Caring for a loved one with a serious illness often involves frequent hospital visits, which can lead to significant travel costs. If you’re a carer in the Northwest of England, there are specific benefits, grants, and local organisations that may help ease the financial burden of travel.
In this post, we outline the key resources and options available to carers in the region.
1. Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a national benefit that provides financial support to people caring for someone who receives certain disability benefits. While this payment is not specific to travel, it can help cover general expenses.
Eligibility criteria:
- You must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
- You must earn less than £139 per week (after deductions).
- You must not be in full-time education.
To apply, visit the Carer’s Allowance webpage.
2. Hospital Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)
If you or the person you care for is on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). This scheme reimburses travel expenses for carers attending hospital appointments with patients.
How to access it in the Northwest:
- Many hospitals in the Northwest participate in the scheme. Check with the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) to confirm eligibility and process claims.
- Keep all travel receipts for reimbursement.
3. Local Carers’ Centres in the Northwest
Local carers’ centres provide tailored advice, financial support, and access to grants for carers in the Northwest. Here are a few key centres to contact:
- Carers Trust Greater Manchester: Offers advice, support groups, and financial assistance for carers in Manchester and surrounding areas.
- Liverpool Carers Centre: Provides practical support and advice to carers in Liverpool.
- Carers Link Lancashire: Supports carers across East Lancashire with information and financial help.
- Cheshire Carers’ Hub: Offers support and resources to carers in Cheshire.
4. Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support provides financial advice and Macmillan Grants for people affected by cancer and their carers. These grants can help with travel costs, heating bills, and other essential expenses.
How to apply:
- Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
- Call their helpline on 0808 808 00 00.
5. Maggie’s Centres
Maggie’s Centres provide free practical and emotional support for people affected by cancer, including carers. They can offer advice on managing travel costs and accessing financial help.
Northwest locations:
- Maggie’s Manchester (near The Christie Hospital).
- Maggie’s Merseyside (at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre).
6. Community Transport Schemes in the Northwest
Many areas in the Northwest offer affordable community transport services for hospital visits.
- Ring and Ride (Greater Manchester): Provides door-to-door transport for people with mobility issues or those who find public transport difficult. Visit Ring and Ride.
- Dial-a-Ride (Liverpool and Merseyside): Offers low-cost transport for eligible individuals, including carers. Contact your local council for more details.
- Lancashire Volunteer Drivers Scheme: Offers affordable travel to medical appointments. Contact Lancashire County Council.
7. Social Prescribing in the Northwest
Social prescribing services connect carers to community resources, including financial aid for travel. Most GP surgeries in the Northwest offer access to a social prescribing link worker who can guide you to local support networks.
Ask your GP about social prescribing services in your area.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a loved one in hospital is a demanding role, but financial support is available. In the Northwest, resources like Carers’ Centres, community transport schemes, and organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support can help ease the financial strain of travel costs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with these expenses, don’t hesitate to reach out to these organisations for assistance.
This blog is intended as a general guide, and eligibility for benefits or schemes will depend on individual circumstances. For personalised advice, contact Citizens Advice, your local carers’ centre, or your GP’s social prescribing service.
