10 Disability benefits that you may not know about

Being a disabled person, money can be tough, but there are quite a lot of benefits that you can receive from the government to make things easier for you to handle your everyday finances. So what I am going to do is, I will list some of the benefits and explain who's eligible and what each one is used for. If you would like to find out more information on a specific benefit you would like to know more on you can click here which will take you to the official government page. You never know you might discover a new benefit you could apply to.

What is a Blue Badge?

The Blue Badge is a UK parking permit for people with disabilities or health conditions. It makes parking easier by letting holders park closer to their destination and in some places for free or longer than usual.

You display it on your dashboard when parked.

What Are the Benefits of a Blue Badge?

A Blue Badge can allow the holder to:

• Park in disabled parking bays

• Park on single or double yellow lines where it is safe to do so

• Park free of charge or for longer periods in some pay-and-display or on-street parking areas

Parking rules can vary by local council, so signage should always be checked.

Who Is Eligible for a Blue Badge?

Eligibility depends on whether someone qualifies automatically or requires an assessment.

What Is PIP (Personal Independence Payment)?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

PIP helps with the extra costs of daily living and mobility difficulties. It is not means-tested, so it doesn’t depend on income, savings, or employment status.

You may be eligible if:

• Your condition has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months

• It affects your ability to carry out daily activities or travel

• You struggle with tasks more than half the time

PIP is available for:

• Physical disabilities

• Mental health conditions

• Long-term illnesses

• Learning disabilities

• Neurodivergent conditions

• Hidden disabilities

What Is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit (UC) is a UK benefit that provides financial support for people on a low income or who are out of work.

It replaces several older benefits with one monthly payment and is designed to help with living costs, housing, and childcare.

Who Can Claim Universal Credit?

You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you:

• Are 18 or over (some 16–17 year olds can qualify)

• Are under State Pension age

• Live in the UK

• Have low income or are not working

• Have savings below £16,000

What Is Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is extra financial support for students in higher education who have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or learning difficulty.

DSA helps cover the additional study-related costs you may face because of your condition. It is not a loan, does not need to be repaid, and does not depend on household income.

Who Can Get DSA?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are studying at university or higher education level

• Have a long-term physical or mental health condition

• Have a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD

• Have a sensory impairment (e.g. hearing or visual impairment)

• Are neurodivergent or have a hidden disability

DSA is available for full-time and part-time students, including postgraduate students.

What Is the National Disability Card?

The National Disability Card is a UK-wide card that provides recognised proof of disability. It is run by Nimbus Disability, an organisation specialising in accessible services.

The card helps disabled people access reasonable adjustments, concessions, and support without having to repeatedly explain their condition.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for a National Disability Card if you:

• Have a long-term disability or health condition

• Have a physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health condition

• Are neurodivergent

• Have a hidden disability that affects daily life or access to services

Applicants must provide evidence of disability, such as:

• Benefit entitlement (e.g. PIP, DLA)

• Medical letters

• Educational or workplace support documents

What Is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a UK benefit for people whose health condition or disability affects their ability to work.

ESA provides financial support and personalised help for those who are unable to work or can only work with limitations.

Who Can Claim ESA?

You may be able to claim ESA if:

• You have a disability or long-term health condition

• Your condition affects how much you can work

• You are under State Pension age

What Is Carer’s Allowance?

Carer’s Allowance is a UK benefit for people who provide regular care for someone with a disability, long-term illness, or health condition.

It is designed to recognise the time and effort carers spend looking after someone who needs support.

Who Can Claim Carer’s Allowance?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 16 or over

• Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone

• Care for someone who receives certain disability benefits, such as:

  • PIP daily living component

  • Attendance Allowance

  • Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)

  • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (if the person also receives the Constant Attendance Allowance)

• Earn less than £139 per week (after tax, not including certain benefits)

• Live in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland

You cannot claim Carer’s Allowance if you are in full-time education or already receiving certain benefits that would make you ineligible.

What Is the Motability Scheme?

The Motability Scheme is a UK programme that helps people with disabilities or health conditions access a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair.

It is designed to make travel easier, safer, and more independent for people who may struggle with public transport or walking long distances.

Who Can Use the Motability Scheme?

You can use the Motability Scheme if you:

• Receive Enhanced Rate Mobility PIP

• Receive Higher Rate Mobility DLA

• Receive the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

You must also:

• Be able to drive yourself or have someone who can drive you

• Live in the UK

What Is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a UK government programme that helps people with disabilities or health conditions get support to work, start a job, or stay in employment.

It provides practical help and financial assistance for workplace adjustments and equipment, making employment more accessible.

Who Can Use Access to Work?

You may be eligible if you:

• Have a physical or mental health condition, disability, or long-term health condition

• Are working or about to start work

• Work in the UK (including self-employed people)

• Face extra costs or barriers at work due to your condition

You do not need to receive disability benefits to apply.

What Is a Disability Railcard?

If you travel by train in the UK and have a disability, a Disabled Persons Railcard could save you a lot of money and make journeys much easier.

It’s a discount card designed to help people with disabilities travel more affordably and independently across the UK rail network.

Who Can Get One?

You may be eligible if you have a disability or medical condition that affects your ability to travel. This includes people who:

• Receive PIP (Personal Independence Payment)

• Receive DLA (Disability Living Allowance)

• Have a visual or hearing impairment

• Have epilepsy

• Receive certain disability-related benefits

You’ll need to provide proof when applying, such as a benefits letter or medical documentation.

Disability benefits exist to make everyday life a little easier whether that’s helping with travel costs, living expenses, mobility, or independence. While each benefit serves a different purpose, they all aim to provide support, security, and greater access to opportunities.

If you think you may be entitled to any of the benefits mentioned in this guide, it’s always worth checking. Many people miss out simply because they’re unaware of what’s available or assume they won’t qualify.

Taking the time to explore your options could make a real difference to your finances, wellbeing, and quality of life.