What Benefits are Available to Disabled People in the UK?

In the UK, individuals living with disabilities have access to a range of government benefits designed to support their needs and facilitate independence. These benefits vary slightly between England & Wales and Scotland, reflecting devolved healthcare and social services. This overview will highlight key benefits available across both regions.

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1. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Available to disabled adults living in England & Wales, PIP helps cover the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability for individuals aged 16 to state pension age. It's assessed based on how a condition affects daily tasks and mobility, rather than the condition itself, with two components: Daily Living and Mobility.

PIP Northern Ireland is the same benefit at the same rates, available to residents of Northern Ireland.

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2. Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

For children living in England & Wales with disabilities, DLA provides financial support. Though PIP has replaced DLA for adults, those already receiving DLA can continue to do so, subject to periodic reassessments. DLA comprises a Care Component and a Mobility Component, depending on the child's needs.

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3. Attendance Allowance

Available to those aged 65 and over who have not claimed PIP or DLA, Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if someone has a physical or mental disability severe enough to require care or supervision. This benefit is available in England, Wales and Scotland.

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4. Carer’s Allowance

Individuals who care for someone at least 35 hours a week and who receive PIP, DLA, or certain other benefits may be eligible for Carer's Allowance, providing financial support to carers. This benefit is available in England, Wales and Scotland.

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5. Adult Disability Payment - ADP Scotland

ADP is the flagship Scottish benefit that replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults aged 16 to state pension age. ADP provides financial assistance to those who have difficulty with daily living tasks or getting around due to a physical or mental health condition.

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6. Child Disability Payment - Scotland

Children under 16 with disabilities who live in Scotland may be eligible for the Child Disability Payment, which mirrors the support offered by the DLA in England & Wales. This benefit aims to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability.

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7. Young Carer Grant

Additionally, the Scottish Government offers the Young Carer Grant, a unique benefit to young carers aged 16 to 18 who spend an average of 16 hours per week caring for someone with a disability. 

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8. Disability Premiums

Disability Premiums increase the amount of financial support provided by the following benefits: Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit. The aim is to help cover the extra costs associated with having a disability, ensuring that recipients can afford a higher standard of living.

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9. War Pension Mobility Supplement

The War Pension Mobility Supplement is a benefit specifically for veterans who have sustained injuries or illnesses that affect their mobility as a result of their service in the Armed Forces. This supplement provides financial assistance to help cover the costs of getting around, such as purchasing a wheelchair or adapting a vehicle.

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10. Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is available to individuals who have become disabled as a result of an accident at work or due to diseases caused by the work they were doing. 

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11. Constant Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance is a benefit for individuals who receive the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or War Disablement Pension and who have been assessed as needing constant care due to the severity of their disability.

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For more information on the benefits available to you as a disabled person, we would recommend the UK government website.

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If you're looking for additional means to make life easier as a person with a disability, consider applying for a National Disability Card. This card serves as a convenient form of visual identification, allowing you to subtly communicate your needs to others and access the assistance you require. With the card, you're also entitled to various discounts at renowned locations, including Better leisure centres, Disneyland Paris, Europa Park, Banham Zoo, and numerous others. Apply for your National Disability Card today.