What disability benefits can I claim?

The main disability benefits are: PIP (ages 16-State Pension age), Disability Living Allowance (under 16), and Attendance Allowance (over State Pension age). Additional support includes Employment and Support Allowance, Access to Work, Universal Credit disability elements, and various local authority support. Multiple benefits can be claimed at the same time.

Can I claim disability benefits if I work?

Yes. PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance are not means-tested and are not affected by working or your income. Employment and Support Allowance has different rules depending on whether it is contribution-based or income-related. Universal Credit disability elements are available to those in work.

How do I apply for disability benefits?

For PIP, call 0800 917 2222 to start a claim. For DLA (children), complete a claim form. For Attendance Allowance, download or request a form from GOV.UK. Consider getting help from Citizens Advice, Scope, or a local welfare rights service — they can help you complete forms to give you the best chance of success.

Disability Benefits Guide UK — Financial Support for Disabled People | PocketWise

The UK benefits system provides financial support for disabled people through several different benefits. Understanding which ones you qualify for — and claiming them — can make a significant difference to your finances and quality of life.

Overview of Disability Benefits

Benefit	Age Group	Means-Tested?	Based On
PIP	16 – State Pension age	No	How condition affects daily life
DLA (child)	Under 16	No	How condition affects daily life
Attendance Allowance	State Pension age+	No	Personal care needs
ESA	Working age	Some types	Ability to work
UC (disability element)	Working age	Yes	Having a health condition
Access to Work	Working age	No	Workplace support needs
Disability premiums	Varies	Component of other benefits	Existing disability benefit

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

The main disability benefit for working-age adults. See our full PIP guide.

Component	Standard	Enhanced
Daily living	£72.65/week	£108.55/week
Mobility	£28.70/week	£75.75/week
Maximum	—	£184.30/week

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) — Children

Component	Lowest	Middle	Highest
Care	£28.70/week	£72.65/week	£108.55/week
Mobility	£28.70/week	—	£75.75/week

For children under 16
Not means-tested
Transitions to PIP at age 16

Attendance Allowance

For people who reached State Pension age before needing help:

Rate	Amount	Criteria
Lower	£72.65/week	Need help during day OR night
Higher	£108.55/week	Need help during day AND night, or terminally ill

Not means-tested
No mobility component
Can be claimed alongside State Pension
Unlocks access to additional Pension Credit

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

For people whose health condition limits their ability to work:

Type	Amount	Means-Tested?
Contribution-based (New Style ESA)	Up to £90.50/week	No (based on NI record)
Income-related	Up to £90.50/week (with extras)	Yes (being replaced by UC)

Work Capability Assessment Groups

Group	Meaning	Extra Support
Support group	Not expected to work or prepare for work	Higher payment, limited conditionality
Work-related activity group	Expected to prepare for work (not look for work)	Attend interviews, complete actions

Universal Credit Disability Elements

If you receive UC and have a disability or health condition:

Element	Monthly Amount
Limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA)	£416.19
Carer element (if you care for a disabled person)	£198.31
Disabled child addition (lower)	£156.11
Disabled child addition (higher)	£487.58

Access to Work

Government help to cover the extra costs of working with a disability:

Feature	Detail
What it covers	Specialist equipment, support workers, travel costs, communication support
Who qualifies	Employed, self-employed, or about to start work with a disability
Cost to you	Free
Maximum grant	Up to £66,000/year
How to apply	gov.uk/access-to-work

Additional Support

Support	Detail
Blue Badge	Free disabled parking
Motability	Lease a car using enhanced PIP mobility
Disabled Facilities Grant	Up to £30,000 for home adaptations
Council tax discount	25% or band reduction for adapted homes
Disabled person’s railcard	1/3 off rail fares
Bus pass	Free or reduced fares in most areas
Warm Home Discount	£150 off electricity bill
Carer’s Allowance	For someone who cares for you 35+ hours/week

Getting Help With Claims

Organisation	Service
Citizens Advice	Free benefits advice and form-filling help
Scope	Disability advice and helpline (0808 800 3333)
Turn2us	Benefits calculator and grants search
DIAL	Disability information and advice
Local welfare rights service	Free specialist advice (contact via council)
Benefits and Work	Guides to completing claim forms

If Your Claim Is Refused

Step	Action	Timeline
1. Mandatory reconsideration	Ask DWP to review the decision	Within 1 month of decision
2. Appeal to tribunal	Independent panel hears your case	Within 1 month of reconsideration
3. Get representation	Free from Citizens Advice, welfare rights	As early as possible

Tribunal success rates are high (65-70% for PIP appeals). Do not accept a refusal without exploring your options.

For more on the benefits system, see our state benefits overview and Universal Credit guide.