Partner had stroke - qualify for any assistance?

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Harry31

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Very briefly, situation is this - partner had stroke last year. Now having to pay for Physio privately 3 days a week - very expensive, but good. The partner who is caring for the person receives a Public Service pension, is there any financial help available to help pay for the treatment & would the person who has the disability be entitled to any financial help from state as an individual? Person has not got any persoanl income as is a dependent spouse? It's very difficult to find out information on any assistance available - medical card to cover balance of cost not able to claim from private insurer? Any advice appreciated.
 
The person who is ill could apply for Disability Allowance. Entitlement is based on medical criteria and a means test. It will be means-tested on the family income (i.e. the Public Service Pension) and any savings, investments or property other than the family home.

The carer could apply for Carer's Allowance. It's also means-tested, but the disregards are higher than other SW schemes.

You can find more information on the two schemes above on www.welfare.ie

A medical card does not cover the cost of private physio treatments, even if it's the shortfall between private insurance and the cost. A list of medical card services can be found here, as well as other information:

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Many thanks for the information gipimann - will check it out. I also found a contact number for a local contact for the community welfare officer (not called that now I believe) so we'll see how it goes. The reason that they are getting private physio is that the local hospital physio after a few weeks of attending said there no point in coming back! so had no option but to go private if they wanted to make any progress.
 
Was the physiotherapy prescribed by a practitioner? Tax relief may be able to be claimed on MED1 forms? Not sure if the partner can claim this on their behalf if thhey have paid for it themselves - perhaps somebody could clarify?
 
Flossie, the physio was started when in hospital & then referred to local hospital. As I said the physio after a few weeks stated there not much point in continuing - I don't know what reason was given, except that she didn't seem to think that there would be much further improvement. I don't know who recommended the private physio, but it's helping & much progress has been made, with, hopefully, more to come. The physio is currently being paid for by the partner who has a pension income, not the person who had the stroke as they have no income. Some costs can be claimed from the insurer but it leave a shortfall & the travel expenses are quite substantial. Thank you for the suggestion about the MED1 form we'll check it out.
I've been quite shocked at the disjointed information & services available to people & their families who have had a stroke. It seems to be a case of chasing around looking for information, with very few suggestions or advice being readily available. And when people are coming to terms with their situation post stroke, you're not really in the best frame of mind to search around looking for help, it's most disappointing.
 
This site might be of some help to you with information and some support links

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You can claim the difference between what PHI refund and the balance on MED 1 after a certain amount (€360 springs to mind?).

My mum had a stroke years ago, when she was in her 30s, and I was 13 at the time....I know it can be very difficult to all those involved, so wishing you the best with everything. Do not be afraid to ask for help and support from every avenue available, it all helps in the journey.
 
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