There are a number of disability benefits available in the UK, but the sheer range of schemes can be both daunting and confusing. As a result, it’s known that many UK residents simply aren’t claiming for all the benefits that they are entitled to.

The UK government website provides a good starting point (https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities/benefits), outlining the various funds, grants and allowances that are available. The Benefits adviser tool is particularly useful, although it is necessary to have a considerable amount of information to hand, in order to get accurate results.

Almost inevitably, investigating benefits means pulling together details of your financial situation. You’ll be expected to provide information on your savings, any earnings that you have, together with your spending on items such as housing costs.

Unfortunately, government systems aren’t always as “joined up” as they might be. With this in mind, you should also remember that individual departments and councils don’t always share information. If you are already in receipt of some benefits, then the onus will often be on you to declare these, rather than to expect that the appropriate authorities already have such information available to them.

The main benefits available at the present time include:

Personal Independence Payment

This has been introduced to gradually replace the Disability Living Allowance and is specifically aimed at assisting with the extra costs that are associated with long-term ill health, or a specific disability. Payments are tax-free and are currently available for those aged between 16 and 64. A separate Disability Living Allowance for children is intended to provide help to those aged under 16.

Attendance Allowance

The Attendance Allowance is aimed at those aged 65 and over. There are two different rates of pay available, with the amount that any individual will receive being dependent on the level of care that is needed.

At the present time, the lower rate is £53 per week, with the higher rate being £79.15 per week.

Employment and Support Allowance

The Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is available to help those who are unable to work, or to offer an additional level of help, in order to ensure that it is possible to work.

As a result, it’s actually possible to apply for the Employment and Support Allowance, whether you are employed or out of work. Indeed, it’s also possible for self-employed individuals to claim this allowance.