If you’re having trouble getting around and crave a little more independence, you may be looking at getting a mobility scooter. Regardless of whether you need extra help because you’re elderly, or you are living with a disability and want to gain a little more freedom, having access to a scooter can make life a lot easier.

Unfortunately, mobility scooters can be quite expensive. If you’re not able to buy one from personal finance, you’ll need to look for other finance options such as the mobility scheme or help from a charitable organisation.

Luckily, many organisations recognise both the need for mobility scooters and the fact that they can be unaffordable for a lot of people. So, if you’re desperate to gain some extra independence but simply cannot afford to buy or rent a scooter, don’t despair; there are several options available to you.

Mobility Scooter Scheme

One of the best places to seek help if you need to cover the cost of a scooter is via the Motability scheme. This initiative was set up to help cover the expense of wheelchairs, scooters and cars for people with disabilities and to provide people with more independence. If you’re eligible, it means that you won’t have to pay anything from your personal funds for a scooter and can rely on financial help from Motability.

To qualify for the scheme you need to be receiving one of the following benefits.

• The Armed Forces Independent Payment
• The War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• The Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of PIP
• The Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance

You also need to ensure you have at least 12 months of benefit awards remaining; otherwise any application through the Motability scheme is likely to be turned down.

Though the scheme doesn’t give grants for mobility scooters per se, you can use your benefits to lease scooter equipment for three years at a time. The cost includes breakdown cover, insurance, maintenance and servicing (including cover for new tyres), so you can have peace of mind that if something goes wrong, you won’t be hit with a surprise bill. In addition, scooter hire costs are often less than mobility allowance payments, so you’ll get anything left over paid directly to you.

Access to Work Scheme

Electric mobility scooters for adults can be a great help if you’re trying to lead a normal working life but are held back by accessibility issues. It’s here that the government could help as it has an initiative to cover scooter leasing costs. If you’re over 16 and self-employed, on a work trial, starting a new job, or even just want to attend an interview, the Access to Work scheme might be able to pay for a mobility scooter.

Payouts are assessed on an individual basis, and you can discuss options with your local Jobcentre Plus or by visiting the official online government website. If you qualify, you could get long-term help with paying for a mobility scooter as a way to get to and from work.

Charitable Organisations

If you’re not able to get direct help from the government, you still might be able to get mobility help from a charity. There are many not-for-profit organisations across the UK who use donations to help people in vulnerable circumstances. This includes those finding it difficult to get around due to a disability, illness or old age.

• Royal British Legion
  If you or a member of your family has served in the Armed Forces, then the Royal British Legion might be able to offer financial support. The charity uses Immediate Needs Grants to help people on an individual basis, and this includes funding for mobility scooters.
• SSAFA
  This charity supports both those currently serving in the Armed Forces and veterans. As with the Royal British Legion, cases are assessed on an individual basis so it’s best to use the SSAFA website to find your local office and contact details.
• Turn2us
  Turn2us is an online service that’s free to use and provides a simple way to search for charities that could help you. Their website includes information on various methods to gain funding in the form of grants and welfare benefits, as well as support and advice to help your individual circumstances. If you need help with funding for a mobility scooter, Turn2us is certainly a good place to start looking.

Mobility scooters can be extremely expensive, and at first glance, you might think there’s no way you’ll be ever able to afford one. However, if this is the case, then don’t worry because there are other avenues you can try for finance. The Motability scheme is your best bet, especially if you’re in receipt of the right benefits, but other charitable organisations may also offer support. This can help you access essential transport to give you increased freedom and independence for years to come.

If you or a loved one is elderly, you’ll know only too well of the problems old age can bring. For many people, reduced mobility and an increased reliance on others are two huge day-to-day struggles that can be difficult to deal with. When the cost of mobility and independence aids are factored into the equation, a lot of people are made even more vulnerable because they simply cannot afford the support they need.

However, there are various grants available, many of which people don’t even know about, meaning you might be missing out on crucial help which has the potential to change your life.

Government disability grants, age concern grants and help from charities like The British Red Cross are just three potential sources of financial support that could give you more freedom and independence.

Government Grants for Disabled

The Disabled Facilities Grant is not only for those with lifelong disabilities, but also people who might be suffering from health problems due to old age. As long as you qualify for a payout, this scheme provides funds to help modify your home, giving you better access and making life that much easier.

Hand rails and grab bars can be installed, for example, whilst electrical equipment, such as light switches, can be altered to make them simpler to use. Bath aids for seniors can also be provided, and in some cases an entire bathroom might be relocated so you can access it more easily.

Depending on your financial circumstances, the Disabled Facilities Grant may be means-tested, with your income and savings taken into account by administrators when they determine your payout. However, if you’re receiving benefits, such as Housing Benefit, means-testing won’t be used. Overall, you could receive up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, then Capability Scotland offers an alternative service.

Before applying for the grant, it’s essential you seek advice from your local social services. An occupational therapist will come to your home, assess your needs and outline the modifications you may need.

This means you can put in your grant request with all the relevant costs and details, allowing administrators to make an informed decision. By using the Gov.uk website you can find details for your local council.

Grants for the Elderly from Age Concern

Age Concern, or Age UK as it is also known, is a national charity that provides help and support to the older generations. The Age UK National Charity both administers and manages a wide variety of grant schemes on offer through registered partners known as Friends of Age UK. These organisations provide funding and services on a local level that is specifically aimed towards those in their twilight years.

Grants are not available to individuals or groups directly through Age UK, but via their local partners instead. If you’re trying to get support, it’s best to find your local Age UK partner and discover what help is available in your area. You can also email the Age UK grants team at grants@ageuk.org.uk to find out more.

The British Red Cross

If you’re in need of homecare or support in the form of mobility aids, then it is worth contacting the British Red Cross. Though the charity doesn’t offer financial support, it can offer free services which may give you and your family some short-term respite from day-to-day challenges.

