People living with a disability or long-term health condition could be entitled to extra financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Whether a condition is permanent or temporary, there are several benefits and discounts designed to help with daily living costs, mobility issues and independence. Even if you are still able to work, you may qualify for support that can ease the financial strain of managing your health.
If you're unsure what you could be eligible for, the Government's free benefits calculator can help you check what you might receive. You'll need basic information about your income, savings, bills and any benefits you already claim to get an accurate estimate.
One of the main forms of help available is Personal Independence Payment, or PIP. It supports people who have difficulty with everyday tasks or mobility because of a disability or health condition.
PIP is divided into two parts - the daily living component and the mobility component - and people may qualify for one or both. The daily living part currently pays £73.90 per week at the lower rate or £110.40 per week at the higher rate, while the mobility component pays £29.20 per week at the lower level and £77.05 at the higher level.
Most people applying for PIP will need an assessment, which looks at how their condition affects their ability to manage daily life. Awards usually last between one and ten years and can be reassessed if health changes.
Employment and Support Allowance, or ESA, is another key benefit that offers financial support to people unable to work due to illness or disability, or who are preparing to return to work.
There are two types of ESA - New Style ESA and the older income-related ESA, which is now being phased out. Payments are made weekly, with rates depending on your age and circumstances.
During the initial assessment period, which lasts up to 13 weeks, payments are £72.90 a week if you are under 25 or £92.05 if you are 25 or older. Once your claim is fully assessed, you will be placed in one of two categories that determine your payment level.
Those in the work-related activity group receive £92.05 a week, while those in the support group receive £140.55 a week. If your application takes longer than 13 weeks, your payments can be backdated to cover the waiting period.
Disability Living Allowance, or DLA, is another benefit that some people still receive. It is gradually being replaced by PIP, but existing claimants will continue to receive payments until they are invited by the DWP to switch.
Once you are contacted, you will need to apply for PIP instead, and your entitlement will be reassessed.
Attendance Allowance is available to people who are over State Pension age and have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult to look after themselves. It does not cover mobility needs, and you do not need to have a carer to qualify.
The amount you receive depends on the level of help you require, with a lower rate of £73.90 a week and a higher rate of £110.40 a week. Payments are made every four weeks, working out to £290.60 or £434.20 respectively.
The money can be used however you wish - for example, to pay for help around the home, cover transport costs, or make daily living easier.
In addition to direct financial support, people with disabilities may be entitled to extra help with household bills. The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme can reduce your council tax if you live in a larger property that accommodates your needs, such as space for medical equipment or accessibility adaptations.
This discount effectively moves your home into the next lowest council tax band. There are also TV licence reductions available for people who are blind or severely visually impaired, helping to further ease household costs.
Living with a disability can bring additional financial pressures, but the DWP's range of benefits is designed to help people maintain independence and stability.
Anyone affected is encouraged to check their eligibility online or seek free advice from Citizens Advice or local support services to make sure they are claiming everything they are entitled to.
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