Can I get help to pay for transport?
If you have a low income, or are in receipt of benefits you may be able to claim the cost back.
You may be able to get help with your NHS travel costs which are necessarily incurred, and those of a companion (if this is medically necessary), if you are either:-
- in receipt of certain benefits
- in receipt of a war or service disablement pension and your visit is in connection with that disability
- living in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, although this is subject to certain limitations
- living permanently in social work accommodation and you do not pay the full rate for that accommodation.
If you do not fall into any of these categories you may be able to get help with travel costs if you are on a low income.
For further information about qualifying for a payment, and how the payment is claimed and repaid, more information can be found at:
- Directgov - public services all in one place
- Adviceguide - Citizens Advice
Alternatively you can contact your local CAB or oncology unit.
Macmillan Cancer Support - 0808 8080000 can sometimes provide grants to help with travel costs.
Why is there such a variety of charges?
Each organisation funds itself in a different way, and some of them need to charge to pay drivers petrol costs etc
What service do drivers offer?
Most organisations provide door to door transport and wait for you while you are at your appointment.
What other sources of help are there for people with cancer and their carers?
USEFUL SOURCES OF HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER AND THEIR CARERS
FOR PATIENTS
CancerBACUP www.cancerbacup.org.uk 0808 808 1234
Macmillan Cancer Relief www.macmillan.org.uk 0808 808 2020
Cancer Care Society www.cancercaresociety.org 01789 483 0374
FOR CARERS
Carers Scotland
www.carersonline.org.uk
0808 808 7777
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers www.carers.org Tel: 0141 221 5066
Marie Curie Cancer Care www.mariecurie.org.uk 0800 716416
Crossroads www.crossroads.org.uk 0141 226 3793
Cruse Bereavement Care www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk 0845 600 2227
FOR PATIENTS AND CARERS
Benefits Enquiry Line www.dwp.gov.uk 0800 882 200
Maggies Centres
www.maggiescentres.org
0300 123 1801
Tak Tent www.taktent.org 0141 211 0122
How can I become a volunteer driver?
Search the website for your local groups and contact them directly.
If there is not a scheme in your area your local hospice may need volunteer drivers, or know of people who do.
Community Service Volunteers http://www.csv.org.uk have local offices throughout the UK and have details of many local groups who need volunteers.