Financial support

An image representing 2 males and 1 female sitting down at a table with paper documents discussing financial support for travelling to and from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Patient and Volunteer Hardship Fund

Support for patients and their families or carers whose finances are impacted by a hospital stay.

Visit our website page for further information

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

Support for individuals receiving qualifying benefits, allowances or who meet the criteria for the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Visit the NHS website page HTCS for additional support

Carer’s Passport

A carer’s passport enables carers to be recognised and feel welcome when visiting their loved ones in hospital as well as offering discounts.

Visit the GOV.UK website page for documentation on the Carer’s Passport

Candlelighters

A charity organisation providing support (including financial) to children with cancer and their families.

Visit the Candlelighters website for additional information

The Millie Wright Children’s Charity

A charity organisation providing support (including financial) to families and Carers looking after children with life threatening conditions.

Visit The Millie Wright Children’s Charity website for further information

Reimbursement of travel expenses

You are entitled to claim travel expenses if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits:

Income Support – letter dated within twelve months of appointment must be provided
Income Based Job Seekers Allowance – written confirmation dated within twelve months of appointment (last page on Award Notice)
Pension Credit – Guarantee – written confirmation dated within twelve months of appointment
Working Tax Credit – subject to qualification – must produce current Award Notice
Universal Credit – subject to qualification – usually patient has an App on their mobile
phone. NIL or earnings up to £435.00 qualify or increases to NIL or earnings up to £935 if the payment is made up of Child Tax element or Ltd Capacity to work. If over these thresholds, patient does not automatically qualify
Current HC2/HC3 – must produce Exemption Certificate
Income Based Employment and Support Allowance – written confirmation dated within twelve months of appointment (last page on award notice)

Confirmation of appointment must be produced. An attendance slip/voucher can be obtained from the department. Please note: Escorts can only be claimed if you are medically unfit to travel on public transport alone; a letter must be obtained from you GP or Consultant stating you are medically unfit to travel alone. When both parents are accompanying children only one parent can be paid.

Please note under the Healthcare Travel Expense Scheme taxi payment cannot be paid other than in exceptional circumstances, and must be agreed prior to appointment. If you are medically unfit to travel on public transport, then transport must be arranged via your GP or the department you are attending. You must ensure adequate notice is given to ensure transport is booked accordingly.

The scheme is strictly for patients claiming for treatment or outpatient appointments – hospital visiting cannot be reimbursed.

All appointments must be claimed within three calendar months and all documentation is needed to make a claim.

You can either send a postal claim or take your documentation to can be completed and posted to: