Introduction to Disability Benefits
Disability benefits in the UK are designed to provide financial support to people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. These benefits aim to help cover extra costs you may face because of your condition, whether that’s for daily living expenses, personal care, or mobility needs. Understanding your rights and the support available is important, as it ensures you can access the help you’re entitled to.
The main types of disability benefits include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is for adults aged 16 to State Pension age, and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which is mainly for children under 16. Each benefit has its own eligibility rules and application process, but both are non-means-tested, meaning they aren’t affected by your income or savings.
Disability benefits can make a real difference to your quality of life, helping you manage everyday tasks and maintain your independence. To find out more about the range of disability benefits available and how to apply, explore our detailed guides and resources.
Who Can Apply for Disability Benefits?
To qualify for disability benefits in the UK, you must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that significantly affects your daily life or mobility. These benefits are designed to support people whose health issues make everyday activities or getting around more difficult.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including your age, the nature and impact of your condition, and whether you need help with personal care or mobility. For adults aged 16 to State Pension age, the main benefit is Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You can find detailed eligibility rules and application guidance on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) page, including information on how to challenge a decision if your claim is refused.
For children under 16, support is available through Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The legal framework for DLA is set out in the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, which outlines the criteria for eligibility.
Generally, to be eligible, your condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months, and you must meet the specific requirements for each benefit. Adults who reach State Pension age may need to look at other types of support, as eligibility rules can change.
If you want to learn more about the specific benefits for adults and children, see our guides to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Types of Disability Benefits
There are several main types of disability benefits available in the UK, each designed to support people with different needs and at different stages of life.
If you are aged 16 to State Pension age and need help with daily living activities or getting around because of a long-term health condition or disability, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). PIP is a benefit that helps with extra costs and is based on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. For more on eligibility and how to claim, you can also visit Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
For children under 16 who have care or mobility needs due to a disability, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) provides financial support. DLA is set out in the Disability Living Allowance and Disability Working Allowance Act 1991, which outlines the legal basis for this benefit.
If you are over State Pension age and need help with personal care because of a disability, you might qualify for Attendance Allowance. This benefit is explained in more detail by Attendance Allowance (AA) | Disability charity Scope UK.
Each of these benefits is designed to help with the extra costs associated with living with a disability, whether those are related to daily living, mobility, or personal care. To find out more about which benefit might be right for you or your family, explore the detailed pages linked above.
How to Claim Disability Benefits
Making a claim for disability benefits in the UK involves several important steps. First, you’ll need to check which benefit you are eligible for and gather the necessary information, such as details about your health condition, daily living needs, and financial circumstances. When you’re ready to apply, you can find guidance on how to claim disability benefits, including where to get the correct forms and what supporting documents you’ll need.
It’s essential to fill in your application forms carefully and provide clear, accurate information. Supplying medical evidence – such as letters from your GP or specialist – can help support your claim and show how your disability affects your daily life.
Once your application is received, you may be asked to attend an assessment. This could be face-to-face, over the phone, or sometimes by video call. The purpose is to understand your needs and how your condition impacts you. The assessment process is guided by legal frameworks like the Care Act 2014, which sets out how local authorities should assess adults’ care and support needs.
If your claim is refused or you disagree with the decision, you have the right to ask for a mandatory reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal. It’s important to act quickly and provide any extra evidence that may help your case.
If you need help at any stage, consider using official resources or seeking advice from a support organisation. This can make the process smoother and improve your chances of a successful claim.
Additional Support Linked to Disability Benefits
Additional Support Linked to Disability Benefits
If you receive disability benefits in the UK, you may also be entitled to extra support to help with everyday life. Many people find that these benefits open the door to further assistance, including schemes designed to make mobility and daily living easier.
One key example is the Motability Scheme, which allows people receiving certain disability benefits – such as the higher rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. This scheme is supported by government regulations to help improve independence and access to transport.
You might also qualify for a Blue Badge, which provides parking concessions for disabled people under rules set out by local authorities and the Department for Transport. The Blue Badge scheme makes it easier to park closer to your destination if you have mobility difficulties.
Receiving disability benefits can also mean you are eligible for additional financial support. This could include help with housing costs through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, Council Tax reductions, or grants for home adaptations under the Disabled Facilities Grant, as outlined in the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. In some cases, you may also get extra help with energy bills and travel costs.
These forms of support are designed to work alongside disability benefits, helping to reduce the financial pressures and practical barriers that disabled people may face. Eligibility and application processes can vary, so it’s important to check what you might be entitled to based on your individual circumstances.
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge scheme provides essential parking concessions for people with disabilities, helping to make travel and daily activities more accessible. If you have significant mobility issues or are registered blind, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge, which allows you to park closer to your destination and access designated disabled parking spaces. The scheme operates across the UK, but local councils may have specific rules about how it is applied.
Understanding how disability benefits relate to mobility support can help you navigate the application process for a Blue Badge. To find out more about who qualifies, how to apply, and what the badge entitles you to, visit our Blue Badge scheme page. For a comprehensive overview, you can also refer to the "Blue Badge Scheme – Disability Rights UK" which explains the scheme’s operation and eligibility in detail.
Help with Transport Costs
If you have a disability, there is financial support available to help with travel costs – whether you need to attend medical appointments or manage everyday journeys. This support is designed to ease the extra expenses disabled people often face when using public transport or needing specialist travel arrangements. Eligibility typically depends on the type of benefit you receive, your income, and the reason for your travel, with specific rules set out under schemes like the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.
To find out what help is available, who can apply, and how this support works alongside other disability benefits, see our dedicated page on help with transport costs.
Motability Scheme
If you receive certain disability benefits, such as the higher rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you may be eligible to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme. This scheme is designed to help people with disabilities maintain their independence by improving their mobility options.
Eligibility is based on your entitlement to specific benefits, and the scheme allows you to use your mobility payment to cover the cost of leasing a vehicle. This can make it easier to travel for work, appointments, or leisure, without the added stress of vehicle ownership.
To find out more about who can apply, what vehicles are available, and how the scheme works, visit our dedicated Motability Scheme page. For an overview of the scheme from the official provider, you can also read the Motability Foundation’s guide: Motability Scheme | About Us | Motability Foundation.
Related Benefits and Additional Financial Support
Related Benefits and Additional Financial Support
If you receive disability benefits, you may also be entitled to other forms of financial support. These additional benefits are designed to help with the extra costs of care, housing, employment, and family responsibilities. For example, if you need help with daily living or mobility, you might receive Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
There are also benefits like Carer’s Allowance for those who look after someone with substantial care needs. If you are on a low income, you may be able to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), which provide income support and help with living costs. Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit can help with rent, while Council Tax Reduction may lower your council tax bill.
Some benefits have specific eligibility rules set out in laws such as the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992. Your entitlement can depend on factors like your income, savings, household circumstances, and the level of care you need.
Exploring these related benefits can make a significant difference to your financial situation. If you’re unsure what you can claim, it’s important to check the rules or seek advice to make sure you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to a disability or health condition. It is designed to support those who have difficulty with tasks such as washing, dressing, or getting in and out of bed, even if no one is currently providing that care. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.
Unlike Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which are available to people under State Pension age, Attendance Allowance is specifically for older adults. You cannot claim both Attendance Allowance and PIP or DLA at the same time. If you are already receiving DLA or PIP when you reach State Pension age, you can usually continue to receive them, but new claims must be for Attendance Allowance.
To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the Attendance Allowance page or see the detailed guide on Attendance Allowance | Disability Rights UK, which explains who can claim and what support is available.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who regularly spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability. It provides extra financial support to help cover the costs of caring. To qualify, you must be aged 16 or over, not in full-time education, and earn no more than a set amount from work each week. The person you care for must also receive certain disability benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Receiving Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits you and the person you care for receive, so it’s important to check how it might impact your situation. For more detailed information about eligibility, how to claim, and how the allowance works, see our dedicated Carer’s Allowance page. You can also find comprehensive guidance on the Carer’s Allowance – Disability Rights UK resource.
