ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
What benefits can I claim if I'm disabled?
When you have a disability, finding a job may be quite challenging. However, if you are living in the UK, you won’t have to struggle to make ends meet. Depending on your personal circumstances, you could be entitled to disability benefits. Some of the options available to those who need it are: the Disability Living Allowance for Children, the Attendance Allowance,the Employment Support Allowance, the Disability Living Allowance for Adults, and the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
What is it?
A tax-free benefit for children under 16 to help with long-term illness or disability daily costs.
Who is eligible?
The DLA for Children is available to anyone who is 16 or younger and has a physical or mental disability that prevents them from moving around or completing tasks.
What you can expect to receive
There are two components that make up a DLA: the mobility and care components. Based on need, weekly rates vary. The average payment for the Care Component is between £24.45 and £92.40. Whereas for the Mobility Component it ranges from £24.45 to £64.50. These payments are deposited directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account every four weeks on Tuesdays.
How to apply
To claim DLA for Children, you need to be the legal parent or guardian of the child in question. There are two ways you can do this:
- • Online, or
- • By phone. You can call the Disability Living Allowance helpline on 0800 121 4600 and request a paper version of the form.
What is it?
This is a benefit intended for people who are state pension age and older, who have a disability, and need assistance to look after them.
Who is Eligible?
You are eligible to claim Attendance Allowance if you are of state pension age and:
- • You have a physical or mental disability
- • You require around the clock care or supervision.
- • You have needed that help for at least six months or are terminally ill.
What you Can Expect to Receive
Depending on the level of assistance you require, Attendance Allowance is paid out weekly at two different rates:£61.85 if you need care during the day OR night, and £92.40 if you need care during the day and night or are terminally ill.
How to apply
Complete and send this form to Freeport DWP Attendance Allowance. You can do in online or request a copy of the form by phone.
What is it?
It is financial support which aims to supplement income if you cannot work because of illness or disability.
Who is Eligible?
You are eligible if you:
- • Are under state pension age
- • Have a disability or health condition
- • Have worked and have made National Insurance contributions.
What Can You Expect to Receive
While your claim is being assessed, the weekly payments are £61.05 if you are under 25 and £77.00 if you are over 25. The Amount you get following the 13 week assessment period is dependent on your income and various other factors.
How to Claim
There are two ways to submit an ESA claim:
- • Online
- • By Phone on 0800 328 5644 (option 3)
The Disability Living Allowance Adults (DLA) is a benefit intended for people between 16 and state pension age to assist them with the costs of a long term illness or disability. The DLA is being phased out in favour of PIP, a new program that will serve the majority of disability benefit recipients in the UK. This means the DLA is no longer available to claim.
What is PIP?
PIP or Personal Independence Payment is financial aid provided by the government which assists with living costs incurred as a result of having both:
- • A long term physical or mental health condition or disability and,
- • Difficulty performing daily tasks or getting around due to the nature of your condition.
You can receive PIP even if you are working, have savings, or get other benefits. Depending on how difficult you find doing everyday tasks and moving around, there are two main benefits you can claim under PIP: the Daily Living Benefit and the Mobility Benefit. Let’s explore them briefly.
The Daily Living Benefit
The daily living payment provides support for everyday tasks that may be difficult for you to do on your own, such as eating and drinking; preparing food; cleaning the home; getting dressed and undressed; communicating; managing prescriptions; managing finances; bathing and grooming; and socialising. If you have less than six months to live, you will automatically qualify for the Daily Living payment.
Mobility Benefit
Although the name appears to suggest otherwise, you don’t have to have a physical disability to qualify for the Mobility Benefit. If you have a cognitive or mental health condition that prevents you from getting around, like anxiety, you might be eligible. In order to qualify, you must prove you need help establishing and following a route, moving around, or Leaving your home.
Who can apply to get PIP?
In order to have access to PIP, you must meet the following criteria:
- • You are 16+
- • You have a long term physical or mental illness or disability
- • You have difficulty performing daily tasks or getting around due to your condition
- • You expect the issues to last 12 months from when they began
- • You must be under state pension age.
How Much Are You Entitled to?
PIP amounts can vary depending on your personal circumstances. However, on average payments range from £61.85 to £92.40 for the daily living benefit, and 4.49 and £64.50 for the mobility benefit.
How to Apply?
You can make your claim either:
- • By Phone:calling 0800 917 2222. You will need to provide some personal information, and then you will be sent a form to fill out regarding your condition.
- • By post. You can send a letter to Personal Independence Payment New Claims, and they will send you a form to fill out your personal information. Once you have completed and sent that back, they will send you a new form regarding your condition.
In order to apply for PIP, you must complete and submit the form provided. You will need to attach any supporting documentation and return it to the address on the form within one month. If more information is needed to reach a decision, you may be required to complete an assessment. This helps determine how your condition affects your ability to complete daily living and mobility tasks while it checks the effectiveness of any treatments you have had or will receive.
I applied, what now?
Once you have applied, you will be informed of the decision by post. If you disagree with the decision, you can challenge it by requesting a mandatory reconsideration. If approved, your letter will also let you know:
- • Your first payment date and What day of the week you will be paid
- • How long you will receive the benefit
- • When and if your claim will be reviewed
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