• Support at Home
  The British Red Cross helps thousands of people across the UK through a volunteer program. These helpers can provide emotional and physical aid to you if you’ve just come out of hospital, or if you need a bit of additional care to avoid an unnecessary hospital admission. Workers are trained in basic first aid and social care, and can help with shopping, picking up prescriptions and offering companionship.
• Mobility Aids
  The charity also offers short-term loans of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, ramps, bath seats, commodes and other equipment. Having access to these can make all the difference, especially if you’d be otherwise stuck at home and struggling to complete the simplest of tasks.
• Transport Support
  Finally, the British Red Cross can also provide essential transport support, helping you to get to hospital appointments and offering a trained escort if needed. This not only gives you peace of mind that help’s available, but avoids paying out on costly taxi fares that you might not be able to easily afford. 

There is a wealth of help available across the UK if you’re elderly and struggling with your independence but unable to afford costly equipment. Whilst government grants are a good place to start looking for financial support, don’t forget that your local social services and charities, such as Age UK, can offer invaluable support too.

Whether you’re running a project for disabled musicians or are trying to get underprivileged children into arts and music, funding such an enterprise can be difficult. A single instrument can cost a lot of money – trying to buy an entire orchestra of equipment might seem like an insurmountable challenge. Luckily, there are various groups and charities across the UK who cater specifically for these needs, offering youth music grants and other funding to help get your project underway.

One problem in finding grants is not knowing where to look. The following organisations are some of the best known in the UK, and if they can’t help directly, they may be able to offer support and advice on the next best steps to take.

EMI Music Sound Foundation

If you’re looking to fund your music project, then EMI Music UK is a good place to start. The foundation offers two awards; a bursary and an equipment grant. Whilst the bursary provides music college students with money towards fees and living expenses, the equipment grant helps schools, pupils and music teachers to buy instruments and accessories.

• Bursary
  Bursaries have been created at eight music colleges across Britain, helping students in need of financial aid. Each college has £5,000 per year to award to students, and these are distributed at each institution’s discretion.
• Instrument and Equipment Awards
  In the past, EMI Music Sounds Foundation has helped more than 2,000 schools, pupils and teachers access new equipment and instruments. Grants of up to £2,000 are not limited to items, but can also be used to fund training opportunities and courses.

Youth Music Network

Youth Music Network believes that all children and young people should be able to access life-changing music-making. To that end, the organisation offers a variety of funding for musicians and organisers. Their ‘musical inclusion’ approach champions’ diversity of genre, style and approach to the arts, and grants are provided as a way to give all musicians the chance to reach their potential.

Youth Music Network focuses on providing grants to specific groups of children and young people where music could have a radical impact on their lives. These groups include:

• Youngsters who are restricted from music and instruments because it’s not accessible or is unaffordable.
• Children and young people who have sensory impairments or other disabilities which can make music-making more complex and expensive.
• Individuals whose behavioural issues might mean additional services and support are required in order for them to participate in music-making activities.
• Young people and children whose life circumstances making accessing music more difficult. For example, people living in rural isolation or young carers with many responsibilities on their hands could qualify.

The list above is not exhaustive, and the Youth Music Network can offer help to many other individuals and organisers.

Music for Alice

Set up in memory of Alice Macgill, a talented musician who lost her life in 2004, Music for Alice helps organisations and music groups buy equipment and instruments to improve people’s lives. Many of their grants are given to organisers working within the disability arts sector. For example, 2015 saw instruments provided to ‘Count me in’. This Somerset-based charity supports people with learning disabilities. Meanwhile, ‘Friends of Short Street Community and Learning Centre’ were also helped, with funding providing music-making instruments for young adults with complex needs, challenging behaviours and autistic spectrum conditions.

Arts and Disability Connect

The Arts Council in Northern Ireland provides a variety of art grants for disabled individuals working in any art-form. The maximum award is £8,000, though several smaller grants are also available to help artists excel.

The Arts and Disability Connect (ADC) scheme was set to help artists with disabilities create new, ambitious work. The grant provides a way to reach new audiences, engage with training and mentoring, connect with other artists and venues, and find a new level of scope and scale for their art-form, whether this is dance, music or art.

Several grants are available, including:

• Arts and Disability Connect New Work
  Two grants of £8,000 are available under this category aimed at established artists who want to build on their current work to reach new partners, venues and audiences.
• Arts and Disability Connect Mentoring
  In this category there are three grants of £2,000 each. Artists at any stage of their career development can apply, with the funding specifically to be used for mentoring and training.
• Arts and Disability Connect Training
  Three awards of £1,000 each are available for individuals who want to enrol in learning opportunities and professional development to help their career.

Across the UK there are many opportunities to find grants and funding for arts and music, regardless of whether organisers are working with disabled people or not.  The above organisations can be used as a first point of contact, with many able to offer alternative options for funding if they’re not able to help themselves. Either way, if you’re trying to raise money for a music or arts project, don’t be disheartened by the cost; there are many charities eager to help, not only with financial support but advice too.

Caring for someone can be exhausting work, especially if you’re their only help. More often than not, a carer is someone’s friend or family member who feels obliged to look after their loved one. However, it’s extremely important to recognise the important job you’re doing, and the fact that both you and whoever you care for may need a break from routine occasionally.

In the UK, there are a number of ways that you can access respite care, whether it’s for a few hours or a short holiday. You can normally get this by having a carer’s assessment so that health professionals can recommend that a break is required.

Replacement and Respite Care

Replacement and respite care is specifically designed to replace the normal care that you would normally provide. This cover might be needed if you’ve got to look after yourself for once; for example, overnight respite might be offered so you can catch up on sleep. However, it often goes further than this, and local authorities may offer temporary care for a longer period of time. You should contact your local council for advice and support on such a matter.

Longer Respite Breaks

As part of your support plan, your carer’s assessment might highlight the need for you to have a break. In many cases, local authorities will actually provide some funds towards this, giving a small carers holiday grant that you can use. A support plan will be drawn up if you’re eligible for a grant, and you can use this to hire a care worker whilst you enjoy some leisure time. Alternatively, you might be able to use the Short Breaks Network to find a supported holiday for both you and the person you’re caring for.

Aside from direct payments, there are also several other was to help fund carers holidays.

