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If you become disabled, a broad range of rights and benefits are available to you. This can be particularly beneficial if your disability has hindered your ability to work, as you could receive additional financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ). Even if your disability is not permanent, you could still be eligible for extra financial support, depending on your eligibility. Beyond benefits, you might also qualify for various discounts on your TV licence and council tax that can still provide financial relief. If you are unsure of whether you will be eligible for any of the following benefits or extra support, you can use the free benefits calculator here to help determine what you could get. Before using the calculator, you will need information on your savings, income, any existing benefits, and any outgoing bills you might have. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of all the help you could potentially receive. PIP is split into two components, and claimants may be eligible for one or both rates. The daily living rate currently stands at £73.90 per week for the lower level, and £110.40 per week for the higher rate. In addition, 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 require an assessment to determine their eligibility for PIP, during which they will need to detail how their condition impacts their daily life. If the DWP determines that you qualify for PIP, it is typically granted for a specific duration - usually ranging from one to ten years - after which your claim will need to be reassessed. Your PIP award may change if there is an improvement in your health or if your condition worsens. More details can be found here. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can provide financial support if claimants are struggling to cover living costs or are trying to re-enter the job market. 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 are 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 assessment period, you will receive an 'assessment rate' for 13 weeks which will either be £72.90 week if you're under 25 or £92.05 a week if you're aged 25 or over. This assessment rate can continue if your application takes longer than 13 weeks, however, you can receive a backdated amount if it's found you should have been paid more after the 13-week period. Once assessed, you will be categorised into one of two groups which will determine your payment amount. If you're assigned to 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 replaced by other benefits, particularly PIP. However, payments can still be received for it until the DWP sends a letter informing you that your claim will end and inviting you to apply for PIP. Attendance Allowance is designed to assist with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it makes self-care difficult. It does not cover mobility needs and having a carer is not a prerequisite for eligibility. If you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving that help - you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance. Depending on the level of care required due to your condition, you could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 each week. This is paid every four weeks and amounts to £290.60 and £434.20 respectively. The funds can be used as you see fit, potentially helping to maintain your independence at home for a longer period. This could include costs such as taxi fares, contributions to bills, or hiring a cleaner or gardener. More details can be found here. If you become disabled, you may qualify for a discount on your council tax and TV licence. The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme can offer a discount if you reside in a larger property than you would require if you were not disabled. This aids in reducing 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.
