Financial help for people with disabilities

Financial help for people with disabilities

Benefits and grants that you may be entitled to

» Council tax reduction for people with disabilities

» Disability facilities grant (home improvement)

» Direct payments

The Citizens Advice Bureau at www.citizensadvice.org.uk   can help you with advice about benefits and other problems you may have.  

For a general guide to benefits you may be able to claim if you are sick and unable to work please see the Job Centre Plus website.

For information about benefits and other financial support for people with disabilities please visit the Directgov website .

This includes information about:-

• Incapacity benefit
  If you couldn’t work because of illness or disability before 31 January 2011, you may be receiving Incapacity Benefit. Since 31 January 2011 no new Incapacity Benefit claims have been accepted. You should claim Employment and Support Allowance instead. 

• Disability Living Allowance  
  Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free social security benefit intended for adults and children with a long-term illness or a disability. It can be paid in addition to other benefits such as Incapacity Benefit but can also be paid if you are working. 

• Vaccine Damage Payment
  This is a one off payment that you may be entitled to if you or a member of your family is severely disabled as a result of vaccination.   

• War Disablement Pension
  War Disablement Pension (WDP) is a payment made to people who have been injured or disabled as a result of any service in Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

Disabled Person's Tax Credit

If you are aged 16 or over and working on average 16 hours a week or more but you are restricted in the type of work, number of hours you can work or amount you can earn because of disability then you may be entitled to Disabled Person's Tax Credit.  This benefit is claimed through the Inland Revenue. http://taxcredits.hmrc.gov.uk/Qualify/WhatAreTaxCredits.aspx