• Local Authority Replacement Care
  In the first instance, it’s a good idea to see if your local council can help, either by offering respite grants or arranging replacement services. In the case of vouchers, these can often be used to pay for short residential home stays or care agency costs. You might also be able to use the grants towards holiday-associated expenses such as an increase in homecare services or the use of live-in care workers.If any replacement care is identified as essential homecare it is normally considered as care for the vulnerable individual and, as such, is charged to them and not you as a carer. Though not paying for your holiday, it means you won’t have to worry about paying for replacement care whilst you’re gone.
• Charities and Benevolent Funding
  Many charitable organisations strongly recognise the important work that carers do. As a result, they may be able to help cover the costs of going on holiday. To get more advice on this, it’s best to talk to GPs, health visitors, social workers and your local carer support groups as they can point you in the direction of the right organisations.Some of the best known funding is supplied by groups like the Family Fund, Saga Respite for Carers Trust, the Children’s Country Holiday Fund and the Family Holiday Association. Whilst Saga offer carers breaks for those over 50, the Children’s Country Holiday Fund helps those at the other end of the generational gap; carers between 6 and 16. Meanwhile, the Family Fund can help with holiday expenses for families caring for a severely disabled child, whilst the Family Holiday Association helps low-income families have a break.
• Low-Cost Holidays and Bursaries
  Some charities also provide bursaries and low-cost family holidays to carers needing to take a break from everyday life. Diabetes UK, for example, offer a bursary for low-income families unable to afford travel costs, whilst Saga hosts a variety of cheap breaks ideal for carers, both for single travellers and those going away as a group. Turn2us, meanwhile, provides a range of financial support to all manner of people depending on their circumstances and needs.

Take Advantage of Leisure Cards

Many councils across the UK offer leisure cards, normally available to those receiving benefits, people over 60 and those in full-time education. If you’re a carer with a low income, you may well qualify for one of these discount cards. Though not paying for a break away, they can help with the costs of excursions. For example, discounts are normally between 10 and 50 percent for services like beauty salons, theatres or cinemas. There’s sometimes a small charge of between £1 and £15 for the card itself, but once you have it you can make all manner of discounts on everyday leisure activities.

Taking a break from your caring role is extremely important, and regardless of whether you go on holiday by yourself or with the person you care for, you’ll get a chance to refuel your batteries; an essential part of providing the best care to someone. If you’re worried about the costs of taking a break; don’t be. There are many organisations that could provide help on top of local authority funding, so take advantage of the support and plan your next break today.

If you’re in a wheelchair, even in the short-term, it can be a struggle to get around. Many homes simply aren’t built to cater for wheelchairs, and they lack ramps and access points, making it difficult to get in and out. This can be extremely challenging if you’re not able to get out of your chair yourself, resulting in a reliance on others for help.

If you want to get more independence, trying to seek funding for a disabled ramp is a good idea. This should allow more freedom without having to rely heavily on friends, family and carers.

Short-Term Disability

If you’re only in a wheelchair for a short time, you should still be able to access help. Perhaps you’ve had a fall and broken your hip, or are recovering from surgery and need to be in a wheelchair for a few months. In such a situation you might not want to make permanent changes to your home but might still require a few modifications to make life easier.

For short-term help, it’s wise to contact The British Red Cross. This charitable organisation aims to increase independent living for people in need, and relies on donors so it can offer free loans of mobility aids. These include a wide array of items, including walking sticks, crutches and even wheelchairs themselves. They may also be able to provide short-term ramps for disabled access, allowing you to get in and out of your home more easily. This can be of great help whilst you recover for your injuries or wait for a more permanent solution to be found.

Disabled Facilities Grant

If you’re expecting to need long-term help getting into your home by means of a wheelchair access ramp, then it’s worthwhile applying to the government for a disabled facilities grant. This not only covers the cost of installing an access ramp, but could help even more than you first thought; by widening internal doors to increase your manoeuvrability, for example. Applying for this grant does not affect any other benefits you’re receiving either, so it’s a good idea to try and get this financial help, whatever the outcome.

The disabled facilities grant is not means-tested if you’re receiving benefits. These include:

• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Universal Credit
• Income-based Employment Support Assistance
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Work or Child Credits and have a household income less than £15,050

If you don’t meet these criteria, you could still get some grant money, though administrators will take both your savings and income into consideration. Meanwhile, if you’re under 18, your parents’ money won’t be taken into account. Though a disability ramp isn’t a significant cost, you can get up to £30,000 funding if you live in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. Scotland uses a different system, and you should contact Capability Scotland for more information. Even though you might not need such a large grant, it’s worthwhile considering other changes you might need.

Qualifying for a Disabled Facilities Grant

To qualify for the disabled facilities grant, there are a number of points you need to meet to be considered.

• You must own your property and intend to live there throughout the grant period of five years
• You must be a tenant in the property to be modified and, as with homeownership, need to stay in the accommodation for the five years of the grant’s term
• You’re a landlord who has a disabled tenant in need of home modifications

Applying for a Grant

To apply for a grant so you can afford a disabled ramp, you need to do some homework beforehand. This is because administrators will want to know exactly what work is required and how much it will cost. For this reason, you should contact your local social services and have an occupational therapist assess your needs and that of your home. When you’re ready to go ahead, simply contact your local council (you can find this by using the Gov.uk website).

Getting the Work Completed

If you’re having something more substantial than a foldable access ramp installed, then you should be prepared for some building work to take place. Your local council will advise you on how they’ll pay for the work, either sending the money to the contractor directly or giving you the money first. This may be in instalments as each piece of work is finished, or after the entire job is complete. However, if you’re only having a ramp fixed into place it is likely you’ll receive a lump sum after work has been finished.

Applying for a grant to get a wheelchair ramp installed might seem a little daunting, but it’s worth the effort. If successful, you’ll get better access to your home without having to personally pay for it, making life simpler and giving you more independence.

Travel can be expensive, especially if you rely on public transport to get around. If you’re registered disabled, there are a whole host of discounts and passes you can access to make life easier, and cheaper. These include bus passes and reduced train fees, allowing you to get more independence without breaking the bank.

Bus Passes

If you live in England or Wales, then you could be entitled to a free bus pass. You will need to fit the eligible disabled criteria, which includes:

• Being partially sighted or blind
• Being without speech
• Being severely or profoundly deaf
• Having a learning difficulty
• Having no arms or having lost the long-term use in both arms
• Having suffered an injury or disability which has severely affected your ability to walk

To apply for a bus pass, simply contact your local authority. If you live in London, you can also access the Freedom Pass which allows you go on the capital’s wealth of transport, including buses, trams, trains and ferries, for free. If you live in Scotland, you can apply for a National Entitlement Card which allows you to access free bus travel.

For a bus pass in Northern Ireland you can get free travel if you’re blind or aged over 60. Meanwhile, if you are partially sighted, have a learning disability or are in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance, you can get your travel for half price with various operators. The Northern Ireland government website has more details on this.

Train Discounts

If you’re looking for travel discounts on your rail journeys, then you’re in luck. Though finding a free ticket is a rarity, there are numerous options which offer cheaper prices. In England, Scotland and Wales you can buy a disabled persons railcard. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, you can apply for a SmartPass.

• Disabled Persons Railcard
  This railcard allows you to get 1/3 off adult rail fares through Great Britain’s National Rail network. An additional perk is that you can also get 1/3 off the price for another adult travelling with you. There are also no time restrictions, so you can travel at any time of day without it affecting the discount.A small fee is charged when you apply, and you can expect to pay £20 for a one year card, and £54 for a three year card. Once you have the card, however, you can use it to get reduced prices for Standard and First Class Singles and Returns, London Travelcards, Caledonian Sleeper tickets and even Oyster Cards if you don’t already have a Freedom Pass.If you’re looking for a Stena Line or Red Funnel discount, then the Disabled Persons Railcard also works on some journeys, though it’s important you check with operators before you book your travel.

• SmartPass
  In Northern Ireland, you can get a SmartPass which offers discounted tariffs on various transport depending on your disability. If you’re over 65 or registered blind, you could get free travel on the region’s train network. Alternatively, 50per cent discounts are available for those in receipt of disability benefits, or if you have a learning disadvantage, cannot drive on medical grounds or are partially sighted.

Reductions for Road Charges

If you’re able to drive, or have a carer who regularly helps you get around, then you might be able to save a few pennies too. The Blue Badge parking permit allows you to park nearer to where you need to go, often with free parking attached. In addition, the Blue Badge means you can avoid paying the congestion charge for disabled people in London.

Anyone over the age of two years can apply for a Blue Badge if they’re registered blind, are receiving a Personal Independence Payment because they can’t walk more than 50 metres, receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement or Disability Living Allowance, or have been given a lump sum benefit as part of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme.

Not only does the Blue Badge Parking Permit offer more parking options, but it also provides a number of toll exemptions at tunnel, bridge and river crossings, though these need to be confirmed ahead of time. You can also avoid paying the congestion charge as long as you register with the appropriate borough. However, it’s important to note that some London boroughs, including City of Westminster, City of London, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and part of the London Borough of Camden, have their own rules.

• Congestion Charges
  If you hold a Blue Badge Parking Permit, you can apply for a 100per cent discount even if you don’t drive or have a vehicle. This allows you to register two vehicles you regularly travel in, such as a carer’s car, for example. You need to download the application letter and send it off with a payment of £10 to qualify for the discount.

Enjoy More Travel for Less Money

Overall, there are many schemes you can enjoy to get discounted or even free travel. This not only offers independence in your everyday life, but provides a way for you to get out and enjoy leisure time with friends and family without worrying you cannot afford transport costs.

Moving home can be seriously expensive. Not only is there the cost of removals firms to consider, but also the extra money needed to get a new house ready for living in. Even if you’re not paying to have decorating done, you may need cleaning supplies, new light bulbs and other small expenses. If you’re on a low income and are in receipt of benefits, you may be able to get help with moving costs so before worrying about how you’ll afford everything, it’s worthwhile doing some research.

How to Find Financial Help

One of the first places to find help is with Age UK or the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. Both of these organisations have a lot of information on all current benefits, and will be able to establish whether you’re getting all the financial help available to you.

If you’re getting all the benefits on offer, there are three main options available if you need some extra help to move.

• Social Housing Tenants
  There is no obligation for social landlords to offer financial aid to you if you’re moving via the Seaside and Country Homes scheme. Neither is it mandatory for landlords to offer help if you’ve chosen to request a move, either directly or through a transfer. However, if you’re living in a large property and want to downsize, you could be in luck. A lot of housing associations and councils will offer a financial incentive if you’re under-occupying, so it is always worth asking your landlord if they could help cover the costs of moving.
• Local Councils
  One of the most expensive costs of moving house is the deposit or first month’s rent. If you’re struggling to find this, then contacting your local council could be a good idea. Many boroughs offer a bond deposit initiative. This is an agreement between the council and landlord that covers any deposit deductions due to damage or nonpayment of rent.
• Local Welfare
  Lastly, some local authorities hold a small budget to help people move home. When the Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans fund was abolished, it was replaced with Local Welfare Assistance. This money is non-ring fenced, allowing councils to spend it how they see fit. In some areas, an authority will use the money to help with home moving costs.

Loans, Advances and Grants

There are a number of potential loans, advances and grants available, especially if you’re in receipt of benefits and need money to move. Even though these may not be free handouts, they might allow you to spread relocation costs into a more manageable repayment sum, giving you some peace of mind about your financial circumstances when moving.

• Budgeting Loans
  To successfully qualify for a budgeting loan you need to have been receiving income support, pension credit, income-based job seekers allowance or income related employment and support allowance for a minimum of 26 weeks. The size of the loan will depend on your individual circumstances and ability to make repayments, but sums start from £100. In addition to covering the costs of advance rents or removal expenses, you can also use loans to pay for household equipment and furniture.
  One of the advantages of taking out a budgeting loan is that they’re interest free. This means you only pay back what you borrowed. This normally needs to be completed within two years of taking out the loan, and your repayments may be deducted from any benefits you have, so it’s important to consider the impact if your income is reduced.If there are any problems with the loan (such as the repayment amounts, for example) you should ask you local Jobcentre Plus office to review the Social Fund decision. An Independent Case Examiner (ICE) can also be sought. Budgeting Loan application forms can be found here.
• Short-Term Benefit Advances (STBA)
  Another option to help cover the cost of moving is to apply for a benefit advance. These are only available if you’re receiving a means-tested benefit like Universal Credit. There is also an option to receive an early payout if you’ve applied for a means-tested benefit but not yet reached the payment date. However, this needs to be thought about carefully as repayments will be taken from later benefits, reducing your income for weeks or months.If this is still something you’d like to pursue, you should contact your local benefits office to discuss a short-term advance.
• Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
  Housing payments are available only if you already qualify for Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. DHP’s can be awarded in special cases to those who need more financial help with housing expenses, including deposits, shortfalls in rent and moving costs. You should contact your local benefits office if you’d like to apply.

