Copyright dailystar
If you find yourself disabled , a wide array of rights and benefits are at your disposal. This can be especially helpful if your disability has impaired your ability to work , as you may be entitled to additional financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Even if your disability is temporary or short-term, you could still qualify for additional financial support, subject to your eligibility. Beyond benefits, you may also be eligible for various discounts on your telly licence and council tax, providing further financial ease. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for any of the following benefits or additional support, you can utilise the free benefits calculator here to help ascertain what you could receive. Prior to using the calculator, you'll need details on your savings, income, any current benefits, and any outgoing bills you may have. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of all the help you could potentially receive. PIP is divided into two components, and claimants may qualify for one or both rates. The daily living rate currently sits at £73.90 per week for the lower level, and £110.40 per week for the higher rate. Moreover, there's the mobility component of PIP, valued at £29.20 per week for the lower level and £77.05 per week for the higher level. Most applicants typically need an assessment to determine their eligibility for PIP, during which they'll have to explain how their condition affects their daily life. If the DWP decides that you're eligible for PIP, it's usually granted for a specific period - generally between one to ten years - after which your claim will need to be reassessed. Your PIP award may change if there's an improvement in your health or if your condition deteriorates. More details can be found here. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can offer financial aid if claimants are finding it hard to meet living costs or are trying to get back into the workforce. ESA can also contribute towards those aiming to claim the state pension upon retirement. There are two types of ESA that claimants can receive - New Style and income-related. Income-related ESA can no longer be claimed, and payments will only be made to those who have already claimed it. Therefore, if you're making a new claim, you will instead be applying for the New Style ESA. ESA is a benefit that is provided weekly with varying rates depending on what stage of the application process you're in. During your evaluation period, you'll be given an 'assessment rate' for 13 weeks which will either be £72.90 per week if you're under 25 or £92.05 a week if you're 25 or older. This assessment rate can continue if your application takes longer than 13 weeks, however, you could receive a backdated sum if it's determined you should have been paid more after the 13-week period. Once evaluated, you'll be sorted into one of two groups which will dictate your payment amount. If you're placed in the work-related activity group, you'll receive £92.05 a week, while those in the support group will get £140.55 a week. Further information can be found here. DLA is gradually being phased out by other benefits, particularly PIP. However, payments can still be received for it until the DWP sends a letter notifying you that your claim will end and inviting you to apply for PIP. Attendance Allowance is intended to help with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it makes self-care challenging. It does not cover mobility needs and having a carer is not a requirement for eligibility. If you're living with a disability or illness and need assistance or supervision throughout the day or at certain times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving that help - it might be worth applying for Attendance Allowance. Depending on your care needs due to your condition, you could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week. This is paid every four weeks, totalling £290.60 and £434.20 respectively. The money can be used as you wish, potentially aiding in preserving your independence at home for an extended period. This could cover expenses such as taxi fares, contributions towards bills, or employing a cleaner or gardener. More details can be found here. If you become disabled, you may be eligible for a discount on your council tax and TV licence. The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme can provide a discount if you live in a larger property than you would need if you were not disabled. This helps in lowering your bill to the next lowest council tax band that your property currently falls within. More information on the support you could receive if you become disabled can be found here.
