Many people living with a lung condition are no longer able to work, even if they want to, and many retired people live on meagre incomes. Various welfare benefits are available to people, but they need to know what they are entitled to. Many people don’t, and the BLF Helpline is well placed to advise on what people with a lung condition are entitled to claim.
Sometimes people are reluctant to accept extra welfare benefits, which they might consider to be a handout. The British Lung Foundation is very keen that people are at least aware of the benefits they can claim. Having access to extra money can make such a big difference to a person’s quality of life. We can talk to people about what they are entitled to claim, and try and take away any stigma around claiming benefits.
The mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, for example, is there for anyone who has difficulty getting around. It can be claimed by many people who have breathing difficulties. That extra money can be used to help purchase a car perhaps, or pay for taxis, enabling patients to stay mobile.
Depending on their individual circumstances, people may be entitled to claim:-
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Tax Credit
- Carers Allowance
See more detailed informtaion about Welfare Benefits for people living with a lung condition.
Our welfare benefits advisers can help make these different benefits - which can sometimes seem bewildering - easier to understand. To talk to one of the welfare benefits advisers contact the Helpline on 03000 030 555.
