Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is a tax-free benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who need help with daily living activities or getting around because of a long-term health condition or disability. It has two components:

• Daily Living Component: £28.70 (standard) or £108.55 (enhanced) per week
• Mobility Component: £28.70 (standard) or £75.75 (enhanced) per week

Who qualifies: Adults aged 16-64 with a health condition or disability that has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months and affects daily life or mobility.

Key point: PIP is not means-tested – your income and savings don't matter. You can receive PIP whether you're working or not.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

DLA is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 who need extra care or have mobility difficulties because of a disability or health condition. It has two components:

• Care Component: £29.20 (lowest), £73.90 (middle), or £110.40 (highest) per week
• Mobility Component: £29.20 (lower) or £77.05 (higher) per week

Who qualifies: Children under 16 who need substantially more care or supervision than other children their age, or who have mobility difficulties.

Key point: When your child turns 16, DLA stops, and they'll need to claim PIP instead. DLA is not means-tested.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care because of illness or disability.

• Lower Rate: £72.65 per week (need help during the day or night)
• Higher Rate: £108.55 per week (need help during both day and night, or terminally ill)

Who qualifies: People over State Pension age who have needed help with personal care for at least 6 months (or are terminally ill).

Key point: You don't need to have someone caring for you to claim – it's based on your need for care, not whether you actually receive it. Not means-tested.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

ESA provides financial support if you cannot work because of illness or disability. New Style ESA is based on your National Insurance contributions.

• Assessment Phase: £69.90 (under 25) or £88.40 (25+) per week for the first 13 weeks
• Work-Related Activity Group: £92.05 per week (limited to 12 months)
• Support Group: £140.55 per week (no time limit)

Who qualifies: People under State Pension age who cannot work due to illness or disability and have paid enough National Insurance contributions.

Key point: You'll undergo a Work Capability Assessment to determine which group you're placed in. Can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit that has replaced several older benefits. If you're disabled or have a health condition that affects your ability to work, you may receive additional amounts:

• Limited Capability for Work element: An Extra amount if you have a health condition
• Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity element: Higher amount if your condition is severe
• Disabled Child element: £158.76 or £495.87 per month if your child receives DLA
• Carer element: £198.31 per month if you're a carer

Who qualifies: People on low income or out of work, aged 18 to State Pension age. Amount depends on your circumstances, income, and savings.

Key point: Universal Credit is means-tested and replaces Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, and Working Tax Credit.

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is a weekly payment for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with substantial care needs.

Who qualifies: You must care for someone who receives one of these benefits:

• PIP daily living component (either rate)
• DLA care component at middle or highest rate
• Attendance Allowance (either rate)
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

Additional requirements: You must be 16 or over, not in full-time education, and not earn more than £151 per week (after certain deductions).

Key point: Carer's Allowance is taxable and may affect other benefits. However, even if you can't receive payments, you may get National Insurance credits that protect your State Pension.

Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme allows you to use your mobility allowance to lease a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter, or powered wheelchair. Everything is included:

• Insurance for up to 3 drivers
• Breakdown cover
• Servicing and maintenance
• Tyres and windscreen replacement
• Vehicle tax
• Adaptations (many included at no extra cost)

Who qualifies: You must receive one of these mobility allowances with at least 12 months remaining:

• Enhanced rate mobility component of PIP
• Higher rate mobility component of DLA
• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

Key point: You don't need to drive – you can nominate drivers. Many vehicles are available with no upfront payment. Currently helping over 800,000 people stay mobile.

Blue Badge

If you receive the higher rate mobility component of DLA or the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, you automatically qualify for a Blue Badge for disabled parking.

The Blue Badge gives you parking concessions, including parking in disabled bays, and parking on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours (check local restrictions).

Apply through your local council. There's a small fee (£10 in England, free in Scotland and Wales) and badges last 3 years.

VAT Exemption on Mobility Equipment

If you have a long-term illness or disability, you can buy certain mobility equipment and disability aids without paying VAT. This includes:

• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• Walking aids and frames
• Bathroom aids and equipment
• Stairlifts and ramps
• Disability-adapted vehicles
• Incontinence products
• Hearing aids and equipment

Who qualifies: Anyone with a long-term illness or disability (lasting or expected to last 12+ months). You don't need to receive any particular benefit to qualify.

How to claim: Simply declare your eligibility when purchasing. Most suppliers will have a declaration form for you to complete.

PIP + ESA or Universal Credit

You can claim PIP (for disability costs) alongside ESA or Universal Credit (for living costs if you can't work). These benefits serve different purposes and don't affect each other.

DLA + Universal Credit (Disabled Child Element)

If your child receives DLA, you'll get an extra amount added to your Universal Credit. The higher the rate of DLA, the more you receive.

PIP/DLA + Carer's Allowance

If you receive the middle or higher care rate of DLA, or either rate of PIP daily living component, your carer can claim Carer's Allowance (if they meet the other conditions).

Attendance Allowance + Pension Credit

Claiming Attendance Allowance can increase the amount of Pension Credit you receive. Always claim Attendance Allowance first, then apply for Pension Credit.

PIP/DLA Mobility + Motability Scheme

If you receive the higher/enhanced rate mobility component, you can choose to use this allowance with the Motability Scheme to lease a vehicle.

Example 1: Working-Age Adult with Severe Disability

• PIP (enhanced daily living + enhanced mobility): £184.30 per week
• ESA (support group): £140.55 per week

Total: £324.85 per week (£16,892.20 per year)

Plus: Blue Badge, potential Motability vehicle, VAT exemption on equipment

Example 2: Family with Disabled Child

• DLA for child (highest care + higher mobility): £187.45 per week
• Universal Credit disabled child element: £495.87 per month
• Carer's Allowance (for parent): £83.30 per week

Total: Approximately £20,000+ per year

Plus: Blue Badge for child, Motability vehicle option, VAT exemption

Example 3: Pensioner Needing Care

• Attendance Allowance (higher rate): £108.55 per week
• State Pension: £221.20 per week (full rate)
• Pension Credit top-up (if applicable): Varies

Total: £329.75+ per week (£17,147+ per year)

Plus: Possible additional Pension Credit, Council Tax Support, VAT exemption

Are benefits means-tested?

Some are, some aren't. PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, ESA (New Style), and Carer's Allowance are NOT means-tested – your income and savings don't matter. Universal Credit IS means-tested and depends on your household income and savings.

Can I work and claim benefits?

Yes, for many benefits. PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance can all be claimed while working. ESA has earnings limits. Universal Credit is designed to support people in work – you can earn money and still receive some Universal Credit.

Do I need a diagnosis to claim?

No. What matters is how your condition affects you, not what it's called. However, having a diagnosis and medical evidence will strengthen your claim.

How long do applications take?

It varies. PIP and DLA typically take 12-16 weeks. ESA aims for 13 weeks but often takes longer. Attendance Allowance is usually quicker at 6-8 weeks. Universal Credit should start within 5 weeks of your application.

What if I'm refused?

You have the right to challenge any decision. Request a mandatory reconsideration within 1 month, and if still unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Many refusals are overturned on appeal – don't give up.