Universal Credit and Disability Benefits
Universal Credit is a benefit designed to support people on a low income or out of work, and it can provide extra help if you’re disabled or caring for someone with a disability. If you have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work, you may be eligible for an additional element within Universal Credit known as the Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) component. These extra payments are intended to help cover the extra costs you may face due to your disability.
You can claim Universal Credit alongside other disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However, some older benefits – like Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – may be replaced by Universal Credit if you make a new claim. The eligibility rules are set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and supporting regulations.
To find out more about how Universal Credit works, including how to apply and how your disability might affect your claim, visit our Universal Credit page. For a detailed guide on navigating Universal Credit as a disabled person, you may also find the Universal Credit – Disability Rights UK resource helpful.
Help with Housing
If you have a disability, there is support available to help with housing costs and to make your home more accessible. You may be able to get financial help through Housing Benefit, Universal Credit housing costs, or other schemes if you meet the eligibility criteria. The Equality Act 2010 requires landlords and housing providers to make reasonable disability adjustments, which can include changes to your home or the way services are provided.
You might also qualify for grants or funding to adapt your home, such as fitting ramps, widening doorways, or installing accessible bathrooms. These adaptations are designed to help you live more independently and safely.
To learn more about the types of support available and how to apply, visit our dedicated page on help with housing.
Help if You Have Children
If you have children, there may be extra financial support available to help with the additional costs that can come with disability. Families with a disabled child can often claim specific benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, which helps cover care and mobility needs. Parents or carers may also be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if they spend significant time looking after a child with a disability.
Disability benefits can form a vital part of your overall family income, alongside other support such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit, and tax credits. These benefits are designed to work together, ensuring families receive the help they need. The eligibility rules and amounts you can claim may depend on your circumstances, including your income, savings, and the level of care required.
To find out more about what support is available and how to apply, visit our dedicated section on help if you have children.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to provide extra income for people over State Pension age who are on a low income. It can be especially important for older adults who receive disability benefits, as it helps top up weekly income to a minimum amount set by the government. Pension Credit comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit, which ensures your income does not fall below a certain level, and Savings Credit, which may be available if you have saved some money towards your retirement.
To qualify for Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age and meet the income and residency requirements. You can still receive Pension Credit if you are getting disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance, as these are not counted as income for the means test. Receiving Pension Credit may also entitle you to additional support, such as help with housing costs or NHS charges.
For a full breakdown of eligibility criteria and how this benefit works alongside other support, visit our Pension Credit page. You can also find detailed guidance on how to check your eligibility and make a claim in the Pension Credit section from Citizens Advice.
Bereavement Benefits
Bereavement benefits offer financial support to individuals and families who have lost a loved one. This support can be especially important for families and carers of disabled people, who may face additional challenges during a bereavement. The main bereavement benefits available in the UK are designed to help with living costs and provide stability at a difficult time. Eligibility usually depends on your relationship to the person who has died and their National Insurance contributions.
For more information about the types of support available, including who can claim and how to apply, visit our dedicated section on Bereavement Benefits.
Employment Benefits
People with disabilities have important rights and protections at work under the Equality Act 2010. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to help disabled employees do their jobs, such as changing working hours, providing special equipment, or adapting the workplace environment. This ensures you are not put at a disadvantage compared to non-disabled colleagues.
Employment benefits can work alongside disability benefits to support your financial wellbeing. For example, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and Access to Work grants can help cover extra costs related to your disability while you are employed. These benefits are designed to complement payments like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), rather than replace them.
To find out more about the support available at work, including your rights and how to access additional help, see our dedicated Employment Benefits page.
