Money and support
Benefits and useful contacts
A plain-English list of the benefits a disabled adult and their carer may be able to claim, what deputyship means for benefits, and free helplines that can help you claim or challenge a decision.
Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Always check the current rates and rules before you rely on them.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Working-age adults (16 to State Pension age) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. Two parts — daily living and mobility — each paid at a standard or enhanced rate. Not means-tested and not affected by savings or most other income. In Scotland this is replaced by Adult Disability Payment.
Attendance Allowance
People over State Pension age who need help or supervision
Not means-tested. Paid at a lower or higher rate depending on whether help is needed during the day, at night, or both. It does not include a mobility part.
Universal Credit
Working-age people on a low income or out of work
Includes extra amounts for limited capability for work, for housing costs and for childcare. A Work Capability Assessment decides whether the extra disability amount applies.
Employment and Support Allowance (New Style ESA)
People who have paid enough National Insurance and cannot work much because of illness or disability
Paid whatever the household's savings are. Can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
Disabled children under 16
Care and mobility parts. Most young people are invited to claim PIP (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland) at 16.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
People on a low income who pay rent or council tax
Ask the council about the Severe Mental Impairment council tax exemption or discount — many families are entitled to it and never claim it, and it can sometimes be backdated.
Carer's Allowance
Someone caring at least 35 hours a week for a person who gets a qualifying disability benefit
There is an earnings limit and it can affect the cared-for person's own benefits, so check before claiming. In Scotland, Carer Support Payment has replaced it.
Carer element of Universal Credit
Carers on Universal Credit
An extra monthly amount. You do not have to claim Carer's Allowance as well to get it.
Carer's Assessment
Any unpaid carer
Not a benefit, but a legal right under the Care Act 2014. The council must assess your own needs as a carer, and may provide support or a direct payment.
Blue Badge and travel help
People with mobility or hidden-disability needs
Blue Badge parking, a Disabled Person's Railcard, free or discounted bus travel, and the Motability Scheme if P gets the enhanced mobility part of PIP.
Help with NHS costs and prescriptions
People on a low income or certain benefits
Free prescriptions, dental care, eye tests and travel to hospital appointments.
Disabled Facilities Grant
People who need their home adapted
Paid by the council for ramps, wet rooms, stairlifts and similar work. Means-tested for adults, not for children.
Benefits are usually managed by a DWP appointee, not by a Court of Protection deputy. Becoming an appointee is free and does not involve the court — you apply through the DWP, which will usually visit you.
A property and affairs deputy looks after P's wider money and property. Many families end up with both: an appointee for benefits and a deputy for everything else. A deputy must keep P's money separate, keep records, and report each year to the Office of the Public Guardian.
Watch P's savings. Means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit are affected once savings pass the limits, so compensation, back-payments and inheritances need care — ask about a personal injury trust or a disabled person's trust before money lands in P's account.
If a benefit decision is wrong, ask for a mandatory reconsideration first, usually within one month of the decision letter, then appeal to the tribunal. Keep the letter — the deadline runs from its date.
These organisations are free to contact. We are not connected to them and cannot answer for them.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help to claim, check entitlement and challenge decisions
0800 144 8848 (England) · 0800 702 2020 (Wales) · citizensadvice.org.uk
Scope Disability Energy Support & helpline
Disability advice, energy and benefits support
0808 800 3333 · scope.org.uk
Turn2us
Benefits calculator and grant search
0808 802 2000 · turn2us.org.uk
Carers UK
Advice for unpaid carers, including benefits and carer's assessments
0808 808 7777 · carersuk.org
Mencap Learning Disability Helpline
Advice about learning disability, care and rights
0808 808 1111 · mencap.org.uk
National Autistic Society
Autism advice and local support
0808 800 4104 · autism.org.uk
Disability Rights UK
Disability rights, benefits handbooks and appeals information
disabilityrightsuk.org
Office of the Public Guardian
Deputyship and Lasting Powers of Attorney
0300 456 0300 · gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-public-guardian
DWP appointee line (via Jobcentre Plus)
Becoming an appointee to manage someone's benefits
0800 169 0310
MoneyHelper
Free money guidance, including benefits and debt
0800 138 7777 · moneyhelper.org.uk
StepChange
Free debt advice
0800 138 1111 · stepchange.org
Samaritans
If things feel overwhelming, any time of day or night
116 123
For your own council, ICB, court or local family group, see the contacts page.
Record P's income and outgoings on the care funding and money page, which also covers Adult Social Care, NHS Continuing Healthcare and help with court fees.
Housing, adaptations and care providers can be found through the directory.
This page is general information, not legal, benefits or financial advice. Benefit rates and rules change — check with one of the free advice services above before you act.