Charitable Help

The UK has a large variety of benevolent funds and charities that are often able to offer monetary help. Whilst some organisations only offer aid to specific people, there are others who are willing to provide support to anyone. In addition, if you’re receiving Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit, any money from benevolent funds or charities shouldn’t affect any means-tested financial aid.

The Citizens’ Advice Bureau or your local library’s copy of The Directory of Social Change will have lists of thousands of charities potentially able to help. Meanwhile, both Charity Search and Turn2Us are good places to start.

Living with a disability can be difficult, especially if your accommodation doesn’t make it easy for you to get around. Luckily, the government offers a disabled facilities grant that can be used to make changes around your home and give you more freedom and independence. One of the benefits of this grant is that it doesn’t affect any other financial support you’re receiving, so it’s a good idea to apply without delay.

Home Renovations for Better Access

Primarily, these grants for disabled access allow you to modify your home to make both your life and any carers’ lives, easier. You can have doors widened and ramps added, for example, allowing you to more easily manoeuvre a wheelchair. Stair lifts, or adding a downstairs bathroom may make your home safer and let you do more for yourself, whilst lighting and heating controls can be changed so they’re easier to use. Kitchen units could even be lowered so you’re able to access them.

Means Testing and Entitlements

The disabled facility grant process is means tested if you’re not in receipt of benefits, with administrators taking into account both your household income and any savings you have to help determine what you’re entitled to. If you receive benefits, such as Income Support, Housing Benefit, income-based Employment Support Assistance, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Universal Credit or have child or work credits and an income under £15,050 per year, it’s unlikely the means testing process will be used. In addition, children under 18 can claim a disabled facilities grant without their parents’ income affecting their entitlement.

In England, the maximum available grant is £30,000. In Wales you could get up to £36,000, whilst in Northern Ireland, up to £25,000 is available. In Scotland the disability facilities grant isn’t available and you should contact Capability Scotland for help and advice instead.

Qualifying Criteria

To qualify for a disabled facilities grant, there are a number of criteria you’ll need to meet. Applicants must either own the property to be changed or be a tenant. The grant period is currently five years, so you must intend on remaining in your current home throughout that time. If you’re a landlord you can apply for if you have a tenant who would benefit from the alterations.

It is vital you do not start any of the work before being awarded the grant; doing so could result in the council turning down your application. If major work is being undertaken that requires planning permission this must also be sought before work goes ahead. This cannot be done as part of the grant application but must be completed as a separate matter.

How to Apply

Applying for a disabled facilities grant is relatively straight forward but you need to have all the relevant information beforehand. This includes a report of the changes that are needed to your home. To ensure this report is complete, it’s best to contact social services and have an occupational therapist offer some guidance. You will also need to know the type of work required (whether it’s cosmetic or structural, for example), and administrators will need to know how much the work will cost.

To apply for the grant, you should use the Gov.uk website to find your local council’s website. From there you can make contact with the relevant department and begin the process.

How to Get Paid

Provided your application for a grant is successful, there are a couple of ways you can expect payment. This will differ depending on your local council, so you should seek advice from your borough so you’re sure how the money will be given to you.

It’s common that money will be paid to you in instalments. This will cover the period during the renovation, and will pay for the work as and when it’s finished. Alternatively, your council may simply pay for the whole thing when the work is completed. Some councils actually pay the contractor directly, instead of the money coming to you first. You should be told of this when your application is approved but if in doubt, it’s a good idea to ask.

To actually have the work paid for you will need to send councils an invoice or receipt for payment from the contractor. If you’re using different services for various home modifications (one company for a bathroom and another to build a ramp, for example) you should send invoices in as each project is completed. In some cases, you might have a friend or relative doing some of the work for you. In such a situation the grant will only cover the materials and services you’ve bought, and is unlikely to pay for any labour.

Enjoy More Independence with Home Modification

The disabled facilities grant is one of the best ways to pay for essential changes to your home so that life becomes easier. Because it doesn’t affect your other benefits there’s nothing to lose. If you seek the proper advice from an occupational therapist you might just discover there are alterations you could make you’d never even thought of and, once complete, could provide more independence than you believed possible.

It’s nothing new to hear; fuel costs are expensive. If you’re trying to run a home and keep your family warm and dry on a limited budget, then it can be hard to keep things under control. This is especially true when the UK endures a snap of cold weather, pushing up the cost of your heating and making the resulting bills seem insurmountable.

However, many energy companies have support procedures in place to help make repayments more achievable. Meanwhile, organisations like Charis, a member of Advice UK, can help discuss financial aid options as well as providing guidance and administration for grant applications.

The main thing to remember if you’re struggling with utility bills is not to worry; there is help out there if you know where to look.

Warm Home Discount Schemes

If you’ve been worrying about utility bills, you may have heard about many of the warm home discount schemes being offered by various firms like Scottish Power, British Gas and Eon. Under this initiative, you could get a one-off payment of £140 to help pay for gas and electricity charges.

Unfortunately, as of March 31^st 2016 the majority of these schemes ended, and utility firms are no longer accepting applications. However, there are alternative ways to pay off gas and electricity bills.

Using Fuel Direct to Cover Gas and Electricity Costs

If you’re in receipt of benefits, the Fuel Direct scheme (also known as third party deductions) uses any financial aid you’re receiving to help pay bills. A variety of benefits can be used, including income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Income Support.

The application process is relatively easy, and if you contact your local pension centre of Jobcentre Plus with your national insurance number, customer reference number and debt details, energy companies will then be told you’re being moved onto third party deductions.

