Information And Advice FAQs
Am I entitled to DLA?
See the DLA factsheet in the publications section for the qualifying conditions for DLA.
Are there any organisations that can help me organise a holiday?
Disability Action has a general holiday information sheet (see factsheets). RADAR also produce accessible travel guides and have an online site www.radarsearch.org.uk where you can search for accessible accommodation the United Kingdom. The Holiday Care Service www.holidaycare.org.uk is a charity which specialises in holiday information for disabled and older people. They have information sheets on a range of holiday destinations including Europe and the USA. They also produce factsheets on equipment, oxygen and other special requirements.
How can I claim DLA?
A claim form for DLA can be obtained from Disability and Carers Branch, SSA, Castle Court, Royal Avenue, BT1. Tel 028 9090 6192. Textphone. 0800 243 787.
How can I get a Social Worker and what help can they give me?
Depending on the nature of your disability a social work referral can be made through your GP or by contacting your local social services department. You will need to provide information on your disability, date of birth, GP and other general information such as family support and what input you need. As with most other areas of the Health Service there may be a waiting list although most teams will try and arrange an assessment as soon as possible.
Social work input can vary according to your needs. They may be able to arrange a home help, advise you of benefits entitlements or organise respite care. Their overall purpose is to ensure that you are receiving all the benefits and services that you are entitled to. They also have a duty to assess carers and provide them with services.
How do I register as a disabled person?
There is no such thing as registration for disabled people. Prior to the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act disabled people could register as a “blue card” holder and employers had to employ a certain percentage of disabled people. In practice this did not work and was phased out with the introduction of the DDA. From December 1999 anyone who fits the definition of disability under the DDA should not be discriminated against in employment or when accessing goods or services.
What is the difference between Direct Payment and Direct Payments?
These terms actually refer to two separate issues but are easily confused.
- Direct Payment. This is where benefits or pensions are paid directly into a bank account or Post Office account.
- Direct Payments. This refers to people who have been assessed for services from Social Services, for example a home help or a place in a day centre. They may now be able to get a cash payment instead so that they can arrange their own services. A copy of “A Guide to Receiving Direct Payments” can be obtained by contacting Disability Action or alternatively at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk April 2005 Ref: 323/04
Where can I hire or get a loan of a wheelchair?
Disability Action’s Carrickfergus Office offers the hire of a wheelchair at a nominal charge. Current fees are £10.00 deposit and £5.00 per week thereafter. This service is only available in the Homefirst Area. For further information contact our Carrickfergus office on 028 93369367
The British Red Cross hires wheelchairs
Tel: 028 90246400.
Shopmobility will also hire out wheelchairs for short-term loan
Tel: 028 9080 8090.
There are also some private companies who we cannot endorse:
Lisclare, Telephone: 028 9079 4000
Gerald Simmons, Telephone: 028 9093 9000
Thompson Active Care Ltd. Telephone 028 9077 4445
Disability Needs, Telephone: 028 9074 5333
