Patient transport - will I get help paying for a taxi? And how?

Brain and nerves
1

hi , I have a hospital appointment which will take over an hour by public transport. My only income is government  benefit. Due to being so unwell, do you know how I can get funding for a taxi to the appointment???  Am just way too unwell for public transport. Chears 

2

Ring the hospital ask for the department that you go to to claim transport , fuel parking to get to hospital when u r on benefit... Then ask the dept   how it works .. All hospitals offer petrol refund , fares , car park fees... They will tell you what proof of income I.e benefit papers you need to bring to claim ..our hospital in Truro gives you the money in cash there and then ..I am not sure about taxis ? They may have volunteers who will taxi you to hospital for free . 

Hope that helps 

3

That is brilliant Sally - I never thought of that....bad day!

Thanks for taking the time to help me out x

4

In our area we have a system called communicate. They are volunteer drivers who take people to hospital for free - although most people do tip as a thank you. Check and see if they do this in your area. 

Paz

5

Sorry predictive texting! It should say communicare.

Paz

6

I am researching exactly the same problem!  I applied for and qualified for Wheel Trans, which is free transport for handicapped/disability in my area.  You must have something similar... It is a branch of my local bus service.

7

Hi Haziej,

Over where I am in West Yorkshire, you can call hospital transport service. Its basically a non emergency ambulance service. You usually need to book a little in advance. Also, be aware that depending on where you are based, they can pick you up upto two hours before your appointment time.

In regards a taxi, they will only pay mileage which I think Is 30p a mile.

As said elsewhere in the thread, make sure you have evidence of benefits and within 6months is usual. (You can request a letter from benefits stating you are in receipt if you don't have a current one. Takes about four days)

Further more, many of the reimbursement offices close early. E.g. my cfs/me clinic's shut at 3pm. Which is when my appointment is so, I go there first.

Hope this helps

Best wishes

B

8

As there are three of us all with disabilities , we get a free car. You should ask for a lift in with a special driver. Go and see your Citizens Advice Bureau. If you can   or ring them up, you deserve help. ME is a serious condition and I would qualify for a free car if we did not have one. I gather you need a wheelchair, if you feel this unwell.  Keep applying, ring your MP, that should help get the wheels in motion.I know it is difficult, but you only get one life : this is not a rehersal.

Make a pest of yourself, you have a right to all that is available.

I wish you well and alll the best for the future.

9

Thank you - great reply!

I don't have a wheelchair as don't have anyone to push it!

My flat isn't big enough to get an electric one...kind of stuck but need to move flats...

Never thought of the Citizen"s Advice Bureau, thanks x