If you are claiming Income Support, Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or Pension Credit, you could be able to claim back your travel costs between home and hospital when attending for treatment.

Whether it’s an outpatient, inpatient or day care appointment, simply pick up a claim form, fill it in and take it to the cashier’s office behind the main hospital reception. Claim forms are available from the department you visit and main reception. Remember to take along proof of entitlement and proof of travel i.e bus ticket as payment cannot be made otherwise.

Restrictions apply such as travel by taxi.  For full terms and conditions, please ensure you check the claim form carefully or speak to a member of the team at the cashier’s office.
Patients not eligible for hospital transport may obtain a cash refund for travel expenses when travelling by public transport to the hospital, if they are in receipt of one of the following:

• Income support
• Working families tax credit
• Income-based job-seekers allowance

Patients arriving by public transport must bring the receipt/ticket and their proof of benefit with them. They must go to hospital general office to make their claim.

Patients in receipt of mobility allowance should (except in exceptional circumstances), make their own way to hospital, using those monies which are paid specifically ‘to help them get around’, which includes attending hospital appointments.

The Department of Health has produced a leaflet with further information about the financial assistance available. For further advice, please contact the benefits agency on free phone, 0800 666555.