This page aims to provide useful information and act as a rough guide about the various disability benefits that are available for disabled people to claim. These are paid for various reasons, for instance you may qualify if you cannot work due to long term sickness or you need a mobility aid due to you being disabled. To be entitled to these allowances you must be a British citizen and meet certain criteria, both adults or children are eligible to apply.

Some of the benefits can be claimed for training or for mobility aids to help with transport to and from work. Whilst others are basically living allowances to help you to be more independent. If you are already working in any disability jobs then your local job centre will be able to advice you on what you can claim for.

It’s a fact that many mentally or physically disabled jobseekers face barriers in getting a job and need financial help income to assist them whilst they look for work. Research has shown that they are twice as likely to be unemployed compare to the non-disabled workforce.

Most disability payments are paid directly into the recipients bank account or any other savings or building society accounts. They are typically done on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Other forms of payment can be arranged under certain circumstances, you should contact your local benefits office for guidance. If you already have saving then you should declare these as they may affect the amount of benefits you can claim.

There are many different types of benefits available depending on your circumstances and whether you are employed or not, most of them are tax free. Some of these may also be paid if you are suffering from a long term illness. Money is normally paid directly to recipients, however tax breaks and credits are another form of benefit and allowance.

Remember that many claims can be backdated up to a certain period of time, for instance three months prior to your initial application. Also note that if your disability claim is turned down then you always have a right to appeal against the decision to individual tribunals.

You can get further information on the types of social security benefits available to those who are disabled by contacting the help lines of organisations like the citizens advice bureau, community care advisers as well as The Department for Work and Pensions. Your local social services department will be more than happy to answer any of your queries for instance on what rates you will get. It is important to note that if your condition improves and circumstances change the you should let the local authorities know immediately. Otherwise you may be open to charges of benefit fraud.

There are also certain benefits for carers who look after the needs of a disabled person under their care and supervision. These can also be paid even if they are both related family members living in the same house.

 

Some types of allowances and disability benefits:

Disability Living Allowance – also known as the DLA

Attendance Allowance

Incapacity Benefit

Employment and Support Allowance

Medical Assessment

Carer’s allowance

Severe Disablement Allowance