
If you become disabled, a number of rights and benefits are immediately available to you. This can be particularly beneficial if your disability has hindered your ability to work as you could receive additional financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Moreover, you could still qualify for assistance, even if your disability isn't permanent. Beyond benefits, you might also be eligible for a range of discounts on your TV licence and council tax. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of all the help you could be entitled to.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)PIP is split into two components, and claimants could be eligible for one or both rates. The daily living rate currently stands at £72.65 per week for the lower level, and £108.55 per week for the higher rate.
In addition, there's the mobility component of PIP, valued at £28.70 per week for the lower level, and £75.75 per week for the higher level. If you're awarded both components at the higher rates, you would receive £737.20 in PIP payments every four weeks.
Most applicants typically require an assessment to determine their eligibility for PIP, during which they'll need to detail how their condition impacts their daily life. If the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) determines that you are eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it is usually granted for a specific period, typically between one to ten years.
After this, your claim will need reassessment. The amount of PIP you receive may change if there's an improvement in your health or if your condition worsens.
More details can be found here.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is gradually being replaced by other benefits, particularly PIP. However, you can still receive payments for DLA until the DWP sends a letter informing you that your claim will end and inviting you to apply for PIP.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can provide financial help if you're struggling with living costs or trying to get back into work. ESA can also contribute towards those aiming to claim the state pension upon retirement.
There are two types of ESA - New Style and income-related. Income-related ESA can no longer be claimed, and payments will only be made to those who have already claimed it. So, if you're making a new claim, you'll be applying for New Style ESA.
ESA is a benefit that is provided weekly with varying rates depending on what stage of the application process you're in. During your assessment period, you will receive an 'assessment rate' for 13 weeks which will either be £72.90 week if you're under 25 or £92.05 a week if you're aged 25 or over.
This assessment rate can continue if your application takes longer than 13 weeks, however, you can receive a backdated amount if it's found you should have been paid more after the 13-week period. Once you're assessed, you will be placed into one of two groups which will dictate how much you're paid.
If you're placed in the work-related activity group you will receive £92.05 a week while those in the support group will receive £140.55 a week.
More details can be found here.
Attendance AllowanceAttendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it makes self-care challenging. It does not cover mobility needs and you don't need to have a carer to be eligible to claim.
If you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving that help - you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance. Depending on the level of care required due to your condition, you could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week.
This is paid every four weeks and equates to £290.60 and £434.20 respectively. The funds can be utilised as you deem appropriate, potentially assisting in preserving your independence at home for a longer duration.
This could encompass costs such as taxi fares, contributions to bills, or employing a cleaner or gardener.
More details can be found here.
All the discounts you could getIf you become disabled, you may be eligible for a discount on your council tax and TV licence. The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme can provide a discount if you live in a larger property than you would need if you were not disabled.
This helps to reduce your bill to the next lowest council tax band that your property is currently in.
Further details on the support you could receive if you become disabled can be found here.
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