Having arthritis can, for some, mean extra expense. You may be able to get financial support or benefits to help with the extra costs of having arthritis or if you’re unable to work. It’s worth checking that you’re claiming everything that you are entitled to.
Sources of advice
Information on benefits can be found at the government site: https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
Attendance Allowance: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Turn2us is a national charity which is an excellent source of advice on the benefits and financial help you may be entitiled to. This includes a helpful benefits calculator.
Go to : https://www.turn2us.org.uk/
Another good source of information on financial help is Versus Arthritis https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/financial-support/
Where to get advice in Cornwall
Cornwall Council
Information on benefits can be found at https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/
You can also call the Assessment Team on 0300 1234 121
Disability Cornwall
Provide an independent, confidential and free information and advice service to people living with a long term health condition or disability, their families, carers and professionals.
Their dedicated DIAL service provides support across a full range of disability related enquiries:
For further info go to https://www.disabilitycornwall.org.uk/services/information-and-advice
Or call the Advice Line on 01726 759500 or 07522 970336
Other Cornwall Council Information Service
Cornwall Council recently made changes to some of their One Stop Shops which are now known as Information Services. Some of the Information Services have moved in to the local library.
The Information Services provide information on housing, benefits, council tax and disabled parking badges. They also offer advice on how to get information about applying for Council services online. Most Information Services have free internet access to the Council’s website and other public service websites.
To find your nearest Information Service go to: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/contacting-the-council/
Citizen Advice Bureaus
Free financial advice can be obtained from the Citizens Advice Bureau which has local offices in towns throughout Cornwall. For advice call 03444 111444 or go to: