Help for ill health or disability

Ill health or disability

Always get a full benefit check to determine which benefits you are entitled to and the amounts you should receive. Then use the checklist below for ideas of other ways to maximise your available income if you or your child are in ill health or disabled.

This checklist is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the benefits or help for which you might qualify and is not a full statement of the law. Get specialist advice where appropriate.

What we mean by 'disability benefit'

If you or your child have a terminal illness

Who counts as terminally ill for benefit purposes?

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If you or your child have a terminal illness and are not getting a disability benefit	Aged under 16 and living in England or Wales. Check entitlement to disability living allowance (DLA) under the 'special rules'. If a child counts as terminally ill for DLA, and you make a claim for DLA on that basis then the child: •automatically satisﬁes the 'disability conditions' for the highest rate of the care component of DLA; and •does not have to satisfy the normal three-month qualifying period in order to get either the care component or mobility component.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Who can get the care component •Who can get the mobility component •Terminal illness GOV.UK: Get beneﬁts if you're nearing the end of life
	Aged under 16 and living in Scotland. Check entitlement to child disability payment (CDP) under the 'special rules'. If a child counts as terminally ill for CDP, and you make a claim for CDP on that basis then the child: •automatically satisfies the 'disability conditions' for the highest rate of the care component of CDP; and •automatically satisfies the 'disability conditions' for the higher rate of the mobility component of CDP (although the child must be at least three years old to qualify for the mobility component); and •does not have to satisfy the disability conditions for a period of 13 weeks in order to qualify for either component. In some circumstances, the award of CDP can be backdated for up to 26 weeks.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Who can get child disability payment •Terminal illness CPAG in Scotland: •Child disability payment •Terminal illness and child disability payment
	Aged 16-65 and living in England or Wales. Check if you qualify for personal independence payment (PIP) under the 'special rules'. If you count as terminally ill for PIP, and you make a claim for PIP on that basis then you: •automatically qualify for the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP; and •do not have to satisfy the 'required period' condition in order to get either the daily living component or the mobility component.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Who can get personal independence payment •Terminal illness GOV.UK: Get benefits if you're nearing the end of life
	Aged 16-65 and living in Scotland Check if you qualify for adult disability payment (ADP) under the 'special rules'. If you count as terminally ill for ADP and you make a claim for ADP on that basis you: •automatically satisfy the 'disability conditions' for the enhanced rate of the daily living component and the enhanced rate of the mobility component of ADP; and •do not have to satisfy the 'required period' condition in order to get the components. In some circumstances the award of ADP can be backdated for up to 26 weeks.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Who can get adult disability payment •Terminal illness CPAG in Scotland: •Adult disability payment •Terminal illness and adult disability payment
	Aged 66 and over (and not getting DLA, PIP or ADP). Check if you qualify for attendance allowance (AA) under the 'special rules'. If you count as terminally ill for AA and you make a claim for AA on that basis, you: •automatically satisfy the 'disability conditions' for the higher rate of AA; and •do not have to satisfy the normal six-month qualifying period. Note that: in some circumstances, if you previously got DLA, PIP or ADP and your claim ended less than a year ago, you may be able to reclaim that benefit rather than claim AA.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Who can get attendance allowance •Terminal illness GOV.UK: Get beneﬁts if you're nearing the end of life
If you are already getting a disability benefit but it is not the maximum rate	Check if you qualify for a higher rate of disability benefit. For the rules relating to DLA, CDP, ADP or AA if you have a terminal illness, see the rows directly above this one. If you qualify for a higher rate of benefit on the basis that you are terminally ill, you must state this explicitly when you ask for your award to be reconsidered. See also: If you are not getting the maximum rate of a disability benefit
	Aged under 18 (or in some cases under 19) living in Scotland and have been transferred from DLA to CDP. Children and young people in Scotland who were getting DLA have been transferred to CDP. If a child or young person counts as terminally ill, they will qualify for the highest rate of the care component and, if they are at least three years old, the higher rate of the mobility component of CDP. In some circumstances the award of CDP could be backdated for up to 26 weeks. If the rate of CDP awarded is higher than the DLA which was being paid, check whether the child or young person was entitled to backdating, and, if so, that the correct amount was paid for the backdated period. The CDP paid for the backdated period should be the difference between the two awards. Note that: the definition which determines whether the special rules apply for CDP is different from that for DLA.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •The rules about your age •When your entitlement starts if you are terminally ill
