The expense that comes with having a disability in the UK

RacheleLeahSilvera

I personally find it ridiculous how we have to pay for things that are needed to live with something that most of us don't choose to be born with or acquire later in life.
I was told just recently that now that I am in adult NHS any piece of treatment , equipment or medication that I may need I will have to pay for myself or just deal with my problems.

poppy123456

Hi,

What do you mean you have to pay for treatment on the NHS? Sorry but i'm confused by this one.

If aids/equipment is needed because you have a disability then this can come from Social Services by referring yourself for a needs assessment. See link. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

Prescriptions are free if you claim certain benefits. If you don't claim certain benefits and you live with a partner that works then you can check out the NHS low income scheme and fill out the HC2 form. If you qualify they will send you a certificate which will entitle you to free prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests. See link. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme

RacheleLeahSilvera

poppy123456 said:

Hi,

What do you mean you have to pay for treatment on the NHS? Sorry but i'm confused by this one.

If aids/equipment is needed because you have a disability then this can come from Social Services by referring yourself for a needs assessment. See link. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

Prescriptions are free if you claim certain benefits. If you don't claim certain benefits and you live with a partner that works then you can check out the NHS low income scheme and fill out the HC2 form. If you qualify they will send you a certificate which will entitle you to free prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests. See link. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme

For me I don't qualify for free treatment or a needs assessment as I am 18 years old, a care leaver and undiagnosed.

poppy123456

You do not need a diagnosis of anything to receive any of the above that i mentioned. Are you a student? Do you work?

chiarieds

I have forborne from replying to your recent new discussions, as you previously took umbrage at a comment of mine. Just as I was about to reply to this one, I see that Poppy has already done so, & I agree with her wholeheartedly, & I don't think you'll find anyone else that would disagree.

You also keep mentioning that you have a rare/undiagnosed condition, yet you replied on the thread I mentioned above that was about cerebral palsy saying, 'Hello, I since the age of 8 have been told that all of my undiagnosed issues look identical to those with mild CP but because all my previous tests came back clear health professionals have ruled it out. I am almost 18 and frustrated as I know that I have the condition but my views are not being considered.'

I can appreciate your sheer frustration, as I wasn't diagnosed until I was 47, altho I have a genetic disorder which has also affected my children, & 3 grandchildren.

I still was prescribed medications whilst undiagnosed, & was also referred to specialists. We have many members in whom it took a long time to get a diagnosis too, so you're not alone.

If you think you have CP, our CP Specialist Information Officer will be more than happy to help, & he has a wealth of info. Please just say. We are all here trying to help, & perhaps that might be a way forward for you.

woodbine

Help with additional expenses for disabled people over 16 is available its calleD PIP and doesn't rely on a diagnosis, under 16 and it's DLA, other benefits are available in addition of course. All NHS treatment is available free at point of use, and of course prescriptions are paid for by everybody between 18-60, prepayment is also avaliable at £10.65 per month, and certain income related benefits get you free prescriptions.
@RacheleLeahSilvera maybe if you gave people some idea of the problems you have they would be more inclined to help, just a thought.

poppy123456

Also some information regarding your financial situation would also help. You say you're 18 so are you still in full time non advanced education? Do you live with parents? Are you working? do you claim any benefits in your own right? Maybe Universal Credit?

I would be able to help if you can answer those questions.

You keep mentioning that you don't have a diagnosis and i've seen you mention this across many different threads but you don't need a diagnosis to get some help and i'm not sure why you continue to think this.

poppy123456

Just to add that i note from a previous thread that you are a student, is this full time non advanced and do you live with parents?