, Herefordshire. Independent service providing a free, confidential, and impartial advice and support service on debt, benefits, housing family and many other areas.
Worcester Citizens Advice (citizensadviceworcester.org.uk) Website for Citizen’s Advice, Worcester. Independent service providing a free, confidential, and impartial advice and support service on debt, benefits, housing family and many other areas.
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge (www.gov.uk) Check whether you’re eligible for a Blue Badge or use this service to reapply
Getting a Motability car (Citizens Advice) Information on eligibility and the process for applying for a mobility car.
How it works (Motability Scheme) Motability scheme website.
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs (NHSBSA) From the age of 18, you may be required to pay for prescriptions. Use this online tool from the NHS to check if you may be eligible for help with NHS costs.
Personal independence payment (PIP) (mariecurie.org.uk) Information on Personal Independence Payments is available from Marie Curie.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (Citizens Advice) Information on Personal Independence Plans is available from Citizen’s Advice.
Get benefits if you're nearing the end of life (www.gov.uk) Information on how to claim benefits if you have a life-threatening condition.
Terminal illness benefits and finances (mariecurie.org.uk) Information about a range of benefits and finances.
What is a DS1500 form? (mariecurie.org.uk) If you are living with a life-threatening condition and applying for benefits under the special rules, you might be asked to complete a DS1500 form. This link will direct you to the Marie Curie website where you can find out more about the DS1500 form.
There are grants and other funds that may be available to you, eligibility criteria will vary and charitable funds are often limited, but those listed below are examples of help that may be available.
Grants and Wishes (Together for Short Lives) Fact sheet offering advice on sources of charitable funding and other forms of support.
Grants and loans for people with cancer (Macmillan Cancer Support) Macmillan Cancer Support provides information about different types of grants and loans that may be available for those living with cancer and in need of financial help.
Disability Grants (disability-grants.org) A charity that helps people find grants and funding, visitors to the website can browse charities according to categories or use the search function.
Equipment:
Children's Wheelchair Charity (whizz-kidz.org.uk) A charity that can provide funding for essential wheelchairs and mobility equipment that are not funded by the NHS.
Children Today A charity that provides on-off funding for specialist equipment to support children and young people with disabilities.
Chips Charity - The Charity of the Casino and Gaming Industry A UK charity that provides funding for wheelchairs for children that the NHS cannot/will not provide and that parents cannot afford to buy.
Lifeline 4 Kids A charity providing essential equipment to help improve the quality of life for children with disabilities and special needs.
Variety, the Children's Charity A charity providing funding for wheelchairs and essential equipment for children and young people under the age of 19.
REACT Children's Charity (reactcharity.org) A charity that provides funding for families of children with a life-shortening illness who are on low-income. Funding is available for specialist equipment, domestic items, educational items, respite breaks, hospital travel and end-of-life/memorial costs.
Holidays:
Plan an accessible holiday (Scope UK) Scope is a charity providing information and advice for managing disabilities when planning a holiday in the UK/abroad.
Holiday Charities (accessiblecountryside.org.uk) A charity that promotes countryside accessibility in England has a page that lists charities providing or assisting with disabled holidays.
Other Holiday Charities and the Family Fund | Family Holiday Charity A charity that assists families of low income who haven’t had a holiday in the last 4 years. They also have a page with a list of charities who may also be able to help.
Experiences and wishes:
Some charities can provide funding for one-off family trips or experiences for young people who have a disability or serious illness. Individual charities may have eligibility criteria may apply or require a referral from a professional providing care to the young person. Examples of such charities are included below:
When You Wish Upon A Star A charity that grants the wishes of children aged 4-16 years living with a life-threatening illness. They also have information on disabled-access holiday accommodation.
Dreamflight A charity that takes children with a serious illness or disability on their holiday of a lifetime to Orlando.
Willow Foundation A charity that helps seriously ill young adults (aged 16 – 40 years old) to make precious memories whether that is a special day out, a treat or a short break.
Round Table Children's Wish A charity that supports children aged 4 – 17 years old who are suffering from a life-threatening illness to fulfil a wish.
