Chat with welfare expert Bill McCormack

Answer:
If your husband is receiving Income Support, a community grant should be sought from the DHSS Social Fund. Other options might be to explore local charities who help vulnerable people, such as the homeless. You should also apply for help to your local Social Services anyway as they might be willing to help, even though they do not have to.

Question:
If you claim the highest rate of living allowance and motorbility allowance, are there any other benefits that you are entitled to? I am currently on Income Support and have been told by the Citizens Advice Bureau that there might be another benefit that I am entitled to as a high rate disabled citizen.
momheatem

Answer:
If you are single, live alone and have the highest rate living allowance and no one is claiming a carers' allowance for you, then you should have a minimum of about £134 weekly, not counting disability living allowance. If you have a partner who lives with you then a carers' allowance could be available for them, which would increase your Income Support by £25.55 weekly.

Question:
I have to attend Stoke Mandeville Hospital every now and again for check ups. Am I entitled to help with the cost of travel as I am claiming Income Support?
momheatem

Answer:
Yes. You are entitled to claim back the cost of bus fares, or the cost of a taxi there and back if you are unable to use a bus. You can claim for all the months you have paid already if you can show proof that you attended the hospital. Next time you visit the hospital ask at the reception desk for a copy of your appointments record.

Question:
As a person who is dependent on benefits, what help am I entitled to in terms of optician fees? I understand that a test is free but am I entitled to free spectacles or vouchers?
momheatem

Answer:
You're entitled to vouchers up to the value of a basic pair of spectacles - about £85. Anything over this sum will have to come out of your own pocket.

Question:
Do you think carers generally should be more assertive in calling on family and friends to give them some respite - even for just a couple of hours a week? It's well known that many people struggle on alone with terrible problems because they don't want to bother anyone.
marieuk2000

Answer:
I would advise a carer under stress to apply to their local Social Services for help with respite. This is something social services want to do, as in the long term it is in their interest to help carers.

No one wants to see a carer reach breaking point as the person being cared for will then have to go into hospital or residential care - and Social Services will have to foot the bill.

The danger is that most carers assume that they have to keep going for the sake of the person they are caring for. Unfortunately, the Social Services rarely offer respite until a crisis forces their hand.

I would advise all carers not to be afraid to ask for help at an early stage. It will benefit you and the person you're caring for in the long term.