Disability benefits and financial help for disabled people
This information applies to England and Wales.
If you are disabled, you could get:
Warning Free online benefits calculator
Use a free online benefits calculator to:
- find out what you are entitled to
- see how changes would affect your benefits
Information about benefits
Advice is available from government, charities and voluntary organisations.
Warning Benefits sanctions
Your benefits can be sanctioned if you do not do things in your claimant commitment.
Talk to your work coach if you cannot meet your claimant commitment.
Warning
If you are terminally ill
If it's reasonable to think that your illness could be terminal within 12 months, you can apply to fast-track your application. You also are exempt from the claimant commitments and face-to-face assessment.
Help with care
If you’re aged 16 to State Pension age, you can apply for PIP.
If you were receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) as a child, you’ll need to re-apply for PIP.
If you have an unpaid carer for more than 35 hours a week, they can apply for Carer’s Allowance.
Your local authority has a duty to provide care at home. But what they provide depends on an assessment. Speak to your social services department about what you can get.
Help with travel
You can apply to your local authority for a disabled person’s bus pass. A Disabled Persons Railcard gives you up to a third off rail fares.
If you travel for NHS treatment, you can apply for reasonable travel costs.
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (NHS)
If you have the higher rate mobility for DLA or the enhanced rate mobility for PIP, you can lease a car with Motability. You have to contribute your entire mobility component. The scheme does not pay for your fuel, but does cover:
- insurance, including tyre and windscreen replacement cover
- breakdown cover
- vehicle tax
Help with the home
Your local authority can provide a Disabled Facilities Grant if you need specialist equipment or make changes to your home.
This includes:
- wider doorways and ramps
- stairlifts and a downstairs bathroom
- adapting lighting and heating controls
- specialist equipment for mobility or using the bathroom and kitchen
Some organisations provide grants for items not covered by your local authority or the government.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 08/10/2024
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