If you’re living with a disability or a long term health condition, you may be entitled to a range of benefits, financial help, and support services to help with the rising cost of living. Whether you’re working, caring for someone, or managing daily life on a low income, there are options to ease the pressure.
Below is a breakdown of the most useful support available in England, as well as links to guidance for those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Main Benefits You May Be Eligible For
1. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
If you have a long-term health condition or disability that affects your ability to do daily tasks or move around, you may be eligible for PIP.
- You don’t need to be employed or have paid National Insurance.
- The amount depends on how your condition affects your daily life, not on the condition itself.
2. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children
For children under 16 with care and/or mobility needs due to a disability or health condition.
- Paid to the parent or guardian.
- Replaced by PIP when the child turns 16.
3. Attendance Allowance
For people of State Pension age with a disability or health condition that affects their ability to look after themselves.
- Helps with care-related costs.
- No mobility component included.
4. Carer’s Allowance
If you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more, and they receive a disability benefit like PIP or Attendance Allowance, you may be eligible.
- You do not need to live with them, but you cannot be earning more than a certain amount.
5. Universal Credit Disability Element
If you’re already claiming Universal Credit and have limited capability to work because of a health condition or disability, you may receive an extra monthly amount.
- This usually requires a Work Capability Assessment.
6. New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you’re ill or disabled and your ability to work is affected, you might qualify for ESA.
- You must have paid enough National Insurance contributions in recent years.
- Can be claimed on its own or with Universal Credit.
Support to Help You Live Independently
7. Access to Work
If you’re employed or about to start a job and have a physical or mental health condition, Access to Work can help with:
- Travel to work.
- Support workers.
- Special equipment.
- Adaptations at your workplace.
8. Disabled Facilities Grant
A grant from your local council to adapt your home if you’re disabled. It can help pay for:
- Ramps and grab rails.
- Widening doors.
- Stairlifts or accessible bathroom facilities.
Travel and Health Cost Support
9. Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
Check with your local council to see if you qualify for free or discounted bus travel.
10. Disabled Person’s Railcard
This card gives up to 1/3 off rail travel for you and a companion.
11. Help with NHS Costs
You may be able to get free:
- Prescriptions.
- Eye tests and glasses.
- Dental treatment.
- Travel to medical appointments.
Use the NHS help with health costs tool to check what support you’re eligible for.
Other Useful Support
12. Discounted TV Licence
If you’re registered blind (severely sight impaired), you may get a 50% discount on your TV licence.
13. Cost of Living Payments
The UK government sometimes offers extra lump-sum payments to people receiving disability-related benefits like PIP, Attendance Allowance, or DLA. These are usually automatic.
14. Local Council Support
Many councils offer emergency help through the Household Support Fund or local welfare assistance schemes. This could include:
- Help with energy bills.
- Food vouchers.
- Essential household items.
Contact your local council to see what’s available.
Where to Get Help Applying
Applying for these benefits can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Contact:
- Citizens Advice.
- Turn2Us (check your entitlements or search for grants).
- Scope (disability equality charity).
- Age UK (if you’re over State Pension age).
- Your local council.
Support in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Each nation offers slightly different support:
- Scotland: Replacing PIP with Adult Disability Payment, and offering Winter Heating Payment.
- Wales: Support through Discretionary Assistance Fund and local schemes.
- Northern Ireland: Similar benefits, but run by the Department for Communities.
Check the official government websites or local advice centres for up-to-date guidance.
Living with a disability or health condition often comes with extra costs. From benefits and grants to travel discounts and home adaptations, there’s a wide range of support designed to help you manage. The key is to check what you’re entitled to, and ask for help with applications if you need it. No one should have to face financial hardship alone.
Don’t Forget
If you’re living with a disability or long-term health condition, you may qualify for free energy efficiency improvements through the ECO4 Scheme or the Great British Insulation Scheme. These government-backed programmes can provide:
- Free boiler upgrades.
- Insulation for walls, roofs, or lofts.
- Help with heating costs.
They’re designed to help households like yours stay warm, reduce bills, and live more comfortably, especially if you’re on a low income or receiving disability-related benefits.
Check your eligibility here, it’s quick, free, and could make a real difference to your daily comfort.
People Also Ask
Who is entitled to cost of living support?
People on a low income or certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or disability benefits like PIP, may qualify for cost of living support. Extra help may also be available through local councils, energy grants, or the Household Support Fund.
How much is Disability Living Allowance (DLA) per month?
DLA is paid every four weeks, with rates based on care and mobility needs. The care component ranges from £29.20 to £110.40 per week, and the mobility component is either £29.20 or £77.05 per week.
Do carers get help with living costs?
Carers don’t receive separate “cost-of-living payments” automatically. However, they may be eligible for support if they, or someone in their household, receive means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Tax Credits. Additional local council or hardship funds may also be available.
What is the new disability living allowance?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) provides money for people with disabilities who need help with care or mobility. It has two components: the care component and the mobility component. You may qualify for one or both.
What is the disabled carer’s allowance?
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit available in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for people who care for a disabled person at least 35 hours per week. You do not need to live with the person you care for or be related to them.
Do you get extra Pension Credit if you are disabled?
Pension Credit provides extra money for people over State Pension age with a low income. It can also help with housing costs, such as service charges or ground rent. Additional amounts may be available if you are severely disabled, a carer, or responsible for a child or young person.
What is the adult disability living allowance?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit for people with disabilities who need support with care or mobility. However, for those aged 16 to State Pension age, DLA has been replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Useful Resources:
- Access to Work
- Disabled Facilities Grant
- Financial Help if Your Disabled
- Get help with the Cost of Living from Your Local Council
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available:
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