Getting Financial Support For People With Disabilities
If you or a loved one has a disability, you’ll understand the ongoing need for financial support for people with disabilities. We have a world class medical system, but out of pocket or gap expenses can add up. Then there are the extras such as therapy and specialist aids to enhance quality of life.
We’ve outlined the options available and guidance on how to seek financial assistance for people with disabilities in the UK.
Government support for disabled people
Our government pensions and schemes aim to provide a wide variety of financial support for people with disabilities.
Disability Living Allowance
In the UK, we have the Disability Living Allowance, which is to help towards costs if you’re living with a disability. There’s also Disability Living Allowance for children, which helps with the extra costs that may come with looking after a child who can’t walk or needs more looking after than a child of the same age who doesn’t have a disability. DLA for children can be claimed up until the child is 16. DLA is gradually being replaced by PIP – personal independence payment – which is explained in the segment below.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment or PIP is gradually replacing disability living allowance. The aim of PIP is to help with extra costs associated with a long term physical or mental health condition and the difficulties which may come with doing day to day tasks because of this. There are two parts to PIP: a daily living part and a mobility part. You can be eligible for PIP if you’re working, as well.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance helps you out with costs if you have a disability severe enough to need someone looking after you. There are two different rates of attendance allowance you can claim depending on how much help you need – £68.10 or £101.75. You can claim attendance allowance if you have a mental or physical disability or if you’re of state pension age or older and need the care.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Employment and Support Allowance, or ESA, can be paid if you have a disability which affects how much you can work. ESA can help with living costs if you’re unable to work and also support you to get back into work if you can. You can apply if you’re employed, unemployed or self employed.
Vehicle tax exemptions and relief
There’s also help available regarding vehicles if you’re disabled and need them. There’s the blue badge scheme, which provides a badge to give ease of parking if you struggle with walking distances and travel as either a driver or passenger. There’s also a vehicle tax exemption or reduction which you may be eligible for if you meet certain criteria, which you can read more on here.
Housing Support
If you’re disabled, there’s also government support when it comes to housing, should you need it. You may be able to get direct payments if you’ve been assessed and it has been deemed you need the care – this means you can arrange your own services and get help towards them. There’s also Disabled Facility Grants available if you need home adaptations, council tax reductions and universal credit or housing benefit if you’re on a low income.
Government pensions
If you’ve got a disability you can apply for pension credits, which means more income to help with the extra costs associated with your needs. If someone already claims Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rates of the care component of DLA or PIP, you might qualify for a pension credit of £76.40. If you get Carers Allowance or Carer Support Payment you could also get a lesser amount of £42.75.
Other government support
There’s also some additional support from the government if you’re living with a disability. You might be able to claim VAT relief on adaptations to make your life easier, including wheelchairs, stairlifts and adjustable beds. If you’re registered blind or living with someone who is, you might be eligible for a reduction in your TV licence.
Other financial support for people with disabilities
In addition to government assistance, many people with disabilities rely on other forms of financial support to meet all their goals, like personal fundraising. Whether it’s a one-off fundraiser or ongoing support from benefactors, there are many ways to fundraise to provide financial support for someone with a disability.
Create your own disability fundraiser
If you are fundraising for something in particular, you could set up a community event like a bake sale or trivia night. It’s a great way to get friends and family involved in raising money for something important. It also helps get you involved in the community and show your face to a worthwhile cause. Offline fundraising works particularly well if there is a specific need in mind such as a new wheelchair or therapy. If people know what they’re supporting, they’re more likely to go out of their way to help.
You can support your offline fundraising with an online fundraiser that’s easy to share with your network. Fundraising platforms like GoFundMe are a reliable and safe way to get donations. You can easily share the fundraiser on social media, email or messenger apps and funds are sent directly to your cause.
Get help setting up your crowdfunding page
Crowdfunding is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get financial help for disabled people. It’s easy with GoFundMe – simply sign up and share your story. It’s always more effective if you ask for what you need rather than a vague fundraising goal. Break down the costs and share with people how their money will help your quality of life or treatment. Setting smaller, more realistic goals is one way you can get to your fundraising goal much faster. By sharing as much as you can through photos and stories, people will be captivated by your story and will be more likely to donate money to your fundraiser. We’ve even collated a tonne of fundraising tips online for those in need of support or inspiration.
Related reading: Do You Need To Raise Money Quickly? Try These Fast Fundraising Ideas
Start fundraising for people with disabilities
No matter what your fundraising goal is, all fundraising support for people with disabilities can make a difference. Set up your GoFundMe today and find out how easy it can be.