Finding out about learning disability
Benefits and entitlements
Describing welfare benefits is a complex subject. Furthermore, it is an area where regulations are subject to constant change.
Some areas of the welfare and national insurance law have become so complex that a whole group of professionals from community workers to solicitors and barristers have emerged to support the public in finding a way through the maze of regulations. Potential claimants are therefore recommended to seek initial advice from organisations that specialise in understanding benefits, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or their local equivalent, as to what benefits they may be eligible for.
Certain benefits can interact with each other and it is necessary to know which are permissible to apply for or which option is best in each individual case. Organisations like the Citizens Advice Bureau will also usually know who can assist and help represent someone should they need to appeal against decisions regarding benefits.
Below is an outline of the main benefits for individuals with a learning disability.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Both children and adults can get DLA up to the age of 65 if they need help with personal care and getting around (mobility).
There are two parts: a Care Component (three rates of benefit) and a Mobility Component (two rates of benefit).
Both components are available to applicants and DLA is not means tested.
Information and claim:
Local Social Security - Dept. of Work and Pensions
Tel: Benefit's Enquiry Line - 0800 882200.
www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/disability_liv_allowance.asp
Carer's Allowance
A benefit for people who are aged over 16 and who regularly spend 35 hours or more per week caring for some one who is severely disabled. Not means tested.
Information and claim:
Carer's Allowance Unit - 01253 856123.
Tel: Benefit's Enquiry Line - 0800 882200.
www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/carers_allowance.asp
Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996
This gives authority for local social service departments, after assessing a person's need, to award a financial payment as an alternative to giving a service. This then enables an individual to purchase and administer their own care service.
Information and claim:
Local Authority - Social Services Department.
Incapacity Benefit
This is a benefit for people who cannot work because of illness or disability.
- There are three rates of benefit
- A contribution record may be required in some cases
- There is a special application for young people less than 19 years of age
Information and claim:
Local Social Security Office - Dept. of Work and Pensions.
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/492
Income Support
This is the main safety net of the benefits system. Income Support is available to those who do not have any income from any other source. It is a means tested benefit.
Information and claim:
Local Social Security Office Dept. of Work and Pensions.
www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/income_support.asp
The Social Fund
This is a Government fund which makes grants and loans to people on low income (usually Income Support) to meet unusual and exceptional circumstances, e.g. funeral costs, moving out of residential care, and replacement furniture. It is more commonly a loan than a grant.
Information and claim:
Local Social Security Office - Dept. of Work and Pensions.
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/HomeCustomers?WorkingAgeBenefits/501
Child Benefit
This is paid for all children from birth to 16 years and in some cases until 19 years. Not means tested.
Information and claim:
Inland Revenue.
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/childbenefit/
Tax Credits (Disabled Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit)
A means tested benefit for people on low income. It is based on the previous year's income.
Information and claim:
Inland Revenue.
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/menus/credits.htm
The Family Fund
This organisation gives grants (on behalf of the Government) to support disabled children and their carers. Grants could be for a large variety of things including bedding, holidays, special play equipment, washing machines and much more. It is not directly means tested but families can be asked about their circumstances.
Information and apply:
Family Fund, P.O. Box 50, York YO1 9ZX or on line.
www.familyfundtrust.org.uk/
Independent Living Fund (ILF)
The Independent Living Fund awards a weekly financial allowance to support disabled people to continue to live independently in the community. The claimant must be already in receipt of a certain level of local authority service. The local authority, ILF and claimant agree a care plan and ILF will then make a contribution towards it. The contribution is made direct to the claimant who can then purchase this element of his or her own care (this is usually done from an agency or by personal recruitment).
Information and apply:
Independent Living Fund, P.O. Box 7525, Nottingham NG2 4ZT.
Tel: 0845 601 8815.
www.ilf.org.uk/
Blue Badge Scheme
This scheme helps people who have a lot of difficulty with mobility to park their vehicle where there are parking restrictions. It also applies to some able bodied people with severe learning disabilities who have a behavioural disturbance.
Information and claim:
Local Council.
Council Tax Benefit
This gives the claimant help with paying tax. Reductions are available for people with a disability. It is a means tested benefit.
Information and claim:
Local Council.
Housing Benefit
This benefit helps people on a low income or benefit to pay their rent. A similar form of help can be given towards a mortgage if the claimant is in receipt of Income Support.
Information and claim:
Local Council.
Job Seekers Allowance
Job Seekers Allowance is paid to people who are capable of work physically and mentally but who are unemployed.
Information and claim:
Local Social Security - Dept. Work and Pensions.
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cmsasp?Page=/Home/Customers/WorkingingAgeBenefits/497
Attendance Allowance
This is a benefit for people who are over 65 years and require care and attention with their personal needs. There are two rates of benefit.
Information and claim:
Local Social Security - Dept. Work and Pensions.
Benefit's Enquiry Line 0800 882200
www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/attendance_allowance.asp
Vaccine Damage Payment
This is a one off payment for those who are considered to be severely disabled as a result of vaccination against certain diseases.
Information and claim:
Vaccine Damaged Payments Unit - Preston. Tel: 01772 899944.
www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/vaccine_damage_payments.asp
