What Benefits are Available to Disabled People in the UK?

In the UK, individuals living with disabilities have access to a range of government benefits designed to support their needs and facilitate independence. These benefits vary slightly between England & Wales and Scotland, reflecting devolved healthcare and social services. This overview will highlight key benefits available across both regions.

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Benefits disabled people may be eligible for

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1. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Available to disabled adults living in England & Wales, PIP helps cover the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. Individuals aged 16 to state pension age can apply, although if you are already receiving PIP when you reach pension age, you may continue to receive it. It's assessed based on how a condition affects daily tasks and mobility, rather than the condition itself, with two components: Daily Living and Mobility.

PIP Northern Ireland is the same benefit at the same rates, available to residents of Northern Ireland.

💡 Widely reported proposals to change PIP eligibility (including the "4-point rule") were removed from legislation in July 2025, and the Universal Credit Act 2025 made no changes to PIP. Any future changes await the independent Timms Review, due to report in autumn 2026, and current eligibility rules remain in place.

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2. Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

For children living in England & Wales with disabilities, DLA provides financial support. Though PIP has replaced DLA for adults, those already receiving DLA can continue to do so, subject to periodic reassessments. DLA comprises a Care Component and a Mobility Component, depending on the child's needs. In Scotland, both child and adult DLA claimants have been moving to devolved benefits (Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment respectively - see below) through a managed transfer by Social Security Scotland.

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3. Attendance Allowance

Available to those who have reached State Pension age (currently 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028) and who have not claimed PIP or DLA, Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs where a physical or mental disability is severe enough to require care or supervision. If you already receive PIP or DLA when you reach State Pension age, those continue instead. This benefit is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, it has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment (see below).

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4. Carer’s Allowance

Individuals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who care for someone at least 35 hours a week, where that person receives PIP, DLA or certain other benefits, may be eligible for Carer's Allowance. In Scotland, Carer's Allowance has been replaced by Carer Support Payment, delivered by Social Security Scotland at the same weekly rate, with an additional Scottish Carer Supplement paid automatically to most recipients.

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5. Adult Disability Payment - ADP Scotland

ADP is the flagship Scottish benefit that replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults aged 16 to state pension age. ADP provides financial assistance to those who have difficulty with daily living tasks or getting around due to a physical or mental health condition.

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6. Child Disability Payment - Scotland

Children under 16 with disabilities who live in Scotland may be eligible for the Child Disability Payment, which mirrors the support offered by the DLA in England & Wales. This benefit aims to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability.

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7. Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland)

Pension Age Disability Payment is the Scottish benefit that replaces Attendance Allowance for people who have reached State Pension age. Delivered by Social Security Scotland, it helps with the extra costs of a disability or long-term condition that means you need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. Like Attendance Allowance, it is not means-tested and has no mobility component.

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8. Young Carer Grant

The Scottish Government offers the Young Carer Grant, a benefit for young carers aged 16 to 19 who spend an average of 16 hours per week caring for someone with a disability. Eligible young carers can receive a payment each year.

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9. Disability Premiums

Disability Premiums increase the amount of financial support provided by the following benefits: Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit. The aim is to help cover the extra costs associated with having a disability, ensuring that recipients can afford a higher standard of living.

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10. War Pension Mobility Supplement

The War Pension Mobility Supplement is a benefit specifically for veterans who have sustained injuries or illnesses that affect their mobility as a result of their service in the Armed Forces. This supplement provides financial assistance to help cover the costs of getting around, such as purchasing a wheelchair or adapting a vehicle.

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11. Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is available to individuals who have become disabled as a result of an accident at work or due to diseases caused by the work they were doing. 

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123. Constant Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance is a benefit for individuals who receive the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or War Disablement Pension and who have been assessed as needing constant care due to the severity of their disability.

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13. Access to Work

Access to Work is a government scheme that offers practical and financial support to disabled people who are in work or about to start a job. Grants can cover things like specialist equipment, support workers, or help with travel costs where a disability makes commuting difficult.

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Other benefits that aren't disability-related

It's worth highlighting two other forms of government support that disabled people may be eligible for.

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14. Universal Credit (including the health element)

Universal Credit is the main means-tested benefit for people of working age on a low income or out of work, including many disabled people. Those assessed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity can receive an additional health-related amount on top of the standard allowance. It can be claimed alongside PIP or Adult Disability Payment.

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15. New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

New Style ESA provides financial support if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. It is based on National Insurance contributions rather than income, so it can be claimed whether or not you have savings or a working partner, and it can be paid alongside Universal Credit.

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For more information on the benefits available to you as a disabled person, we would recommend the UK government website.

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About the National Disability Card

If you're looking for additional means to make life easier as a person with a disability, consider applying for a National Disability Card. This card serves as a convenient form of visual identification, allowing you to subtly communicate your needs to others and access the assistance you require. You're also entitled to carer tickets or disability concessions at 600+ locations, plus discounts on your favourite brands. Apply for your National Disability Card today.