I Am Disabled and Need Support

PIP is the main benefit for adults aged 16-State Pension age with a long-term health condition or disability. It has two components: daily living (£72.65 or £108.55 a week, 2024-25) and mobility (£28.70 or £75.75). PIP is not means-tested; you can work and have any level of savings. Apply at gov.uk/pip — you call to start, complete a paper questionnaire (PIP2) with detailed examples, and usually attend a face-to-face or telephone assessment. Take a friend or carer to the assessment. The assessment focuses on what you can do safely, reliably, repeatedly, and to an acceptable standard — not just whether you can do it once.

If your disability limits your ability to work, claim UC and ask for a Work Capability Assessment. The outcome you want is "Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity" (LCWRA) which adds £416.19/month to your UC and exempts you from work-search requirements. The assessment looks at functional descriptors — mobilising, transferring, standing/sitting, reaching, picking, communicating, cognitive function, social engagement. The DWP recently announced significant reform plans (under Pathways to Work) that may change the criteria over 2025-2028 — but the current rules still apply pending legislation.

If you work or are about to start, Access to Work funds practical support: specialist equipment, support workers, taxi fares to work if you cannot use public transport, BSL interpreters, mental health support. There is no upper income limit and DWP pays the provider direct. Apply at gov.uk/access-to-work after you have a job offer or while self-employed. The award is reviewed every 1-3 years. Self-employed and start-up disabled people are eligible.

Under the Care Act 2014, the council must assess your social care needs if you appear to have eligible needs. The assessment is free and not means-tested. If the council finds you have eligible needs (under the regulations: significant impact on wellbeing across at least 2 of 10 outcomes), they prepare a Care and Support Plan and Personal Budget. The financial assessment then decides how much you contribute — savings under £14,250 means free care; £14,250-£23,250 sliding scale; above £23,250 you pay full charge until your assets reduce.

The Equality Act protects you from disability discrimination in work, services, education, housing, transport, and most other areas of life. The key duty is to make "reasonable adjustments" — proactive changes to remove barriers. Examples: accessible parking, large-print documents, working from home, modified equipment, BSL interpreter, mental health adjustments to deadlines. Ask in writing. If refused, raise a grievance (workplace) or formal complaint (service); if unresolved, claim at the Employment Tribunal or County Court (for services). Time limit 3 months less one day (work) or 6 months (services).

Blue Badge gives parking concessions for disabled drivers and passengers. Automatic eligibility: PIP mobility 8+ points, DLA higher rate mobility, WPMS, registered blind. Discretionary eligibility for severe walking difficulty, mental health conditions, learning disability. Apply at gov.uk/blue-badge through your council (£10 fee, valid 3 years). Other concessions: Disabled Person's Railcard (£20/year for 1/3 off rail fares), free local bus pass via your council, Motability Scheme (lease a car using PIP/DLA enhanced mobility component).

Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000 in England) funds home adaptations — ramps, stair lifts, accessible bathrooms, kitchen modifications. Apply via the council. Council Tax: if your home has been adapted (extra bathroom, room used as a wheelchair-user's primary living space, extra space for wheelchair use indoors), apply for the Disability Reduction Scheme — moves your home down one council tax band. Council Tax Disregard if you live with a severely mentally impaired person. Energy supplier Priority Services Register: free, gives priority during power cuts, advance notice of work, large-print bills, password protection.