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Does anyone know if you can get any money from state for travelling to hospital with a terminal illness?

7 replies

Spero · 03/07/2008 13:06

A friend of my mum's has just been diagnosed with a very aggressive brain cancer. Doctors hope it will respond to radiotherapy and there is going to be a lot of back and forth to hospitals in the next year. i'm not sure if he would be classed as having a 'terminal' illness, i suppose it will depend on the radio therapy.

He has about £7,000 in savings but no other assets, is a council tenant, married but his wife is a pensioner and doesn't work. He's about one year off retirement but he had a very active job in construction so I guess he won't be working any more.

I think I remember reading something about grants/benefits being available for people in this situation in order to travel to hospital etc. Or would his savings disqualify him from this?

If anyone knows off the top of their head, I'd be grateful for any info. I'm about to start googling but my internet research skills are not very effective.

OP posts:
littlepinkpixie · 03/07/2008 13:07

DLA? (Disability living allowance)

Spero · 04/07/2008 07:32

thanks lpp - I've found a site which says you can get DLA under the special rules once you have been given only six months to live (!) - he is not in that situation yet, do you know if that is it or if you can just get help with travel etc? I've done loads of googling but haven't found anything; either I'm being crap or there really isn't anything. Can't find any info on Age concern.

OP posts:
mrsruffallo · 04/07/2008 07:40

You should spaeak to the clinic staff next time he goes. I am sure he can claim his fares back if not working.

dilemma456 · 04/07/2008 12:07

Message withdrawn

Spero · 04/07/2008 13:01

Thanks, that is very helpful, i'm surprised the Age Concern website isn't a bit more user friendly, but that may be due to my poor surfing.

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 04/07/2008 13:13

Spero I would advise your friend to contact Macmillan, they have loads of experience and very knowledgeable advisers dealing with this type of query. See here section about financial help and here more info about benefits and telephone number for extremely helpful and knowledgeable benefits helpline.

Spero · 04/07/2008 15:06

thank you! I hadn't even thought of that.

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