Disability, sickness and carer benefits

If you have a disability or long-term illness, or you’re caring for someone who does, you may be able to claim certain benefits. This guide provides an overview of what benefits are available and how to make a claim.

Personal independence payment (PIP) and adult disability payment is slowly replacing DLA for adults with long-term health problems or disabilities. If you’re a pensioner, you can apply for attendance allowance instead.

If you already get DLA, you’ll get a letter telling you when you’ll need to switch to PIP or adult disability payment.

This provides extra money to help you look after someone with significant caring needs.

Check if you qualify and apply on the government website.

You’ll need:

• your national insurance number
• your bank or building society account number and sort code
• employment details and most recent payslip (if you’re working)
• P45 (if you’ve recently finished work)
• course information (if you’re studying)
• details of any expenses e.g. the cost of caring for the disabled/ill person while you’re at work
• the date of birth and address of the person you care for
• the national insurance number of the person you care for (if they’re over 16)
• the DLA reference of the person you care for (if they’re under 16)