Living with a disability comes with a variety of challenges on a day-to-day basis, but one of the most considerable of those is earning enough money and managing it well enough to pay the bills, afford the basics and moreover enjoy life as you should.
With many people working with disabilities unable to do so at full capacity, and others not able to work at all, there are a number state funding options in place that aim to help supplement financial obligations and necessities. Here’s a breakdown of four key options that could help you keep things ticking over.
Disability Living Allowance
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a monthly, tax-free payment made to those with extra care needs and mobility issues. The DLA has been discontinued in favour of other supplemental funding initiatives (see the Personal Independent Payment below), however there are some people who are still eligible to receive it, those being:
- Anyone born before the 8th April 1948 who is already claiming DLA
- Anyone claiming on behalf of a disabled person who is under the age of 16
Those already claiming DLA who don’t fit into the criteria above will be reassessed to claim the Personal Independent Payment. For those still eligible to claim it, the DLA provides a multi-tiered support system that pays out based on weekly rates according to what level of help the candidate requires on a regular basis.
Personal Independent Payment
The Personal Independent Payment (PIP) is the new format of DLA, looking to offer financial support for those who require support with daily activities because of disability or long-term illness. PIPs are broken down into two parts – a daily living component and a mobility component, and the amounts afforded are judged based on how difficult it is for you to do certain essential things such as getting dressed and preparing food and drink.
PIP is eligible to those aged over 16 and under state pension age via the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP). All you need to do to start your claim is call the DWP and request an application form.
Attendance allowance
If you have a severe enough disability that you require a carer, Attendance Allowance can offer some help with the extra costs that come attached to that care. There are two different rates that are paid based on the level of care you require and it’s eligible to those who are physically or mentally disabled and state pension age or older.
You can apply for Attendance Allowance via a claim form which should be sent to the DWP. Your carer can also look to claim Carer’s Allowance to help support their efforts.
Statutory Sick Pay
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a more general support allowance made available to anyone who is too ill to work. The £95.85 per week offered by the scheme is payable for up to 28 weeks and the minimum amount you can be paid – this can be increased if your company has a sick pay scheme, which you’ll be able to find in your employment contract.
Living with a disability can undoubtedly be tough, so it’s reassuring to know that there are numerous funding schemes in place to help facilitate life’s essentials. Don’t forget, there is plenty of support available online to help you through all of the life’s most important bits, from mobility on the roads to tips on getting the most from days out.
In the meantime, make sure to check your eligibility for the schemes above and see if you can get any additional money in the bank to help.