Easier Living - a guide for older and disabled people living in London (view report contents)
Help with money
From the state
If your income is low you may be able to get Income Support, free or cheaper dental treatment and eye tests. Older people get free prescriptions. If you need help with things like dressing or personal care and became disabled aged 65 or over, you may get Attendance Allowance. Younger disabled people may get Disability Living Allowance.
Community care grants can be given for minor repairs, internal decoration, essential equipment such as cookers if they mean you can stay at home rather than go into a hospital or home.
Crisis loans are to deal with emergencies which are a serious risk to the health and safety of you or your family.
The Benefits Agency have details on who qualifies for these and other benefits. Their clear and useful leaflets are available from local offices and some post offices. Note that most benefits are means tested.
Benefits enquiry line for people with disabilities: 0800 88 22 00
Text: 0800 24 33 55
From the Council
You may be able to get a grant towards building work. There are rules about who qualifies - details from social services, housing or the renovations grants department at your local authority. Grants have to be approved before work starts.
Renovation grants are for such things as repairs, insulation or changing the layout of your home to make it fit to live in or so you can use it more easily.
Disabled facilities grant. For improvements and adaptations needed because of a disability. Apply if you have trouble getting into your home, moving around in it or have problems using essential facilities such as the bathroom.
Home repair assistance. For minor but essential repairs or adaptations. You have to be over 60, disabled or getting some form of benefit or are adapting your home so that an older person can live with you. The top limit is £5,000 for any one application. This grant is not available for Council tenants.
Keeping warm
Warm Front grants. For disabled people or homes with children. You must be getting an income related benefit. Provides up to a £1,000 worth of such things as insulation, draught proofing and better heating.
The Warm Front Plus grant is for people aged 60 or over who get certain benefits. The top limit is £2,000 and the grant can be used to pay towards the cost of installing central heating. If you live in a high crime area, they may also provide equipment, such as door and window locks.
These grants are now given to private tenants and home owners only.
Freephone: 0800 316 6011
Text: 0800 072 0156
Also worth checking:
Energy efficiency advice centre - free advice and details of local grants.
Freephone: 0800 512012
Keep Warm Keep Well. Free leaflet:
Freephone: 0800 555777
Winter fuel payments helpline:
Tel: 08459 15 15 15
Raising money on your home
If you own your home you may be able to use it to raise extra cash, or
to pay for adaptations and repairs. Typically you get a lump sum or an
income plus the right to live in your home for as long as you need to.
Age Concern have a factsheet.
Always get independent financial advice. You need to check out such things
as fees, what happens if you want to move and whether it affects any benefits
you get.
Home Improvement Trust is an independent agency that
helps older home owners raise money to fund repairs, improvements or adaptations.
Home Improvement Trust
7 Mansfield Road
Nottingham
NG1 3FB
Tel: 0115 934 9511
Fax: 0115 934 9501
e-mail info@hitrust.org
www.hitrust.org
Otherwise, to find a local independent financial advisor contact IFA Promotion.
Tel: 0117 971 1171
Table of contents
About
this guide
Getting
around
Around
your home
In the kitchen
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Hobbies
Making
your home safer
Getting
equipped
Adaptations
Help with
money
Helpful
organisations
Local contacts
(London only)
