Welcome to Enabled People
information for disabled people in the UK
Transport - General
Transport - London
Transport - Regional
Benefits and Work (Government)
Grants and schemes
Going out / Entertainment
Holidays
Support and advice
Online supplies for disabled people
Services - helping with accessibility
Miscellaneous
About this site
Benefits and Work (Government)
On Disability Living Allowance: "If you are awarded DLA at certain levels, other benefits and schemes are open to you... If you already have DLA, check the requirements for other schemes as you may be automatically entitled to them."
There is a general guide on the Department for Work and Pensions website which is a good starting point.
It is a fact that disabled people tend to have a lower income than able-bodied people in the UK, and as such you may be eligible for low-income benefits such as Job Seeker's Allowance, Income Support, Council Tax and Housing Benefit. However this site deals with benefits specifically aimed at disabled people.
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance, or DLA is the main benefit for people with disabilities. It is not means tested. It has a component for care and another component for mobility. It covers things like help getting around and help with daily household tasks.
It applies if you have had difficulties or impairment for 3 months, and expect it to continue for another 6 months.
If you're not sure whether you are entitled to it, it is worth applying anyway. There is an excellent guide to claiming DLA - it is slightly out of date now but it explains how to set out information in the required manner and to maximise your claim.
If you are awarded DLA at certain levels, other benefits and schemes are open to you (such as Warm Front heating grant in the home, Blue Badge for mobility) so it is worth applying. If you already have DLA, check the requirements for other schemes as you may be automatically entitled to them.
Disabled Students
If you are studying, Disabled Student Allowance can provide you with assistance or equipment to help you on your course. The onus is on you to find out what can help you and explain how much it costs.
Are you working?
If you are working, there are Working Tax Credits - this is means tested.
If you are unable to work, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance to cover you while you cannot work; if you can work but need help to do so, you may qualify for assistance from Access to Work, which covers everything from equipment to taxis. It is not a benefit as such, but will cover additional costs to enable you to work.
Council Tax
This may be reduced by one band if you have an extra room due to your disability, have particular adaptions, or if you need a larger house than you would otherwise have, because of your disability. If this is the case, you should contact your council for more information.
Disability Premium
The "disability premium" is extra money payable on some income related benefits, if you also claim DLA, Severe Disablement Allowance or Incapacity Benefit. It will mean you get a higher rate of income support, income based job seekers allowance, housing benefit, or council tax benefit. The extra amount should be added to your payment automatically if you are eligible.
In all cases if you are not sure of your entitlement, call your local Council and ask for assistance. House visits are possible to save you a trip to their offices.
There is also a national benefits helpline for disabled people - 0800 882200. They can also provide information in large print or Braille if requested.
Another source of help to ensure you are getting all appropriate benefits is the CAB.
