Financial help if you are sick or disabled
Welfare benefits helpline
Phone the welfare benefits helpline for free, confidential advice on 0333 344 0681 (calls cost no more than national rate calls)
Benefits
If you are disabled or have a long-term illness, you may be entitled to benefits such as:
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you cannot work because of illness or disability. Check if you can get ESA – Citizens Advice.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you are aged 16 or older and have not reached State Pension age. Check if you can get PIP – Citizens Advice.
- Attendance Allowance if you have reached State Pension age. Check if you can get Attendance Allowance – Citizens Advice.
Universal Credit has started to replace some income-related benefits in some parts of the county.
Carer’s support
If you are a carer you may be able to get help through the Carers Allowance and Carers Credit (a National Insurance credit that helps with any gaps in your National Insurance record).
Other help
There are payments and concessions such as vehicle and council tax reductions, Disabled Facilities Grant and Income Tax Disabled Premiums which can help with transport, housing or if you are on a low income.
If you have a disability, you can apply for a disabled person’s railcard.
Adults with a qualifying disability are also eligible for free bus travel with a disabled person’s bus pass.
Disability benefits advice
You can get more advice on adult disability benefits from Citizen’s Advice or the Welfare Benefits Helpline.