Seeking Financial Support: Post-Stroke Recovery Assistance

The financial impact of a stroke can be overwhelming and unpredictable, with the lifetime cost of ischemic stroke estimated at $140,048, including inpatient care, rehabilitation and follow-up care. If you or a loved one are unable to work due to a stroke, you may be concerned about paying bills, adapting your home, or accessing grants or crisis support. Financial help is available through the benefits system, your employer, local council and other organisations.

Benefits and grants

The financial impact of a stroke can be significant, leading to immediate concerns about paying bills and long-term worries about income and disability payments. However, there are various benefits and grants available to help with these financial challenges.

Benefits

• Universal Credit: This is the main benefit for people who are out of work or on a low income, providing support with income, housing costs, and disability payments.
• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Occupational Sick Pay, and Employment and Support Allowance: These are the primary sources of support when you are unable to work due to a stroke. Occupational sick pay is sometimes offered by employers in addition to SSP.
• Carer's Allowance: Financial assistance is available for carers, including support with discharge processes, care needs assessments, and self-care tips.
• Personal Independence Payments (PIP): These benefits are available if you have an illness or disability.
• Social Security Disability Benefits: Offered by the Social Security Administration, these benefits can provide support for individuals with disabilities.

Grants

• Local Council Grants: Many local councils in the UK offer emergency assistance schemes for individuals on low incomes. This can include grants, crisis loans, or vouchers for food, fuel, clothing, and travel.
• Disability Grants: Various organisations provide grants specifically for individuals with disabilities, such as the Tavistock Trust Small Grants scheme for people with aphasia and the Sense list of disability grants.
• Home Adaptation Grants: If you have a disability, you may be eligible for loans and grants to adapt your home, making it easier to navigate and live in.
• Energy Bill Grants: With the rising cost of fuel, grants are available to help with energy bill payments and debts.
• Other Grants: There are also grants for specific purposes, such as the British Gas Energy Trust grants for energy bills, household debts, or essential items, and the Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust grants for services, equipment, and respite breaks for those with illnesses or disabilities.

To determine your eligibility and find the most relevant sources of financial assistance, it is recommended to use online benefits calculators and seek advice from organisations specialising in financial guidance.

Help from employers

Returning to work after a stroke is a big decision and can be challenging. However, with the right support and guidance, many people successfully return to work. Here are some ways to get financial help from your employer:

Know Your Rights and Available Benefits

Educate yourself on your rights as an employee who has experienced a stroke. Understand the benefits and accommodations your employer is legally required to provide. These may include extended leave, flexible work arrangements, or access to company-provided health insurance.

Communicate with Your Employer

Have open and honest conversations with your employer about your needs and concerns. Discuss any physical or cognitive limitations you may have and how these could impact your work. Be clear about the adjustments or accommodations you require to perform your job effectively.

Access Employer-Provided Resources

Many employers offer resources and support services for employees dealing with health issues. These could include employee assistance programs (EAPs), counselling services, or access to company-sponsored support groups. Your employer may also have partnerships with organisations that provide financial planning or legal advice, which could be beneficial as you navigate any financial challenges post-stroke.

Understand Your Options for Returning to Work

Returning to work doesn't necessarily mean jumping back into the same role and responsibilities. Discuss options for a gradual return, reduced hours, or modified job duties with your employer. They may be able to offer temporary assignments or alternative positions that better suit your current capabilities.

Explore Tax Benefits and Incentives

Some countries offer tax benefits and incentives to employers who accommodate employees with disabilities. Research the tax laws in your country or region, and discuss these options with your employer. These benefits could provide financial relief for both you and your employer, encouraging a more supportive work environment.

Remember, it's important to stay informed about your rights and the resources available to you. By working collaboratively with your employer, you can develop a plan that supports your health, well-being, and financial stability as you navigate your return to work.