	If you are living in Scotland and get PIP, notifying the DWP of a change in your circumstances, such as that you are terminally ill, is likely to trigger your transfer to ADP. If you count as terminally ill, you qualify for the enhanced rate of the daily living component and the enhanced rate of the mobility component of ADP. However, if you are aged 66 or over, your entitlement to the enhanced rate of the mobility component may be restricted, check the rules. In some circumstances the award of ADP can be backdated for up to one year. If the rate of ADP awarded for the backdated period is higher than the PIP which was paid for that period, the ADP paid will be the difference between the two awards. Note that: the definition which determines whether the special rules apply for ADP is different from that for DLA or PIP.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •When your entitlement starts if you are terminally ill •Mobility component for older people CPAG’s Welfare Rights Bulletin: •Who can get adult disability payment •Moving to ADP in Scotland
If you are employed but not well enough to work	Check if you qualify for statutory sick pay (SSP). Note that: •SSP is treated as earnings for universal credit (UC), housing benefit, and pension credit, as 'employment income' for tax credits, and as 'other income' for other means-tested benefits. •If you are entitled to contractual sick pay from your employer, SSP usually forms part of your contractual sick pay.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get statutory sick pay GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay – Eligibility
If you are working age and don’t qualify for SSP	If you are 16 or over and have not reached state pension age, check if you qualify for employment and support allowance (ESA). If you qualify, and you count as terminally ill for ESA, and you make a claim on that basis: •you are automatically treated as having limited capability for work and limited capability for work-related activity; and •the support component is included in your ESA straight away Note that: Contributory ESA (including new-style ESA) is treated as income for means-tested benefits.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Who can get contributory employment and support allowance •Treated as having limited capability for work - Employment and support allowance •Treated as having limited capability for work-related activity •Who can get a component in the assessment phase
If you are already getting ESA	If you count as terminally ill for ESA: •you are automatically treated as having limited capability for work and limited capability for work related activity; and •you qualify for the support component in your ESA. If you are not getting the support component consider asking for a supersession or revision of your award. Request this expressly on the ground of being terminally ill. If you request a supersession on the basis your circumstances have changed as you are terminally ill, the supersession can take effect from the date you became terminally ill. Note that: Contributory ESA (including new-style ESA) is treated as income for means-tested benefits.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Treated as having limited capability for work - Employment and support allowance •Treated as having limited capability for work-related activity •Who can get a component in the assessment phase •Getting a decision changed •Changes in your circumstances
If you are getting UC	If you count as terminally ill for UC: •you are automatically treated as having limited capability for work and limited capability for work-related activity; and •you qualify for the limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA) element in your UC. You do not have to wait three months to qualify for it. If you request a supersession on the basis your circumstances have changed as you are terminally ill, the supersession can take effect from the first day of the assessment period in which you became terminally ill. Note that: •If you also qualify for the carer element in your UC, the LCWRA is awarded in its place. If you are in a couple and your partner also qualifies for the LCWRA and/or carer element, both elements can be included. •If you get the transitional SDP element within your UC or you have transferred to UC under the managed migration process and you get a transitional element within your UC, your transitional SDP element or transitional element is likely to be eroded if you subsequently become entitled to a LCWRA element.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Treated as having limited capability for work: universal credit •Treated as having limited capability for work-related activity •Limited capability for work-related activity element •Getting a decision changed •Changes in your circumstances •When the transitional element reduces or stops
	In some circumstances, if you work and your earnings are equal to or above a certain threshold you are automatically treated as not having limited capability for work for UC. This should not apply if you count as terminally ill . However, your earnings may affect the amount of UC you get.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Treated as not having limited capability for work - Universal credit
	If you and/or your partner work, an amount of your earnings can be ignored when calculating your UC. This is known as the ‘work allowance’. You can qualify for the work allowance if you count as terminally ill for UC, because you are treated as having limited capability for work. Check that the correct amount of your earnings is ignored.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Work out your earnings and how much can be ignored: the work allowance GOV.UK: Universal Credit and earnings
If you are affected by the benefit cap	In certain situations, the benefit cap should not apply to you. These include if you or your partner get: •UC which includes the limited capability for work-related activity element; •ESA which includes the support component; •a disability benefit or if a child for whom you or your partner are responsible gets a disability benefit. If you, your partner or your child count as terminally ill, you are likely to be able to meet one of these conditions.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): When the benefit cap does not apply - Benefits for disabled people and carers

Who counts as terminally ill for benefit purposes?

