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There is a wide range of benefits and allowances available for disabled people. Knowing what you are entitled to claim can be confusing but there are several organisations that can help.
General advice and information on benefits and allowances for disabled people can be obtained from:
National
Local
- Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) / Benefits Agency offices
- Citizens Advice Bureaux
- Disability Information Advice Lines
- Associations of and for disabled people
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the main allowance for help with travel and transport. DLA is a tax-free benefit for people who have a care or mobility need that arises from disability or illness before the age of 65. Once approved, the benefit continues to be payable beyond 65 if the other conditions continue to be met. It is not income related, nor are there any conditions on how the benefit is spent.
The amount of money that you receive will depend on how much help you need.
The Mobility Component has two different rates, a Higher Rate and a Lower Rate, which one you receive will depend on how much help you need to get around.
The Care Component has three different levels, A Higher, Middle and Lower Rate, which one you receive will depend on how much care is required.
More information about the Disability Living Allowance can be found at: www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10011731.
Claims for the DLA Mobility Component may also be made on behalf of children who are aged 3 years or over. You can find out more about DLA for children at: www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10011816.
If you get DLA, you will also be entitled to some other benefits. The main ones are:
For recipients of DLA Care Component - Higher and Medium Care Components only
- Disabled Persons Railcard
For recipients of DLA Mobility Component (Higher Mobility Component only)
- Disabled Persons Railcard
- Motability Lease and Purchase Schemes
- Vehicle Excise Duty Exemption - which then gives the following further benefits:
- Automatic exemption from London Congestion Charging
- Discretionary concessions on some road, bridge and tunnel tolls and car park charges
- Blue Badge Parking Permit - which then gives the following further benefits:
- Exemption from London Congestion Charging by registering a vehicle in advance
- Discretionary concessions on some road, bridge and tunnel tolls and car park charges
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