Local council support

Local councils or local authorities in the UK often offer emergency assistance schemes for people on a low income. This may include grants, crisis loans, or vouchers for food, fuel, clothing, and travel. To find out what is available in your area, contact your local council. You can find contact details or apply for help online in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Your local council can also provide you with the contact details of support groups in your area. These groups are a safe and supportive space to learn more about self-care and build your confidence as you rebuild your life after a stroke. They meet in different ways, with some meeting face-to-face and others providing support online.

Other organisations

There are several organisations that can offer financial help after a stroke. These include:

• MoneyHelper: Set up by the government to offer free, independent advice on all money matters. Phone: 0800 011 3797
• Scope: A charity that provides support, information, and advice to disabled people and their families. Phone: 0808 800 3333, textphone 18001 0808 800 3333. Email: [email protected]
• Step Change: Offers free, impartial advice on managing debts and other money matters. The website provides a tool to help you put together a debt management plan and web-chat with an adviser. Debt advice line: 0800 138 1111
• British Gas Energy Trust: Provides information about how to apply for a grant to help with energy bills, other household debts, or essential items. Phone: 0121 348 7797
• Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust: Provides grants for help with services, equipment, and respite breaks for people who are sick or disabled and their carers. Phone: 0207 998 8817
• Independence at Home: Provides grants for adaptations, specialist equipment, and other items to help make life easier at home. Phone: 0208 427 7929. Email: [email protected]
• Mobility Trust: Provides help for the purchase or loan of powered wheelchairs or scooters. Phone: 0118 984 2588. Email: [email protected]
• Professionals Aid Guild: A charity that aims to help members of various professions and their dependents, where no other help is available. Email: [email protected]
• The Sawyer Trust: Helps women aged over 50 who are in need of financial help. Email: [email protected]
• The Sequal Trust: Provides funding for specialist communication aids. Phone: 01691 624 222. Email: [email protected]
• RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People): Provides grants for technology to help people with sight loss. Phone: 0303 123 9999. Email: [email protected]

Financial guides

The financial impact of a stroke can be overwhelming and unpredictable, with the lifetime cost of ischemic stroke estimated at $140,048. This includes inpatient care, rehabilitation and follow-up care. Here are some ways to get financial help and manage your money after a stroke:

Benefits and financial assistance

Financial help is available through the benefits system. You can also get help from your employer, local council and other organisations.

• Illness or disability benefits: If you are unwell or have a disability, you may be entitled to financial support. This includes Statutory Sick Pay and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
• Out-of-work or low-income benefits: If you are out of work or on a low income, you may be eligible for benefits such as Universal Credit, which can help with income, housing costs and disability payments.
• Carer's benefits: If you are caring for someone who has had a stroke, you may be able to claim benefits such as Carer's Allowance.

Grants and loans

You may be able to get grants or loans to help with one-off expenses or specific needs, such as home adaptations or disability equipment.

• Local council grants: Many local councils offer emergency assistance schemes for people on low incomes, which can include grants, loans, or vouchers for food, fuel, clothing and travel.
• Other grants: There are grants available from a range of organisations for specific purposes, such as energy bills, household debts, essential items or disability-related costs.
• Budgeting loans: If you are on a low income or certain types of benefits, you may be able to get a Budgeting Loan to help with one-off expenses.

Managing costs

There are various costs that you may need to manage after a stroke, including health costs, council tax and household bills. Here are some ways to get help:

• Health costs: You may be entitled to free or reduced charges for prescriptions, dental treatment and other health services.
• Council Tax Reduction: You may be able to get a reduction on your council tax bill if you are on a low income or claim certain benefits.
• Energy bills: There is help available to pay energy bills, including grants and loans from energy suppliers.
• Food banks: If you are struggling to afford food, you can be referred to a food bank by a Citizens Advice service, your GP or a social worker.

Online resources and helplines

There are various online resources and helplines that can provide information and support on financial matters after a stroke:

• Online benefits calculators: You can use online tools such as entitledto or Turn2Us to check what benefits and support you may be entitled to.
• Money Helper: A website that offers information and advice on money matters, including budgeting, benefits and debt.
• Stroke Association Helpline: The Stroke Association has a helpline that can provide information and support on financial matters after a stroke. The number is 0303 3033 100.

Frequently asked questions