In some circumstances, if you count as terminally ill, you can rely on special benefit rules (also known as 'the special rules'). You count as terminally ill and the special rules apply to you if you meet the following criteria, which differ according to the benefit you are claiming:

•for DLA, PIP and AA, you have a progressive disease and as a result of the disease can reasonably be expected to die within 12 months (this rule was changed to within 12 months from 3 April 2023, prior to this it was within six months); or

•for ESA and UC, you have a progressive disease and can reasonably be expected to die within 12 months; or

•for CDP and ADP, in the judgement of a registered medical practitioner or nurse professionally involved in your care or diagnosis you have a progressive disease which can reasonably be expected to cause your death.

To demonstrate you meet these rules you must provide certain evidence.

If you are not getting a disability benefit

Check if you qualify for a disability benefit. Disability benefits are ignored as income when calculating your entitlement to means-tested benefits and tax credits. In addition, in some circumstances, getting a disability benefit may increase your entitlement to means-tested benefits and tax credits.

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
Aged under 16	In England and Wales, check entitlement to disability living allowance (DLA).	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Who can get the mobility component •Who can get the care component GOV.UK: Disability Living Allowance for children
Aged under 16	In Scotland, check entitlement to child disability payment.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get child disability payment CPAG in Scotland: Child disability payment
Aged 16-65	In England and Wales, check if you qualify for personal independence payment (PIP).	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get personal independence payment GOV.UK: Personal Independence Payment
Aged 16-65	In Scotland, check if you qualify for adult disability payment (ADP).	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get adult disability payment CPAG in Scotland: Adult disability payment
Aged 66 or over	Check if you qualify for attendance allowance (AA). Note that: in some circumstances, if you previously got DLA, PIP or ADP and your claim ended less than a year ago, you may be able to reclaim that benefit rather than claim AA.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get attendance allowance If you are getting another disability benefit and reach pension age GOV.UK: Attendance Allowance

If you are getting a disability benefit

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If you are not getting the maximum rate of a disability benefit	Check the rules for the disability benefit you are getting to see if you meet the conditions for a higher rate of benefit and then check below if you think you should qualify for more. Note that: you usually cannot start to get the mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA), personal independence payment (PIP) or adult disability payment (ADP), or increase your entitlement to it, if you are aged 66 or over.	DLA: Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Who can get the care component •Who can get the mobility component •If you get disability living allowance and turned 65 on or before 8 April 2013 GOV.UK: Disability Living Allowance for children Child disability payment (CDP): Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Disability conditions for the care component Disability conditions for the mobility component CPAG in Scotland: Child disability payment PIP: Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •The disability conditions •Mobility component for older people GOV.UK: Personal Independence Payment ADP: Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Disability conditions •Mobility component for older people CPAG in Scotland: Adult disability payment Attendance allowance (AA): Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): The disability conditions GOV.UK: Attendance Allowance
	Check the risks of asking for a higher rate of disability benefit before you decide how to proceed. There may be a risk that your benefit could go down instead of up if you ask for a higher rate, or that you could lose entitlement altogether.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •DLA and PIP: The risks of applying for a revision or supersession •CDP and ADP: Redeterminations
	If you are aged 16 or over and on DLA, or live in Scotland and are on PIP, in some circumstances asking for a higher rate of benefit may trigger your transfer to PIP or ADP. Check the rules.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Transferring to personal independence payment as an adult •Moving from personal independence payment to adult disability payment CPAG’s Welfare Rights Bulletin: Moving to ADP in Scotland
	If you think that you qualify for a higher rate and that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Social Security Scotland (SSS) got the decision on your entitlement wrong, consider challenging the decision and check whether you are still within the time limits to do so.	Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): DLA and PIP: •Getting a decision changed CDP and ADP: •Getting a determination changed CPAG in Scotland: How to challenge a disability benefit decision CPAG Welfare Rights tools (for subscribers): •Personal independence payment: mandatory reconsideration letter •Personal independence payment: prepare an appeal submission
	If you think that you qualify for a higher rate because your condition has worsened since the DWP or SSS made a decision on your entitlement, consider asking the DWP or SSS to reconsider your entitlement.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): DLA and PIP: Supersessions CDP and ADP: If there has been a change in your circumstances
If you are at least state pension age and get universal credit (UC) (because your partner is under state pension age)	If you have reached state pension age and get •AA; •the highest rate of the care component of DLA; or •the enhanced rate of the daily living component of either PIP or ADP, you should be treated as having limited capability for work and work-related activity and qualify for the limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA) element in your UC (but unless an exemption applies, there is usually a three-month waiting period before you get it). Note that: •If you also qualify for the carer element in your UC, the LCWRA is awarded in its place. If you are in a couple and your partner also qualifies for the LCWRA and/or carer element, both elements can be included. •If you get the transitional SDP element within your UC or you have transferred to UC under the managed migration process and you get a transitional element within your UC, your transitional SDP element or transitional element is likely to be eroded if you subsequently become entitled to a LCWRA element.	Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Treated as having limited capability for work-related activity •Limited capability for work-related activity element •When the transitional element reduces or stops

