IF a serious illness or disability affects someone, it can cause "knock on effects" to the person's life and the lives of their family.

Often people don't know what services are available, who they should contact or what they are entitled to. Until you "need to know" it is not something one tends to think about.

This is where BADDAC's Disability Information and Advice Line can be of help on 0161 253 6888

Could any of the following information benefit you?

Motability - changes its eligibility criteria

Last October, Motability (the scheme that arranges lease hire of cars to disabled people who are in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) "High Rate Mobility Component" announced that they had adjusted their eligibility criteria.

They now welcome applications from potential customers who have 12 months or more of their award remaining (previously they had to have the award for at least three years).

Once on the scheme, should a customer find that their DLA award is not renewed to cover the full length of the chosen scheme; the car would need to be returned to Motability.

They state that this procedure is uncomplicated, and gives customers around three months between the cancellation of the allowance and the return-by-date, during which the lease can be paid for privately, so that there is time to arrange an alternative car. For more information Tel: - 0800 093 1000 or see their website www.motability.co.uk

Grants from the British Gas "Energy Trust"

A trust fund has been set up with donations from British Gas. This is to help their domestic customers who are facing household debt issues or are facing fuel poverty.

Applicants can apply for help with their gas and electricity charges and/or a further assistance payment. It is not necessary to be in arrears with payments in order to apply to the fund. Tel: - 01733 333383 for an application form.

The application form asks for details of your income and expenditure (it is not a requirement to be on Income Support).

They have a website - www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

Winter Fuel Payments

Were you 60 on or before September 26, 2004? If so, you may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £200 from the Government (even if you are still working).

If you were aged 70 by this date, eligible households should receive a "One-Off 70+ payment" of £50 or £100 this year, depending on your circumstances. If aged 80 or over you may get an additional payment of up to £100.

Most Winter Fuel Payment is paid automatically, either into the persons bank or building society, or for example, a cheque posted to their home address.

If you do not receive your, or have never received them before and think you are eligible, Tel:- 08459 15 15 15. Any claims must be made by March 30 this year.

See www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/winterfuel for full details.

Care After Stroke ( a booklet produced by the Stroke Association)

This booklet provides information for people who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and their relatives and friends who care for them.

It explains how people with stroke should be treated; how care should be organised, and where to get more information and advice. To order a free copy Tel:-01604 623933 (publications line).

You can also view or order it, plus other publications, via their website www.stroke.org.uk . The Stroke Association also has a dedicated Helpline Number:- 0845 3033 100.

For any further information contact BADDAC's Disability Information and Advice Line on 0161 253 6888. Our website is:- www.baddac.org.uk