Catch 22

[micox]

Hi. I'm trapped! For my COPD it could be an advantage - I live in a small rural village that has relativel clean air. However, there is one bus a day that only goes into the city (Norwich). I Haven't gone into Norwich for several years because of the traffic fumes on the way there and the air pollution in the city.

But, because of worsening peripheral neuropathy I've had to give up my driving licence as I can no longer feel the pedals with my feet. So I sit here day after day within brick walls.

The catch is, I could certainly drive a car with hand controls but no way can I afford to buy one. Motability would have been the answer. But you're only eligible for Motability if your disabilities began before age 65 (because of eligible benefits). So I'm discriminated against by the system!

[CDPO16]

It is a very unfair system micox.

[Bevvy]

That’s sad and I feel for you but even when it was DLA and not PIP those over 65 had to apply for Attendance Allowance which as you say has no mobility component. Also having investigated Motability. The scheme itself isn’t perfect by any means. Not only do you have to use all your mobility component. But for most cars you have to pay an additional sum each month so can actual be quite expensive.

Don’t know how far away you are from Norwich so don’t know if taxis would be an alternative? Even if went by bus but retuned home via taxi. Having said which you said you wouldn’t want to go in to the city anyway?

So is the issue more about not being able to go anywhere outside your home? Have you looked in to the possibility of a mobility scooter? Some of the larger ones have batteries that will take you literally miles. Certain enough to pop around your village and maybe to nearby villages. That could be worth exploring especially once we go in to the spring and being at home becomes less and less appealing.

[micox in reply to Bevvy]

Thanks Bevvy. Done all that - too cold for the scooter now and wouldn't feel safe on these roads.

[CDPO16]

Not sure if it applies to your area micox but where I live the council operate a 'dial a ride' minibus that you can book to pick you up at home and take you somwhere such as local shops. If your council does the same it would be a way of getting out now and then.

[micox in reply to CDPO16]

Nothing like that here but thanks.

[CDPO16 in reply to micox]

I'm sorry to hear that. Sorry too that health issues have meant that you have had to stop driving a 'normal' car. The only other thing I wondered about was if there is a voluntary service there with drivers who might be available but realise I may be clutching at straws.

I have carers via an agency and one of the services they provide is to take clients out to shops or a local park for example. Their rate is around £14 per hour if that might be another possibility.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I agree the system really is unfair. Have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Gladwyn]

So unfair!

[Anselm198]

You could have lessons on a hand control car. Once you are competent and have the letter DVLA would then reissue your licence as long as you have the controls fitted to your car.

[CDPO16 in reply to Anselm198]

Can an ordinary car be adapted?

[Anselm198 in reply to CDPO16]

Yes but it does need to be an automatic.

[CDPO16 in reply to Anselm198]

That makes sense. Thank you.

[Izb1]

Yes a very unfair system. I am 69 and unable to claim pip, yet my older sister who made the claim before 65 can continue this indefinitely x

[CDPO16 in reply to Izb1]

Do you have Attendance Allowance? The care rate is the same as PIP but no mobility allowance unfortunately.

[Izb1 in reply to CDPO16]

No I dont get anything x

[CDPO16 in reply to Izb1]

May be worth considering applying for Attendance Allowance if you need help with aspects of daily living.

[Izb1 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks for this Carole, I dont think I would be considered at the moment as I am classified mild in both bronchiectasis and rheumatoid, although both of these are progressing quite quickly so may rethink this in the near future x

[CDPO16 in reply to Izb1]

It has nothing to do with any diagnosis Irene, simply on what help you need day to day. Quite a long form to fill in but may be worth it one day.

[Izb1 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks Carole, I will have a look into this x

[Bingo88]

That's a disgusting rule and 1 I didn't know about. That is so unfair Age discrimination. Would you not be able to find a 2nd hand car for sale with hand controls. I know its still maybe a problem of having the money to buy it. The system is so unfair when able bodied people are allowed to live on benefits for years who could work. And you can't get help. Keep trying to find some way of getting help. Brian

[frose]

Well, I think the system is based on the premise that after 65, the ailments which might make you eligible are considered a fairly normal part of ageing. Before 65, these conditions are not the norm and therefore render you disabled.

Also, I've never had to pay a monthly sum on top of motability to receive a car!

[Joy123]

Hi micox, the system doesn’t seem very fair. Have you thought about getting a mobility scooter. Get a sturdy one that’ll take you on your travels and make you feel independent again. Good luck. Joy x