If you are not well enough to work

Always check your entitlement to means-tested benefits in addition to the following:

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If you are employed	Check if you qualify for statutory sick pay (SSP). If you qualify for contractual sick pay as well as SSP, SSP usually forms part of your contractual sick pay.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get statutory sick pay GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay
If you are employed	If you are not entitled to SSP, and you are under state pension age, check if you qualify for employment and support allowance (ESA). If you qualify for contributory ESA, it is not affected by any contractual sick pay you get.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get contributory employment and support allowance GOV.UK: Employment and Support Allowance
If you are self employed or unemployed and under state pension age	Check if you qualify for ESA.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get contributory employment and support allowance GOV.UK: Employment and Support Allowance
If you are getting jobseeker's allowance (JSA)	If you are on JSA, you can continue to get it during certain limited periods of sickness, check if this applies to you. Alternatively, you may qualify for ESA. If you are on income-based JSA and can continue to get it during a period of sickness, get advice before deciding to end your claim. This is because you cannot return to income-based JSA once you have stopped claiming it.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Periods of sickness when you can claim jobseeker's allowance
If you are getting universal credit (UC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has not assessed whether you have limited capability for work for UC or ESA	If you haven't already done so, notify the Jobcentre that you are unfit for work. If you have been, or expect to be, unfit for work for more than seven days, submit a fit note to confirm that you are unfit for work. Note that: this applies even if you are over state pension age and are getting UC as part of a 'mixed age couple'.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Work capability amount - The work capability assessment GOV.UK: Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit
	Check whether you can be treated as having limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA). If any of the circumstances that allow you to be treated as having LCW or LCWRA apply, consider informing the DWP of this and providing evidence.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Treated as having limited capability for work - universal credit •Treated as having limited capability for work-related activity
	If you cannot be treated as having LCW or LCWRA without needing an assessment, and it is more than 28 days since you notified the Jobcentre that you are unfit for work, request a UC50 form (a UC capability for work questionnaire) if you have not already received one. You can request a UC50 form on your online UC journal or by ringing the DWP's UC helpline.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Work capability amount - The work capability assessment GOV.UK: Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit
If you have had a work capability assessment in connection with your UC claim	If the DWP has determined that you do not have LCW, consider whether you want to challenge this decision. There are normally time limits for doing so.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Challenging a decision CPAG Welfare Rights tool (for subscribers): Universal credit work capability assessment: mandatory reconsideration
	If the DWP has determined that you have LCW but not LCWRA, check whether you meet the conditions for having LCWRA, as this will qualify you for a LCWRA element within your UC. Unless an exemption applies to you, there is normally a three-month waiting period before a LCWRA element is included in your UC. Note that: •If you get a LCWRA element within your UC you should be exempt from the benefit cap. •If you satisfy the conditions for both the LCWRA element and the carer element, only the LCWRA element is included in your UC. If you have a partner, both elements can be included if you satisfy the conditions for one element and your partner satisfies the conditions for the other. •If you get the transitional SDP element within your UC or you have transferred to UC under the managed migration process and you get a transitional element within your UC, your transitional SDP element or transitional element is likely to be eroded if you subsequently become entitled to a LCWRA element.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Limited capability for work-related activity •Limited capability for work-related activity element •Benefits for disabled people and carers •When the transitional element reduces or stops GOV.UK: Universal Credit: What you'll get CPAG Welfare Rights tool (for subscribers): Universal credit work capability assessment: mandatory reconsideration
If you get UC and the DWP has determined that you have or can be treated as having LCW (or LCWRA)	If the DWP has determined that you have or can be treated as having LCW, and you and/or your partner work, an amount of your earnings is ignored when calculating your UC. This is known as the ‘work allowance’. Check that the correct amount of earnings is ignored. Note that: In some circumstances, if you work and earn equal to or more than a threshold amount, you are treated as not having limited capability for work.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Work out your earnings and how much can be ignored: the work allowance Treated as not having limited capability for work - universal credit GOV.UK: Universal Credit and earnings
If you get UC and the DWP has determined that you have or can be treated as having LCWRA	If the DWP determines that you have or can be treated as having LCWRA, check that the LCWRA element is added to your UC award from the earliest possible date. Note that: if you get the transitional SDP element within your UC or you have transferred to UC under the managed migration process and you get a transitional element within your UC, your transitional SDP element or transitional element is likely to be eroded if you subsequently become entitled to a LCWRA element.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Limited capability for work-related activity element When the transitional element reduces or stops CPAG's Welfare Rights Bulletin: What’s relevant? LCWRA and the ‘relevant period’ in UC
If you are getting ESA	If you are not in the support group check if you might have LCWRA. If you have LCWRA you qualify for a support component within your ESA. Unless an exception applies, you normally only get a support component after the 'assessment phase' has ended.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Limited capability for work-related activity •Support component GOV.UK: A guide to Employment and Support Allowance – the Work Capability Assessment
If you are getting ESA	If you get ESA and do 'permitted work', any earnings you get from permitted work are ignored when calculating your ESA. Note that: If you are getting contributory ESA and UC, your earnings from permitted work are treated as income for UC. In some circumstances, if your earnings are at or above a threshold level, you may be treated as not having limited capability for work for UC. However, if your earning are above this threshold level they would be too high for the work to count as permitted work.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): •Permitted work •Treated as not having limited capability for work - Universal credit GOV.UK: Permitted work: factsheet

