A Supportive Guide Introduction to benefits for sickness and disability
Living with a disability or long-term illness can bring daily challenges — financial worries shouldn’t add to that burden. Fortunately, the UK offers a range of benefits for sick and disabled designed to support people who are unable to work or who face extra costs due to health conditions. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, recovering from illness, or living with a lifelong disability, this guide will help you understand what you may be entitled to and how to claim it.
1. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
If you’re employed but unable to work due to illness, sickness and disability benefits:
- Amount: £116.75 per week (as of 2024/25) for up to 28 weeks.
- Eligibility: You must earn at least £123 per week before tax and have been off work for 4 or more days in a row (including non-working days).
- How to claim: Your employer pays SSP — inform them as soon as you’re unwell and provide a fit note after 7 days.
2. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
For people who can’t work due to illness or disability and don’t qualify for SSP, or have exhausted it, there is a range of benefits for sick and disabled:
- New Style ESA is available if you’ve paid enough National Insurance in the last 2–3 years.
- You may also qualify for income-related support through Universal Credit (UC).
- Assessment: You’ll usually have a Work Capability Assessment to determine eligibility and which group (work-related activity or support) you’re placed in.
How to claim: Apply through the GOV.UK website for sickness and disability benefits.
3. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
A non-means-tested sickness and disability benefits for people aged 16 to State Pension age who live with long-term physical or mental health conditions.
- Daily Living component: Helps with everyday tasks (e.g. dressing, eating).
- Mobility component: Helps with getting around.
- Rates: As of April 2024, payments range from £28.70 to £101.75 per week per component.
How to claim: Call the PIP claim line on 0800 917 2222. You’ll need to complete a form and usually attend an assessment. Find full guidance here for benefits for sickness and disability.
4. Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help due to illness or disability:
- Two rates: £72.65 or £108.55 per week, depending on the level of help needed.
- Important: You don’t need a carer to qualify.
How to claim: Download a form or call 0800 731 0122 via GOV.UK.
5. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children
Helps with the extra costs of looking after a child under 16 with a disability or health condition.
- Covers care and/or mobility needs.
- You could receive between £28.70 and £101.75 per week.
How to claim: Apply through GOV.UK DLA for children.
6. Universal Credit (UC)
Universal Credit replaces a range of benefits for sick and disabled and can include extra support for:
- People with a disability or health condition affecting their ability to work.
- Carers or those who live with someone who has a disability.
Work Capability Assessment may determine additional UC entitlements.
How to claim: Apply online at GOV.UK.
7. Carer’s Allowance
If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance:
- Amount: £81.90 per week (2024/25).
- Earnings limit: You must earn less than £151 per week (after tax and expenses).
How to claim: Visit GOV.UK Carer’s Allowance.
8. Help with Housing, Council Tax, and Transport
- Housing Benefit: If you’re on a low income or claiming UC, you may get help with rent.
- Council Tax Reduction: Apply via your local council — you may be entitled to a discount.
- Disabled Person’s Railcard and free or discounted bus travel: National and local schemes offer reduced travel costs.
Support and Advice Services
Claiming benefits can feel confusing or overwhelming, especially if you’re unwell. You don’t have to figure it out alone:
- Citizens Advice: Free help with benefits applications and appeals. citizensadvice.org.uk
- Scope: Disability equality charity offering tailored advice. scope.org.uk
- Turn2Us: Online benefits calculator and grant search. turn2us.org.uk
- Disability Rights UK: disabilityrightsuk.org
Conclusion
Whether you’re managing a temporary illness or a long-term condition, support is available to help ease the financial pressure. These benefits exist to protect your independence and dignity — you have every right to claim them. Reach out, seek advice, and remember: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
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