Benefits for people with disabilities
If you have a disability, you can receive a number of other benefits in addition to social security benefits that you may already get.
Disability benefits are not treated as income for means-tested benefits and could actually mean that you are entitled to a higher rate of your means-tested benefits, that you may become entitled to for the first time.
The three most common types of benefits paid to people with disabilities are:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working age people (and children & young people)
- Attendance Allowance (AA) for people that have reached State Pension age. However, some people can remain on their existing benefits as they become state pension age.
Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
PIP is not a means-tested benefit. It is paid to people who are aged 16 and over and who have not yet reached state pension age. It can be paid alongside any existing benefits you may already receive. It can also be paid alongside your salary if you are working.
To start receiving PIP you must be assessed as having certain mobility and/or personal care needs. There is an application form to complete, and most people will then need to undergo a health assessment.
Find out more about Personal Independence Payment (PIP), such as how to apply, eligibility criteria and how much you will receive.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a disability benefit that can be claimed if you have reached state pension age and do not receive Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments.
Attendance Allowance can be paid to people that need frequent help with care and attention or supervision throughout the day and/or night with their personal care needs, such as washing, dressing and moving around.
You do not need to have anyone providing that help but you will need to explain how receiving the benefit would help you.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance including the different rates, how to apply, and for information in Easy Read.
Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs.
Warning: If you have mobility needs before you reach State Pension age, you should consider claiming PIP before you reach pension age.
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance is a disability benefit for people under state pension age. It is for people who need help with care, supervision and/or mobility needs, following an assessment.
However, adults (16 or older) can no longer make a new claim for this benefit and would need to claim PIP instead. People already receiving DLA can continue to receive it until their circumstances change and they may then need to claim PIP.
DLA is still the benefit to claim if you are claiming for a child under 16.
DLA is not treated as income for means-tested benefits and it could mean that you are entitled to extra premiums that would give you a higher rate for mean-tested benefits.
Council Tax discounts and exemptions
In some instances, disabled people can apply for a Council Tax discount directly from Camden Council. Find out more information about Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
If you think you may be eligible for PIP, DLA or Attendance Allowance, but are not sure about next steps, contact:
The Camden Advice Network and Camden Disability Action who are able to help and advise.