If your ill health or disability was caused by work

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If your ill health disability was caused by a work-related injury or disease	Check if you can qualify for industrial injuries benefits.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Who can get industrial injuries benefits GOV.UK: Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
	Get legal advice if you are thinking of claiming compensation from your employer because of a work-related injury or a health condition arising from your work. If you are in a union, this could be legal advice from your union. There are time limits for doing this.	Trades Union Congress (TUC): Compensation

If you need help with travel and parking costs

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If you travel by private vehicle	Check if you qualify for a Blue Badge. You can qualify without being assessed if you get certain benefits. Otherwise, you are assessed to see if you meet the qualifying conditions. Apply online or contact your local council for a paper form.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Blue Badge scheme GOV.UK: •Who can get a Blue Badge •Apply for or renew a Blue Badge GOV.UK: Blue Badge scheme: information from your council (England) mygov.scot: Apply for a new Blue Badge (Scotland) GOV.WALES: Apply for or renew a Blue Badge (Wales)
	If a vehicle is used by, or for, you, check if it is exempt from vehicle tax. This might apply if you get: •the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA) or child disability payment (CDP); or •the enhanced rate mobility component of personal independence payment (PIP) or adult disability payment (ADP); or •armed forces independence payment; or •war pensioners’ mobility supplement.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Exemption from vehicle tax GOV.UK: Financial help if you're disabled: Vehicles and transport
	If a vehicle is used by, or for, you, check if you can get a reduction in vehicle tax. This might apply if you get: •the standard rate mobility component of PIP; or •the standard rate mobility component of ADP.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Exemption from vehicle tax GOV.UK: Financial help if you're disabled: Vehicles and transport
If you need a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair	You may be able to lease one through Motability if you or your child get: •the higher rate mobility component of DLA or CDP; or •the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP or ADP; or •armed forces independence payment; or •war pensioners’ mobility supplement. Check if you qualify.	Motability: How the Motability scheme works
If you travel to hospital or to get NHS treatment or services	Check if you can get help to cover the full cost of fares to hospital or to get NHS treatment or services.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Fares to receive NHS treatment NHS.UK: Healthcare travel costs scheme (England) nhsinform.scot: Help with health costs (Scotland) WALES.GOV: Get help with NHS travel costs (Wales)
If you live in England and use public transport	If you live in London, check if you qualify for a Freedom Pass which allows you to travel free on buses, the tube, TFL, and some trams and local trains. If you live somewhere else in England, check the England national concessionary travel scheme. You may qualify for free bus travel and, in some areas, free travel on other local services. Some local authorities also issue disabled person’s travel passes or freedom passes on a discretionary basis to disabled people who do not meet the usual qualifying conditions. They may also allow a travelling companion of someone who qualifies for a disabled person’s travel pass to travel for free. Check your local authority's website.	London Councils: Disabled person’s Freedom Pass - eligibility Transport for All: Transport concessions GOV.UK: Apply for a disabled person's bus pass
If you live in Scotland and use public transport	Check if you qualify for a National Entitlement Card which allows you to travel by bus for free. Some local authorities also provide discounted rail, tram or travel for card-holders. In some circumstances you are also entitled to have a companion travel with you for free.	Transport Scotland: •60+ or disabled - Eligibility •60+ or disabled - Companions •How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card
