For overall information look up the GOV UK website: www.gov.uk/browse/benefits This provides current information - which is rapidly changing in today's world - so it is well worth while to revisit and review the information here periodically.
Failing this there is support available from the local Citizen's Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.
Benefit enquiry line (they can talk you through the range of benefits available and tell you where and how to apply) Freephone: 0800 882 200 Textphone: 0800 243 355 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Carer's Allowance
Telephone: 0845 608 4321 Textphone: 0845 604 5312
Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
The person you look after may be entitled to a range of benefits for things such as:
Disability living allowance: a tax free benefit paid at different rates depending on the disability - subject to assessment (This will change to a Personal Independence Payment - PIP for people aged 16 - 64 - from April 2013).
Attendance allowance: for those aged 65 plus, to help support personal care needs. This has different rates within it, so if the circumstances change, it is worth reviewing this.
Pension Advice: For enquiries or to report a change in circumstances: Telephone: 08456 060 265 Textphone: 0800 731 7339 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Pension credits: additional money to "top up" pensions to a minimum amount - the Pension Advice Line above can advise on this.
Income support: for those on low / no income
Council Tax support: A reduction in the council tax bill
Housing Benefit - help with paying rent or the interest element of your mortgage.
Winter Fuel Helpline: Telephone: 0845 915 1515 Textphone: 0845 601 5613
For those born before 5 July 1951
Disabled Facilities Grant - money to pay for adaptations to your home - further information on this can be found in a separate blog post.
NHS Low Income Scheme. This provides support with
To apply for the low income scheme, see: https://apps.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/LISWebAppStaticData/begin.do or
Phone 0300 330 1348 for the dental services help line
Phone 0300 330 1343 for the Low Income Scheme help line
Phone 0300 330 1341 for queries about medical exemption certificates.
Phone 0300 330 1341 for queries about Prescription Prepayment Certificates.
Phone 0300 330 1349 for the prescription services help line
Phone 0300 330 1347 for queries about tax credit certificates
Phone 0845 610 1112 to order a paper copy of the HC12, HC11 or HC5 forms
For all other queries call 0300 330 1343
Phone 0300 330 1343 for the Low Income Scheme help line
Phone 0300 330 1341 for queries about medical exemption certificates.
Phone 0300 330 1341 for queries about Prescription Prepayment Certificates.
Phone 0300 330 1349 for the prescription services help line
Phone 0300 330 1347 for queries about tax credit certificates
Phone 0845 610 1112 to order a paper copy of the HC12, HC11 or HC5 forms
For all other queries call 0300 330 1343
The Blue Badge Scheme - to enable the holder to park in designated places allowing easier access to community services, shops etc. The blue badge scheme relates to mobility, and there is specific criteria which one needs to meet to qualify. Information regarding this can be obtained from:https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
Disabled Person's Bus Pass - subsidised or free travel. This is administered by local councils. Some councils also offer a taxi scheme. It is definitely worth discussing with the council the options that they have available.
Disabled Person's Rail Card - gives a third off tickets: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
Motability Scheme - cars, scooters or powered wheelchairs: www.motability.co.uk/
Shopmobility Scheme - this is a scheme which lends manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public who have limited mobility to shop and to visit leisure and commercial facilities within the town, city or shopping centre. It is open to anyone, young or old, whether with a temporary or permanent disability. Further information can be sourced via: http://www.shopmobilityuk.org/