Navigating the world of disability benefits can be overwhelming—but understanding what you’re entitled to can make a huge difference. Whether you're applying for the first time or reassessing your eligibility, this guide will walk you through the main benefits available for disabled people in the UK and how to access them.
What Are the Main Disability Benefits?
1. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is the primary benefit for disabled people aged 16 and over who need help with daily living or getting around due to a long-term physical or mental condition. It replaced the old Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults.
- ✅ Not means-tested (your income and savings don’t affect eligibility)
- ✅ Not taxed
- ✅ You can get it whether you're in or out of work
- ✅ Based on how your condition affects you—not your diagnosis
How Much Is PIP?
PIP is made up of two components, each paid at either a standard or enhanced rate depending on how your condition affects you:
🏠 Daily Living Component:
- Standard rate: £72.65 per week
- Enhanced rate: £108.55 per week
This covers things like preparing food, personal hygiene, dressing, taking medication, and engaging with others.
🚶 Mobility Component:
- Standard rate: £28.70 per week
- Enhanced rate: £75.75 per week
This is for people who need help getting around or planning and following journeys.
(Rates accurate as of April 2024, subject to annual review by DWP.)
How Do You Qualify for PIP?
To qualify, you’ll be assessed on how your condition affects specific daily activities. These include:
- Preparing and eating food
- Washing and bathing
- Managing toilet needs
- Dressing
- Communicating verbally
- Reading and understanding written information
- Managing money
- Planning and following journeys
- Engaging socially
Each activity is scored on a points system:
- 0 points = no help needed
- 2–12+ points = increasing levels of support needed
If you score:
- 8 points = you get the standard rate
- 12 points or more = you get the enhanced rate
💡 Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and autism spectrum disorders are fully considered. Activities such as social engagement, memory, and understanding information are assessed too—not just physical mobility.
Who Assesses PIP?
Assessments are typically carried out by independent contractors like Atos or Capita, who are not part of the DWP. You may be invited to an in-person assessment, over the phone, or by video call.
💰 What About Universal Credit and Disability?
Universal Credit (UC) is a means-tested benefit designed to support people who are on low incomes or out of work.
If you’re disabled and claiming UC, there are two key elements you might qualify for:
1. Limited Capability for Work (LCW)
- For people who cannot currently work but may do so in the future.
- No extra money added to your Universal Credit, unless you were claiming before April 2017.
2. Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA)
- For people who are not expected to prepare for work due to their condition.
- Extra payment: £390.06 per month (as of April 2024)
This component is meant to reflect that you cannot reasonably be expected to look for work.
How Do They Decide?
You’ll usually have to complete a Work Capability Assessment. A healthcare professional will look at how your condition affects your ability to do tasks like:
- Getting to a workplace
- Using a keyboard or phone
- Concentrating for long periods
- Coping with change or social interaction
They use a points-based system, similar to PIP, to decide whether you fall into the LCW or LCWRA group.
What’s the Difference Between PIP and Universal Credit?
|
Feature |
PIP |
Universal Credit |
|
Means-tested? |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Work-related? |
❌ No |
✅ Yes – may include work preparation |
|
Components |
Daily Living & Mobility |
Standard Allowance + LCW/LCWRA |
|
Available in Scotland? |
Replaced by Adult Disability Payment |
UC is UK-wide |
🏴 Devolved Systems: What About Scotland?
In Scotland, PIP has been replaced by the Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The eligibility criteria and payment rates are currently the same, but the system is now managed by Social Security Scotland rather than the DWP.
Scotland also intends to make the process more dignified, fair, and supportive by avoiding unnecessary face-to-face assessments where possible.
Is the Government Changing the System?
Yes. The government is planning reforms to the Work Capability Assessment and renaming some categories—for example, changing “limited capability for work” to “health addition.” However, full rollout is still underway and will take time.
Also, there's political pressure to reduce spending on disability benefits—but the rules remain unchanged as of now.
Final Thoughts: Your Rights Matter
Disability benefits exist to help level the playing field. They’re not charity—they’re a right if your condition makes daily life more difficult.
If you think you're eligible:
- Apply
- Keep evidence
- Get support from a Citizens Advice Bureau or disability organisation
And if you're denied, you can challenge the decision—many people win on reconsideration or appeal.
Resources & Help
- Apply for PIP: gov.uk/pip
- Universal Credit info: gov.uk/universal-credit
- Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk
- Turn2Us Benefits Calculator: turn2us.org.uk