The main disability benefits available

We often focus on the emotional and psychological effects of living with a disability but the fact is there are also significant financial concerns. Whether its everyday support from a carer or special equipment to make the home more liveable, living with a disability can be extremely costly. Fortunately, the government offers a wide range of allowances, grants and tax reliefs to help with these costs. We’re going to look at the main disability and sickness benefits but remember there are plenty of other benefits you can get in addition to these including vehicle and housing benefits. Why disability benefits are so important Compared to those living without one, people with a disability are much more likely to struggle financially. The costs associated with having a disability can quickly pile up, from care and support to special equipment. This means that a substantially higher proportion of people who live in families with disabled members live in poverty compared to those where no one is disabled. In fact, 19% of families with disabled members live in relative income poverty compared to just 15% of families without. This means people living with a disability can struggle to afford even everyday items as well as leisure activities. While no one is happy when they can’t spend time or money on leisure activities or getting about, for those with a disability this can be even more of a struggle as it diminishes their already limited sense of freedom and mobility. Ensuring people with a disability can afford these things are just as important for their happiness as it is for their practical well-being. Main disability and sickness benefits There are a few main disability benefits available to people with disabilities. Most of them are determined by your age but can also on your situation such as whether you are employed. While there are further additional benefits that can apply on top of these, they are the core benefits that are accessible to anyone with a disability, as well as a separate benefit for carers looking after someone with a disability. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) DLA for children is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 to help with the extra costs caused by long-term ill health or disability. It has 2 components and a child may benefit for one or both of them depending on their circumstances. It is usually paid every 4 weeks into your bank, building society or credit union account. To qualify, they must be under 16 and have lived in Great Britain for 2 of the last 3 years and be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. Additionally, they’ll qualify if they have difficulty getting about or need much more care than a child of the same of the same age without a disability for at least 3 months. They will then be awarded either or both of the following components: Care component – dependant on the level of care they need Lowest rate – help for some of the day or night Middle rate – frequent help or constant supervision during the day, supervision at night Highest rate – help or supervision throughout the day and night Mobility component – dependant on the level of help they need getting about Lowest rate – they can walk but need outdoor help and supervision Highest rate – they cannot walk, can only walk for a short distance without severe discomfort, could become ill if they walk or they’re blind or severely sight impaired You can claim with the DLA claim form, or you can also find more information on DLA for children.

For more information on The main disability benefits available talk to The Ramp People