Other financial help

Living independently if you are severely disabled

If you have a severe disability, you can get support to help you live independently, rather than in a care home. Independent Living Funds make payments towards the cost of personal help.

For more information, contact your local council's social work department. You can find their contact details at www.direct.gov.uk or in your local phone book. You could also contact the Independent Living Fund's unit by visiting their website at www.ilf.org.uk or calling 0845 601 8815.

If you are severely disabled as a result of a vaccination

Vaccine Damage Payments

If you think you are severely disabled as a result of being vaccinated against certain diseases, you might be able to get a one-off payment from the Vaccine Damage Payments Scheme.

If you cannot meet an important one-off expense

The Social Fund

If you are on a low income and you meet the relevant conditions, you may be able to get help from the Social Fund to cover important costs that are hard to pay out of your normal income.

If you have health costs to meet

The National Health Service (NHS) provides a range of services to help keep you healthy. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get:

• free NHS prescriptions
• free NHS dental treatment
• free NHS eyesight tests
• vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
• free NHS wigs and fabric supports, and
• travel costs to receive NHS treatment under the care of a consultant.

Visit www.ilf.org.uk for more information and to find out whether you can get any of these. You can also pick up a copy of the NHS leaflet 'Help with health costs' from a Jobcentre Plus office and NHS hospitals. Some GP surgeries, pharmacies and dentists may also have it.