Other financial support

The Blue Badge Scheme is for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The badge enables holders to park close to where they need to go. However, the badge is intended for on-street parking only. Off-street car parks, such as those provided in local authority, hospital or supermarket car parks are governed by separate rules. While the scheme operates throughout the UK, it differs slightly in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Blue Badge is run by your local council who deal with applications and issue badges.

• How to apply

Check if you are eligible to apply by visiting the direct.gov website. If you are eligible, contact your local council. They will send you an application form which you will need to fill in. Some councils charge an application fee.

For more information, see the Directgov website.

Community Care Grants

These can be paid to help cover the cost of one-off expenses including household items, clothing, and certain travelling expenses. Community Care Grants do not have to be paid back.

For more information and how to apply, see the Directgov website.

Cold Weather Payments help people on a low income with fuel costs during periods of cold weather. Cold Weather Payments are different from Winter Fuel Payments which are made every winter to people aged over state pension age, regardless of the temperature.
Each postcode area of the country is linked to a weather station and payments are made for periods of cold weather. When the weather station forecasts or records an average daily temperature of 0 degrees Centigrade or less for seven consecutive days, a payment will be made.

For more information and a postcode search to find out if a payment has been made, see the Directgov website.

Freedom Pass is scheme running in London, England. It is provided by the local borough councils to give older people and disabled Londoners free travel on almost all public transport.

• Who can get the Freedom Pass

People who have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has left them with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk.

• How to apply

If you believe you have mobility problems and are entitled to a Freedom Pass, you need to first contact your borough who will determine your eligibility.

Call the helpline: 0845 275 7054 (local rate) open Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm.
Visit the London Councils website

If you live outside of London, check with your local council to see if they run a similar scheme in your area.

To find out more

Everyone's situation is different and there may be other financial support available to you other than what we have listed here. For more information about these options, you can contact the following:

• Turn 2 Us
• Directgov website
• speak to our Asthma UK Nurses on 0800 121 62 44
• contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau