Overview of different government benefits
Disabled people in the UK are eligible for financial support and benefits to deal with the extra costs they face because of their health. This is money paid to individuals which they can decide how to spend; it can fund things like specialist equipment, travel to appointments or just help them get by if they can’t work, or can only work part-time.
Citizens Advice has a breakdown of financial support for disabled people and their carers and advice on how to apply. You can usually visit them in person for specific advice on what you are eligible for and what to do if you’re having issues with your benefits.
An overview of government benefits:
DLA: Disability Living Allowance For under-16s, covering the costs of living with long-term illnesses & disabilities; the over-16 equivalent is PIP.
DSA: Disabled Students’ Allowance For university students, helps with equipment & extra costs incurred by those with disabilities & health conditions.
ESA: Employment & Support Allowance For anyone whose disability or health limits how much they can work; it covers living costs and support for finding work.
JSA: Jobseeker’s Allowance For over 18s not currently in work or education, who are seeking employment. If you can’t work for health reasons you’re not eligible, and should apply for ESA and or disability premiums instead.
PIP: Personal Independence Payment For over-16s, goes towards the costs of living with long-term illnesses & disabilities.
UC: Universal Credit Designed to simplify the benefits system, this is a combination of child tax credit, housing benefit, income support, JSA, ESA & working tax credit, paid once or twice each month.
Disability Premiums If you receive income support, JSA (for unemployment), housing support or income-based ESA, you may be eligible for extra disability premium payments. The amount you get varies for each type, and you may receive more than one type (standard, enhanced, premium). You can check eligibility here.
For Carers:
Carer’s Allowance For anyone aged 16+ who cares 35+ hours a week for someone with a disability or long-term illness who receives certain disability benefits.
Carer’s Credits For anyone aged 16+ who cares 20+ hours a week, usually for a person who receives disability benefits. You’re not paid an amount; instead this benefit covers the national insurance (tax) contributions you’ve missed because of caring duties, so that you should still be eligible for a state pension when you retire.
Young Carers:
If you are under 16 and caring for someone, they can receive financial support and you can receive practical support approved by a Young Carers Needs Assessment, arranged via your local council’s social services department.
If you are 16-19 and need support to stay in education, you may be eligible for the Bursary Fund which can cover equipment, travel costs etc. It’s paid to your school or college, who decide payment amounts and times; speak to them about applying.
The Children’s Society has a great resource full of advice for young carers here.
Citizens Advice also offer advice to carers on how you can get practical as well as financial support.
We’ve also got a page listing welfare advice, practical information and resources for carers coming soon – please check back here for the link.
About Us
The general aim and objective of Head Up! is to promote the interests of young people with disabilities, physical and/or mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties and neurodivergence; offering them practical advice and support concerning their education and welfare.