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Okay, some interesting things for you to consider. Some of you may know this - others may not. But it's certainly eye opening:

1. Unless disabled people are in receipt of Income Support, they don't get any help with prescriptions. For those of a great deal of medication, this could cost them a fortune each month - eating away at much needed benefits!
Also, help with NHS costs are means tested. If the person's benefit is over half the price of an NHS prescription, they don't get any help. So, it could be even a penny over and they still wouldn't get any help!

2. There are no concessions on goods/services for the disabled. Yet they have limited income. Why is this?

3. Disabled people who cannot drive/afford a car don't get concessions on public transport.

4. Yes, disabled parking spaces are available at supermarkets, shopping centres etc. But how many times have you looked for a space, only to find an abled bodied person using it, because they're too lazy to find somewhere else? And how many times to you see people enforcing that disabled parking spaces are for the use of disabled people? Very few I expect!

5. It is very difficult for who are pre-retirement and disabled to get any help towards making home alterations to improve their quality of life. These alterations could include a stairlift, bath chair, railings, raised toilet seat. Instead, pre-retirement disabled have to struggle.

6. Disabilty aids are incredible expensive. Have a look for yourself. One person enquired about a mobility scooter - and was quoted £3000. How can a person on benefits afford this?

7. Despite some being entitled to the Mobility content of Disability Living Allowance, the chances of those who have little money getting a brand new car are very remote. They often have to buy second-hand and settle for something which doesn't really suit their needs. Why? Well, the Government haven't allowed for inflation when it comes to buying cars. I should also add, that the mobility component is actually taken off their DLA!

8. However, when it comes to things like mobility scooters, wheelchairs etc, the purchase of second-hand/reconditioned goods are not allowed under the mobility scheme. So, disabled people have to either go without or skint themselves!

9. Pre-Retirement Disabled people are made to feel like second-class citizens when it comes to their annual benefit review. They have their bank accounts scrutinized and there is still the risk of losing their benefits. Even those who cannot work due to having a progressive and degenerative condition are reviewed. When will the DWP realise that although these people would probably love to go out to work rather than be in pain, it is not possible and neither is it their fault?!

10. Some people on DLA would love to move abroad. I mean, wouldn't we all? But the Tory Government is their wisdom in 1992 changed the goal posts. DLA used to be known as Disability Benefit, and could be claimed abroad. Now it is called Disability Living Allowance it can't. So people are stuck here whether they like it or not!
N.B Rumours have it that Labour are thinking of doing the same with Incapacity Benefit!

11. People on DLA receive a Christmas bonus of £10 each year. I should point out however, that is has been that amount since 1972![/img]

Mikea · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Kettering

Just a few observations

1; By income support do you also mean Working Family Tax Credits. We receive that and get free prescriptions. I also get free prescriptions due to my diabetes.

3; Yes we do in Kettering for local buses

4; Couldn't agree more especially after hours shopping and spaces near to a cash point

5; We have received help from OT's at Kettering General and Social Services, but that was difficult

6; We find the Motability scheme meets my wife's needs for a scooter. and it is only taking about £75 a month, and that will be much less than savings on Public transport

9; My review used to be 3 yearly, but now I have it indefinately as does my wife. The only annual review I have had was very early on.

11; Totally agree

Mike Abbott
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Mike Abbott

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admin · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:29 pm Post subject:

treborc · Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 21

well actually you can have Incapacity benefit and get free prescriptions, it depends on what you have.

I get incapacity benefits and get free prescriptions because my disability is classed as one of a number which means prescriptions are free, although I have to pay for eye tests and dental treatment if you can get a dentist.

So it does not matter what benefits you get, it depends on your disability.

Robert.

treborc · Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 21

Look the fact is bus concessions for the disabled are actually give right throughout out the country, some are given by councils, I can travel every where in wales for a single payment of £1, of course trains are different since they are run by money grabbing larger companies. I can have half price for the cinema.

The problem is not getting lower transport costs it is being able to get on the dam bus in the first place. Drivers in my area are not allowed to help anyone get onto a bus, and all buses have two or three steps, so it can be free I cannot use it.

The fact is if you look round you will find lots of concessions, as for Motability, well I was talking to a neighbour who drives a BMW on his Motability payment I asked how much did he pay as an advance payment he said £4,000, so it is little wonder the government think disabled people are rich, and of course lots of smaller and medium cars have no advance payments.

Lets not forget under Labour our benefits have not risen as the did under the Tories, so we have to be thankful for small mercies.