When the process is in place, £3.70 from each benefit you receive will be paid to cover any utility debt. An additional amount will also be taken to cover future bills, though if this is over 25per cent of your total benefits, Jobcentre Plus will discuss this with you first. Though you can’t use this process to settle any debt with previous suppliers or for more than three types of deductions (rent, gas and water, for example), it does offer a convenient way to ensure outstanding bills are settled.

Seek Advice from Your Energy Firm

Many energy companies offer support and advice if you’re unable to pay your bill. EDF and British Gas help with bills, for example, by providing guidance on how to reduce power usage. They may also be able to move you to a cheaper tariff, and even help with outstanding debt.

The EDF Energy Trust can award EDF grants to settle energy debts, whilst the British/Scottish Energy Trust offer a similar scheme. Meanwhile, if you’re a current customer of npower, you can apply for an npower energy grant to settle debts. These firms can be contacted by calling the Charis Grants support line on 01733421060.

Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

One of the best ways to safeguard yourself against future debt, whilst bringing down the cost of gas and electricity is to make your home more energy efficient. Luckily there are a lot of schemes in place to help you do this, from providing insulation to installing new boilers. Many of these are free for everyone, though some of the more expensive options have higher restrictions on who can access them.

• Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation
  Insulating your home is one of the best ways to prevent heat from escaping and, therefore, reduce your bills. Most homes built after the 1920’s have cavity walls, and if this is insulated it stops a lot of heat leaving your home. Likewise, because heat travels upwards, insulating your loft can have a positive effect on your energy bill. Many providers give this insulation away for free, even though it’s worth around £700. With savings of around £300 on the average heating bill, you could save a lot of money.
• Boilers
  Getting a free boiler is slightly more challenging because of the costs involved. The average boiler is about £2,300 and so they’re not often provided for free. However, if you receive income-based benefits, or have tax credit and a household income lower than £16,010 you might qualify. The process of applying can be fairly intricate so it’s best to call the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 (or 0800 1422 865 for Northern Ireland, and 0808 808 22 82 for Scotland).According to the Energy Saving Trust, about 55per cent of what people spend on their heating bills is based on their boiler’s efficiency. Therefore, getting a machine repaired or having a new boiler entirely can significantly cut down bills.

Energy is unlikely to become cheaper any time in the near future, so it’s important to plan ahead. If your bills are becoming more expensive and you’re struggling, or if you’re already in debt, the most important thing is not to worry. Seek support and advice, increase the efficiency of your home and contact your energy supplier for help.

Many of those who have a physical disability have severe difficulties getting around without a wheelchair. Unfortunately, a lot of wheelchairs, especially electric and self-propelled models, can be very expensive and, as a result, are unaffordable. However, there are several ways you might qualify for help, so if you’re looking at how to get a wheelchair with a discount, or even for free, then be sure to read on.

First Steps – Who to Contact

The first step in trying to get hold of a wheelchair grant is to contact your local National Health Service or Social Services centre. These organisations are normally responsible for local wheelchair services across the UK, and should be the first point of contact when looking for children’s buggies or wheelchairs.

The severity of your disability will determine what happens next, and you may require a referral from a medical professional; a paediatrician, physiotherapist or occupational therapist, for example. Unfortunately, the waiting times for Wheelchair Services can be fairly long, and will vary depending on where you live.

Once invited for a meeting with Wheelchair Services, your disability will be assessed and a professional will discuss the type of wheelchair you need. These assessments are normally undertaken by an occupational therapist or even a wheelchair engineer if it’s expected that additional modifications to the equipment might be required. A number of details will be taken, including upper body strength, leg measurements and how able you are to transfer in and out of the chair.

Wheelchair Design

There are a large variety of wheelchairs on offer, and the style and design you need will largely be determined by your disability. Because of the expense, it’s essential to purchase the correct one, and so it’s important to seek advice from healthcare professionals.

When buying a wheelchair, consider the various features including:

• Electric or manual
• Carer driven or self propelling
• Fixed frames vs. folding frames
• Quick release or fixed wheels
• Pneumatic or solid tyres

Unfortunately, you’ll probably have to make a few compromises depending on your financial circumstances or disability. If you’re in a wheelchair fulltime, for example, you shouldn’t expect the equipment to meet every demand.

Funding for a Wheelchair

One of the most commonly asked questions is ‘Can I get a wheelchair for free?’ In many cases the answer might be yes, but the process of receiving a grant can be long-winded. There are also several stipulations with grants to remember, and it is also unlikely you will be provided with free accessories for chairs, such as bags or rain covers.

In general, wheelchairs are only granted to individuals who have long-term mobility issues. Instead of simply being allocated a brand new piece of equipment, in most cases you will be awarded wheelchair vouchers, the value of which will fall in line with the severity of your disability. The vouchers are used to purchase a wheelchair privately, and many grant applications will ask whether vouchers have already been offered.

One of the advantages of being given vouchers is that you’re able to buy whatever you need, matching the right wheelchair with your needs. However, it’s essential to remember that you will be solely responsible for repair costs like worn out tyres or battery replacement. It is also extremely important to choose the right piece of equipment as you cannot return to the Wheelchair Services to get further funding for five years.

Buying a Wheelchair via a Charity

The cheapest and easiest way to buy a wheelchair if you’ve received vouchers is to contact one of the many charities that offer such services. Due to economic difficulties, few charities are able to fully fund a wheelchair themselves. In addition to the vouchers, many organisations will ask if you’re able to use some of your disability allowance to pay for the chair or, alternatively, do some fundraising.

Buying a wheelchair is a long-term investment, so you need to take your time and ensure you get it right. Charities will be able to help offer advice, as will healthcare professionals conducting the initial assessments. Organisations known to have offered wheelchair grants in the past include Aspire, Independence at Home and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. For a full list follow this link.

Renting a Wheelchair

Unfortunately, the process of being assessed and receiving vouchers can be time consuming. It means you might have to wait some time before actually owning a wheelchair. Therefore, renting a chair on a short-term basis is advisable. This is also a good option if your disability is only temporary or is likely to change, meaning that your demands from a wheelchair will vary over time. It’s also the perfect opportunity to road test a few models and work out what’s best for you.