If you live in Wales and use public transport	Check if you qualify for a disabled person’s concessionary travel card which entitles you to free bus journeys and free travel on some trains. In some circumstances you are also entitled to have a companion travel with you for free.	Transport for Wales: •Travel card - eligibility •Apply for a Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel Card •Disabled Concessionary Travel Card - Companion cards •Rail concessionary travel
If you use long-distance coach services	Some national coach companies offer discounted travel to people with disabilities who purchase an annual card. Check the company's website.	National Express: Discounts for disabled customers
If you travel by train	Check if you qualify for a disabled person’s railcard. You can buy a one-year or three-year disabled person’s railcard which entitles you and an adult companion to 1/3 off the cost of most rail journeys in Great Britain.	Disabled Persons Railcard: Buy a disabled persons railcard
If you have to travel by taxi and live in London	Check if you can use the Taxicard scheme in London.	London Councils: Taxicard
If you have to travel by taxi and live outside London	Check whether your local authority offers reduced or no-cost taxi journeys (these are sometimes limited to a certain number per person a year). Check your local authority's website for details.	GOV.UK: Find your local council (England and Wales) mygov.scot: Cars and taxis (Scotland)

If you need help with health charges

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If you live in England	Check if you qualify for free prescriptions.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Prescriptions NHS.UK: Who can get free prescriptions
	If you don’t qualify for free prescriptions check if you can save money by buying a prescription prepayment certificate.	NHS.UK: Save money with a prescription prepayment certificate
	Check if you qualify for free dental check-ups and treatment.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Dental treatment and dentures NHS.UK: Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England?
	Check if you qualify for free sight tests.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Free sight tests NHS.UK: Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
	Check if you qualify for vouchers for glasses and contact lenses.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Vouchers for glasses and contact lenses NHS.UK: Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
	Check if you qualify for free wigs and fabric supports.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Wigs and fabric supports NHS.UK: Wigs and fabric supports on the NHS
If you live in Scotland	Prescriptions, dental check-ups, sight tests and wigs and fabric supports are free in Scotland.
	Check if you qualify for free NHS dental treatment. Dental check ups are free.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Dental treatment and dentures NHS Inform Scotland: Dental treatment costs
	Check if you qualify for vouchers for glasses and contact lenses. Sight tests are free.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Vouchers for glasses and contact lenses NHS Inform Scotland: NHS optical voucher
If you live in Wales	Prescriptions, and wigs and fabric supports are free in Wales.
	Check if you qualify for free NHS dental check-ups and treatment.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Dental treatment and dentures GOV.WALES: NHS dental charges and exemptions
	Check if you qualify for free sight tests.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Free sight tests GOV.WALES: NHS sight tests
	Check if you qualify for vouchers for glasses and contact lenses.	Welfare Beneﬁts and Tax Credits Handbook (for subscribers): Vouchers for glasses and contact lenses GOV.WALES: Help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses

If you need aids, equipment or help to manage at home

The following financial assistance may be available to help you manage to live at home. If you have recently come out of hospital or need nursing care, different arrangements may apply.

