Becoming ill or disabled can turn life upside down—not just emotionally and physically, but financially too. You might find yourself unable to work, facing unexpected costs, or struggling to keep up with bills. If you’re in this position, it’s important to know you’re not alone and there is support out there to help you get back on track.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take control of your money if illness or disability has changed your financial situation.
1. Review Your Income and Expenses
Start by getting a clear picture of your current financial situation. If you’ve had to reduce your working hours or stop working entirely, your income may have dropped. At the same time, your expenses may have gone up—for example, due to travel to medical appointments, equipment, or higher energy use at home.
Write down all your income and essential outgoings. Free budgeting tools from organisations like MoneyHelper or StepChange can help you track everything in one place.
2. Check What Financial Help You’re Entitled To
There are several UK benefits and financial supports for people who are ill or disabled:
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – If you’re employed and off work for more than 4 days, you may be eligible for SSP for up to 28 weeks.
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – For those who can’t work due to illness or disability.
- Universal Credit – You might get extra if you’re too ill to work or have caring responsibilities.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Helps with extra costs if you have a long-term health condition or disability.
- Attendance Allowance – For people over State Pension age with a disability that requires care.
You can use a free benefits calculator like Turn2Us, Entitledto, or Policy in Practice to see what you might be eligible for.
Also check with your local council—they may offer discretionary housing payments, council tax reductions, or local welfare schemes.
3. Talk to Your Employer
If you’re still employed, let your employer know what’s going on. You may be entitled to:
- Company sick pay, which could be more generous than SSP.
- Reasonable adjustments to help you stay in or return to work (e.g. different hours, equipment, home working).
- Flexible working arrangements.
Employers have a legal duty to consider adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a disability.
4. Prioritise Your Essential Bills
Focus on the basics first: rent or mortgage, council tax, energy bills, and food. Missing these can lead to serious consequences, but help is often available.
- Contact your landlord, mortgage provider, or council if you’re struggling—many offer hardship schemes or temporary support.
- Speak to your energy supplier—they may offer payment plans or place you on the Priority Services Register for vulnerable customers.
5. Get Free, Confidential Debt Advice
If you’re falling behind on bills or debts, don’t try to cope alone. Contact a free debt advice charity like:
- StepChange (stepchange.org)
- National Debtline (nationaldebtline.org)
- Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk)
They can help you create a budget, speak to creditors on your behalf, and explore options like payment breaks or debt management plans.
6. Protect Your Money for the Future
If your condition is long-term, you might want to think ahead:
- Lasting Power of Attorney: Let someone you trust manage your finances if needed.
- Insurance: Check whether you have any policies (such as income protection) that could help.
- Banking tools: Set up direct debits, alerts or basic budgeting apps to stay on top of money.
7. Don’t Forget Emotional and Practical Support
Financial stress can take a toll on your mental health. Charities like Mind and Rethink Mental Illness offer support if you’re struggling. If you have a long-term condition or disability, specialist charities (e.g. Macmillan, Scope, Parkinson’s UK) may offer grants, counselling or financial help.
Final Thoughts
Illness or disability can be overwhelming, but sorting out your money is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. By getting the right support and taking things step by step, you can regain control and focus on what matters most: your health and well-being.