A little help please ?

[piratelassie]

I had to go down to Inverness for a scan,and yes the NHS is brilliant but a little more help with travelling expenses would have helped. You see because I don't get any benefits £10 is deducted from my expenses. I don't get any benefits because I don't have enough N.I. stamps (although I have worked the last 30yrs and entitled to full pension). So due to ill health and an operation I have not been able to work since October, I new that I won't get sick pay as I am a relief worker but I thought I might get incapacity benefit. Where did I go wrong ? And a big thank you to my husband, where would I have been without his support. :confused

[jings00]

have a word with your CAB, they can check to see what you are entitled to,,,i think sometimes it pays to know how to work the system
good luck!

[Fran]

If you are on pension credit guarantee you will get full travel allowance. If you are on low income get hc2 or hc3 form and this entitles you to travel allowance, also if you have an NHS tax credit excemption certificate.
I would suggest you phone Caithness General Wick 605050 and ask for the travel claim office and speak to them as they know whats what. You could also phone the NHS helpline who could tell you on 0800 224488.
If you needed an escort you will get for them too, but you have to provide a letter saying you need an escort.

[windness]

I can see it could be a problem if you had to make several trips but if it is a one off trip to Raigmore is it really worth grumbling over £10.00? after all it is to your benefit. Bus is free if you are the right age? Hope scan results are ok.

[plumber]

I have been unable to work since December,and I was told I wouldn't get sick pay because I haven't payed enough national Insurance because I am in part time work. Was told I would be entitled to EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE, so I put in my claim form, back it came to say I was entitled and now get my money every two weeks It was back dated to December. You get the forms from your Jobcentre. Give it a try they can only say yes or no to your claim

[poppett]

The NHS scheme currently pays 13 pence a mile for trips south. This does not come anywhere near covering the fuel cost in a car and the deduction of £10 from that makes it very hard for someone on a low income.

We were in the same situation when my dad went for dental treatment to Raigmore as he gets a pension, not pension credit. Luckily he got home the same day after an afternoon on a ward.

When we go to Edinburgh we get the full mileage and a contribution towards the overnight accommodation, currently £27.50 per person. We have stayed at the same place for the last 2 years every 2 months, so the folk know us well and have not (so far) increased their price for accommodation but it is still a little dearer than we are allowed, but it was the nearest place to the hospital with the facilities we required.

Hope the scan results are ok. If you need to go back again and you have plenty notice you may be able to get a lift with an orger going to Inverness for the day. I know a few folk who have done that in the past.