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If you live in England	If you need aids, or minor adaptations to your home, to manage independently, which each cost less than £1000, you can get them for free. Apply to your local authority for help with aids or minor adaptations. They will usually do an assessment of your needs.	NHS.UK: •Care and support you can get for free •Getting a needs assessment GOV.UK: Apply for equipment for your home if you're disabled
	If you need more costly adaptations to your home to manage independently, check if you qualify for a disabled facilities grant. Apply to your local authority for a disabled facilities grant. They will usually do an assessment of your needs. Entitlement is means tested.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Disabled facilities grants GOV.UK: •Disabled Facilities Grants •Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant NHS.UK: Getting a needs assessment
	Check if you qualify for help with the cost of a paid carer if you need care and support to manage at home – eg, if you need help with things like shopping, cleaning, washing and cooking. Apply to your local authority for help with the cost of a paid carer. They will usually do an assessment of your needs. Entitlement is means tested.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): •Charging for care and support •Paying for non-residential care and support NHS.UK: •Help at home from a paid carer •Getting a needs assessment GOV.UK: Apply for a needs assessment by social services
If you live in Scotland	If you need aids, or minor adaptations to your home, to manage your personal care at home, these may be free. Apply to your local authority or your local Highland NHS social care team for help with aids or minor adaptations. They may arrange to do an assessment of your needs.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Box H.2 - Grant system in Scotland mygov.scot: •Care equipment and adapting your home •Find your local council in Scotland
	If you need more costly adaptations to your home to manage independently, check with your local council or your local Highland NHS social care team for the help that is available. If you are a housing association tenant, check with your housing association. If you own your home or are a private tenant and the adaptations are essential to make your home accessible to you, you may qualify for a grant to cover at least 80% of the cost, or 100% if you are on certain benefits. If you are a council or housing association tenant your council or housing association may arrange the adaptations.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Box H.2 - Grant system in Scotland Shelter Scotland: Disability adaptations mygov.scot: Care equipment and adapting your home
	If you need help from a paid carer to manage your non-personal and/or personal care at home, contact your local authority or your local Highland NHS social care team. They will usually arrange to do an assessment of your needs. 'Personal care' given by your local council is free, entitlement to help with the cost of non-personal may be means-tested.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): BOX J.6: Charging in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland mygov.scot: Care you can get at home
If you live in Wales	If you need aids, or minor adaptations to your home, to manage independently, you may get them for free. Check the Rapid Response Adaptations Programme administered by Care & Repair Cymru. Also check your local authority's website for help with aids or minor adaptations. They will usually do an assessment of your needs.	Care & Repair Cymru: Find your local Care & Repair Agency GOV.WALES: Find your local authority
	If you need more costly adaptations to your home to manage independently, check if you qualify for a disabled facilities grant. Apply to your local authority for a disabled facilities grant. They will usually do an assessment of your needs. If the adaptations are classed as 'large adaptations', you may need to satisfy a means test.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Disabled facilities grants GOV.WALES: Find your local authority
	Check if you qualify for help with the cost of a paid carer. if you need care and support to manage at home – eg, if you need help with things like shopping, cleaning, washing and cooking. Apply to your local authority for help with the cost of a paid carer. They will usually do an assessment of your needs. Entitlement is means tested.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): BOX J.6: Charging in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland GOV.WALES: Find your local authority

If you need help to get or stay in work

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If you need equipment or support to find or stay in work	Check if you qualify for an access to work grant. Entitlement is not means tested and they are available whether you are working for someone else or are self-employed.	Disability Rights Handbook (for subscribers): Access to Work GOV.UK: Access to Work

If you need certain products or services because of your health condition or disability

Your circumstances	What to check	More information
If you have a disability or long-term health condition	Check if you qualify for VAT relief on certain products and services.	GOV.UK: Get VAT relief on certain goods if you have a disability

What we mean by 'disability benefit'

In this checklist we use the term 'disability benefit' to cover:

•disability living allowance (DLA);

•child disability payment (CDP);

•personal independence payment (PIP);

•adult disability payment (ADP);

•attendance allowance (AA); and

•armed forces independence payment (AFIP).

The rules for AFIP are not covered on this page. For more information on AFIP see on GOV.UK. If you need advice on AFIP, offers advice to serving and ex-serving members of the armed forces and their families.

Last updated: 31 May 2024

Printed from CPAG (https://askcpag.org.uk). (c) Copyright CPAG 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Please be aware that welfare rights law and guidance change frequently. This page was printed on Thursday, November 21, 2024 and may go out of date.