From where do I seek an allowance?

[Piero]

I was diagnosed with SCA some eight years ago. To date I have never claimed any form of allowance. Off hand, the only form of assistance I recall seeking is the blue card which entitles me to preferential parking.

I now feel that it would not be wrong for me to seek help from the state. Consequently I'd be prepared to ask for some sort of allowance but unfortunately I'm unsure of where to start and what agency to approach. Could someone thus provide some help by naming the agency to which I address my request and if possible the title of the allowance I now blindly seek.

Keep upright. Piero

[Jess_Ataxia]

Hi Piero, if you click this link her ataxia.org.uk/Pages/News/Ca... it will take you to our help and advice information page which will hopefully give you some more direction with your next steps. Alternatively, if you call our helpline (open Mon-Thurs 10:30-14:30) they will be able to give you lots of advice and info. I hope this helps!

[Veteran250 in reply to Jess_Ataxia]

Piero.

I get a Disabled Living Allowance, because I am registered Disabled, and over 65 years of age, but its now called PIP( Personal Independant Payment) I think you will have to apply to the Department of Works and Pensions! 🤨

[Piero in reply to Veteran250]

Thanks for the response. I have never attempted to register as disabled, perhaps I ought to start at that point. Cheers and thanks again.

[ConfusedAtaxian]

Look up Attendance Allowance (which I get). It is NOT means tested but just how the condition affects you, although you must be 65 or over, otherwise people claim PIP (which I believe from comments on this site, is not so easy to get). I have just moved house, from the south to the north, and going to see what support gov.uk, the local council, and OT etc. can offer. Good luck.

[FFNick]

There are two main benefits for UK National Insurance qualifiers.

PIP and ESA. Depending on where you are this will require several forms filling in or one form the dreaded Universal Credit. For most of these awards you have to poor income and no useful partner

AGEUK will send round an advisor to ensure you have applied for everything. ESA, PIP, Blue Badge, Council Tax and rent payment. The only benefit AGEUK missed was mortgage relief, which has changed into a loan, err not for me as no rent nor mortgage.

For AGEUK you have to be over 55 and PIP under 65. Annually you have to apply for WHD warm discount discount. British Legion can help exservicemen as well as your local council who offer the Handyman scheme.

Through your OT contractors will alter your house. I have a stairlift, wet room and ramp filling the back yard.

[cocobibi]

hi Piero,

Age UK are very helpful even if you're under 55yrs old. They can help you fill in the form once you've called the DWP on 0800 917 2222 to start your claim. Best to give the DWP your Ataxia consultant as your medical contact but your GP will also be fine. You'll then need to go for an assessment, it's important to present how your true picture on bad days. It's always tempting to play your challenges down!

If you're still working you should also find out about Access to Work - a government scheme that pays for people to stay in work. They pay for equipment, taxis to/from work if needed, and also someone to help you with tasks you can no longer do. Astonishingly many health professionals (physios, OT, doctors) have never heard of this so many people don't know it exists. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS!

It involves lots of frustrating paperwork etc but is worth it - my husband has a better suited wheelchair with Tri-Ride attachment and can still go to work thanks to the taxis they pay for.

You are entitled to these benefits so please don't feel bad asking for them