Your first option is to ask the British Red Cross for help. This charity offers short-term loans of wheelchairs for up to 12 weeks free of charge. Meanwhile, many of the UK’s larger cities are part of a Shopmobility scheme which provides mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs to be used for leisure and shopping activities. Again, these only come with a small charge at most. Under the Motability Scheme, you might also be able to lease a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair.

All in all, if you’re looking for a wheelchair, don’t be disheartened by the cost because there is help available. However, you should be prepared for quite a long wait until you’re able to receive a grant and, as such, should plan to rent equipment in the short-term, whether that’s privately or by using your disability benefits income.

If you’re physically disabled, one of the most challenging things can be trying to get around, and having to rely on others can be frustrating. Therefore, the chance of actually being able to get a driving licence and gain some independence might seem like a dream. Unfortunately, learning to drive is not cheap, and once the costs of paperwork, exams and the lessons themselves are accounted for, you might have spent hundreds of pounds before you’ve even passed. However, if you’re disabled, there is some help at hand.

Free Driving Lessons

You might not believe it, but depending on your disability, you may qualify for free driving lessons. Though you still have to pay for the theory and driving exams, you could get up to 40 hours of free practice time with a qualified instructor. With the average lesson costing £24 per hour, you stand to save a staggering £960. To qualify for free driving lessons with motability the following must be true:

• You are already a customer of the Motability Scheme or have a pending agreement with a confirmed delivery date of a new vehicle no more than four months from the date of the application for driving lessons; and
• You receive one of the following: a means-tested benefit, such as Income Support, Income-related Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), Housing Benefit, Income-related ESA or Working Tax Credit; or
• You are in full-time education or training (aged up to 25 years of age) and you or your parents/guardians receive one of the means-tested benefits listed above. Full-time education is defined as education undertaken in pursuit of a course, where a substantial period of each week is spent receiving tuition, engaging in practical work, receiving supervised study or taking examinations. Training is defined as an unpaid Apprenticeship.

Obtaining a Provisional Licence

One of the most challenging aspects of learning to drive for disabled people is obtaining a provisional licence. Without this you will be unable to register for lessons, and cannot legally get behind the wheel of a vehicle on the road. As a result, it’s extremely important you sort this out as quickly as possible so your driving career isn’t held up.

Initially, you need to contact the Drivers Medical Group to see whether your medical condition will affect your driving. This division of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will be able to tell you which medical forms to fill out ahead of applying for a licence. At the same time, it’s a good idea to get a provisional licence application form from the post office and download the appropriate medical forms. You should be prepared to wait because these forms will require doctor and consultant contacts, in addition to medical information before they can be submitted, lengthening the time the process will take. 

Applying for a Driving Lesson Grant

Once you’ve received your provisional licence, you’re all set to get driving. For help with free lessons, the next step is to contact the Motability Scheme. To have any chance of success, there are several qualifying requirements. For example, you need to be receiving a means-tested benefit such as Working Tax Credit or Income Support. Alternatively, you must already be a Motability Scheme customer or have begun an agreement which has a confirmation date no more than four months into the future. Finally, if you’re under 25 and in full-time training and education, and you or your parents receive a means-tested benefit, you can also apply.

Receiving your Free Lessons

If your application is successful, your details will be given to a national driving school that will then get in contact about arranging an introductory lesson. Instructors will discuss your requirements for driving before starting with a two hour trial to determine your driving capabilities. If everything is successful, you will then be offered a further 12 hours of lessons.

To progress further, it is mandatory to pass the DVLA’s theory test. This is relatively easy to book online, but if you need extra time or other assistance, such as a voiceover, during the test, it’s best to call on 0300 200 1122 to discuss your needs. You will have to pay for the theory test yourself, but once passed, you can then book a further 26 hours of free driving lessons. The entire course needs to be completed within a year.

Free Driving Lessons for Carers 

If you’re a registered carer of someone disabled and cannot drive, there is also financial help available. Though you may not be able to get all of your lessons for free, you could get significant aid to make the process more affordable.

Initially, it’s best to contact your local Social Services and request a Carer’s Assessment. The process will determine the extent to which a carer needs to drive and, as a result, may offer funding via the disabled individual’s Direct Payments.

The Rank Group, in partnership with the Carers Trust, also offer grants for driving lessons that you might be able to take advantage of. Finally, a local carer’s group could provide help. You can find your local group via the Carer’s Trust website.

Use the Motability Scheme for Vehicle Access

As long as you’re successful in your driving and pass the DVLA’s practical test, the Motability Scheme can also offer support in paying for a vehicle. Cars are normally provided to you via a lease, and the hire costs are paid through any qualifying benefits. In most circumstances, all benefit is paid directly to the Motability scheme, though small vehicles are not as expensive.

Overall, if you’re disabled or are a carer you could access grants for driving lessons. This can reduce the cost of learning to drive and, assuming you pass, could offer more independence than ever before.

Building a business is difficult enough in the UK. When you’re having a difficult time making payroll, you want to expand, or are looking to boost your business financially in the short term, business loans and other funding schemes may be exactly what you need. However, business loans for those with bad credit can be challenging, to say the least.

Whether you’re looking for startup business loans with bad credit or you’re an established business that needs some financing options, if you have bad credit it can limit your choices tremendously.

The Dynamics of Bad Credit

In the UK, if you have bad credit you can limit your funding scheme options in many different ways. Many small businesses rely on the owner’s personal credit as a way to get funding. If the owner has had bankruptcy filings, late payments, and other issues in the past, it can lead to a tremendously bad credit score. If that’s the case, lending institutions will likely be reluctant to offer any type of loan to help this person get started.

If you’re one of those individuals who is looking to start up a business in the UK, you know full well how important it is to find quality funding schemes to help you get things off the ground. Most financial institutions are not going to give you a second look if your credit is considered ‘bad.’ However, the government does offer programs for many small businesses throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

This doesn’t, by any measure, mean you’re going to be eligible or qualified for these grants. It does, however, give those particular business owners some light at the end of their proverbial tunnel.

When you’re talking about bad credit and the limitations it puts on you, especially with regard to a small business, it can be frustrating at the very least. Many incredible businesses have started out because the owners had vision, determination, and the financial resources and support to help them launch their business. How many businesses throughout the UK today would not be there if it wasn’t for government grants, especially for those who have bad credit?

The Reasons People Have Bad Credit

There are many different reasons why people end up with bad credit. It could be due to a medical crisis, divorce, unforeseen circumstances, injuries, a failed business in the past, and more. It’s easy to assume that somebody with bad credit simply doesn’t want to pay their bills. That’s not the case in many of these situations.

For somebody who has an idea for a small business and can’t get loans because of bad credit, it can cause them to feel frustrated, anxious, and give up on their dreams.

The government doesn’t believe this should be the case. Even for businesses that may be struggling at the moment due to changes in competition, legal issues, a slowdown in the economy, or something else, the government provides a number of schemes these small business owners may be able to take advantage of in order to stay afloat, expand, and keep hiring.

The Primary Goal of Small Business Loans with Bad Credit

When it comes to any type of small business loan, whether the business owner has good or bad credit, the main goal is to keep the business going. If the government deems your business to be viable and has shown positive success in the past, no matter what situation it may be facing at the moment, it may very well deem your business to be a worthy investment and provide access to loans or grants.

If the small business owner is looking for loans to make payroll because other bills had to be covered, this may be considered a bridge loan to get them from one month to the next. This is commonly used by small businesses that are based on seasonal sales forecasts. In other words, if a particular business does well during the winter months, during the summer months they may need a grant or loan to get them through each month.

For businesses that have been established for at least two years, these government grants can provide them the opportunity to expand their business ventures, grow, and ultimately hire more workers in the future.

Options for Small Business Loans with Bad Credit

Unless the business has been tremendously successful and can show many years of financial data to a private financial institution, the best option will likely be to turn to the government for grants and small business loans.

The United Kingdom Business Funding Centre provides information and support to small business owners through their website or their contact number. You can access their website here.

You can go on to the website, fill out the requested information, including your business status, which may be that you want to start a new business, you hope to expand your current business that may be two years old or less, or you want to expand the business that has been around for at least two years. You’ll also need to include personal and business information based on the questionnaire and some financial information as well.

You need to be specific about your financial needs and expectations. If you don’t have a clear forecast for the type of small business loans you may need, it’s going to be difficult for you to obtain the financing necessary to expand or help your small business get off the ground.

Why the Government Helps Small Businesses with Bad Credit

The most significant reason why the government provides loans and grants to small businesses, even those with bad credit is because they understand when a small business gets off the ground and becomes successful, it is going to increase employment for people in the area. More employment means more tax revenue and a stronger and more robust economy.

Since there are numerous reasons why somebody may have bad credit in the past, just because one’s score is not up to minimal requirements through private financial institutions, that doesn’t mean they won’t qualify for some type of loan.

Preparing for Business Loans with Bad Credit

The best thing any small business owner or budding entrepreneur can do when looking for funding schemes, even though they have bad credit, is to be prepared. Even for businesses that have been established for quite some time, the more prepared they are, the greater the chances will be of getting the funding necessary.

So how does a small business or an entrepreneur with an idea get prepared? The most important thing is to understand their business and the industry as much as possible. For an individual who is looking to start a small business, they may have numerous questions with regard to expectations, projections, and more. That’s where they need to do an incredible amount of research.

It’s also essential that this individual has true passion for the work they’re going to take on. Starting a small business is no small feat. It requires a tremendous amount of time, energy, and perseverance in order to become successful, especially if they’re stepping into a highly competitive marketplace.

They need to understand their target market. What demographic will be their ideal customer or client? Would it be males between the age of 25 and 35? Will it be females over the age of 64? Will it be single mothers between 35 and 45? What will be their socioeconomic status? Will they be considered middle class, upper class, or those struggling with poverty?

This small business owner will also need to fully understand the best ways to reach them; in other words, marketing efforts. They need to have a plan on how to market their business once it is established.

It’s easy to assume that once you start your own business people are simply going to flock there, but that’s not the case. The small business owner or entrepreneur also needs to have a clear understanding about the products and services they hope to provide to their potential client base. How much will he be able to charge for those products and services? Will those prices be competitive?

They also need to know their competition. How many other businesses in the UK or around the world may be directly competing with them? How many of those competitors will be large corporations that have the ability to undercut this business on prices? What would be the advantage of this small business getting started in the UK as opposed to one in another country that may be able to target the same market online?

A small business owner who is looking to expand her operations will also need to be able to understand answer these questions. Small business loans may be available for those with bad credit to help them train employees, develop better products, build a website or even redesign an old, outdated website, purchase equipment, and much more.

What are the specific needs of this particular funding scheme? Will this small business owner or budding entrepreneur require a loan, grant, or some other aid scheme?

The Daunting Nature of These Questions

It can be almost overwhelming for many small business owners, especially those with bad credit, to even think they can qualify for some type of funding opportunity or scheme. However, thanks to the government, there are a number of options available.

The reason to begin asking yourself these questions and being able to answer them is when you apply for a loan, grant, or some other aid scheme, when you are prepared and can provide the right resources and information, it increases your chances of convincing the person of the other end of the phone or opposite the desk that you are a worthy investment.

Different government agencies have set aside finances that are directly intended to help support small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to get started with their small business, and they understand the challenges that these business owners can face, especially when they have bad credit.

Finally, Know How Much You Will Need

Lastly, when you begin looking for government funding, it is going to be absolutely essential that you understand exactly how many pounds you’re going to need to get your business off the ground or to expand your business properly.

There are many government backed grants and loans that can provide support and funding schemes in the amount of £5,000 to several hundred thousand pounds. As long as you have a clear idea about how much you’ll need and can justify that amount, you increase your chances of getting the type of business loan you’ll need, regardless of your credit.

So even though you may have bad credit, you may qualify for business loans. There may also be private financial institutions that provide business loans for those with bad credit. Not all financial institutions will have an interest in hearing about your history or even consider working with you if you have a bad credit score, but some do.

Before you begin looking into these options, though, it is absolutely essential you understand the risks involved in non-repayment. Look through all of your options before deciding on one funding scheme. As long as you’re aware of the cost of the loan, the benefits of a grant, or have access to other aid options, you should be in a good position to get the financing you need to start or expand your business.