Living with a disability brings significant financial challenges, with extra costs averaging £1,000 per month. Before I became disabled I had no idea of the financial impact it would have on my life or what help was available.
Georgina Colman
Founder of Purpl Discounts
Living with a disability often comes with additional, sometimes unexpected costs. Navigating the financial support available can feel overwhelming so we’ve asked Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl Discounts, to provide expert advice to help guide our customers through the financial challenges of living with disabilities.
Jump to:
- Understanding the financial challenges of living with disabilities
- Financial support and benefits for the disabled
- Savings and discounts for the disabled
- Practical steps for accessing financial support
Understanding the financial challenges of living with disabilities
Living with a disability can come with all kinds of extra costs. Depending on your condition, you may require specialist healthcare or equipment. Home adaptations such as installing ramps or stairlifts and transport costs including accessible vehicles can add to the financial challenges.
There is also the economic gap with some people with disabilities experiencing lower income, higher unemployment rates and underemployment.
Fortunately, support is available in the form of government benefits as well as discounts and savings for the canny consumer. In this article, I’ll provide a roundup of the financial support you can apply for as well as where to find discounts from a range of high street brands and online companies.
Georgina Colman, Founder of Purpl Discounts
Financial support and benefits for the disabled
In the UK, individuals with disabilities can access a range of financial support to assist with living costs and specific needs.
Key benefits include:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is a tax-free benefit for individuals aged 16 or over who have not reached State Pension age. PIP helps with extra costs caused by long-term ill health or disability. It is not means-tested, so income and savings do not affect eligibility.
You may qualify for the daily living part of PIP if you need help with daily tasks like preparing food, managing medicines or dressing independently. There is a mobility part of PIP if you need help moving around, leaving your home or working out a route to follow.
Find out more
Attendance Allowance / Pension Age Disability Payment
The Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for individuals who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability. It is not means-tested. This will become the Pension Age Disability Payment in 2025.
Find out more
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
This benefit provides financial support to those unable to work due to illness or disability. The Contribution ESA is now known as the New Style and Support Allowance and the income-related ESA has been replaced by Universal Credit.
Find out more
Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living costs for those on a low income or out of work. It includes additional amounts for individuals with health conditions or disabilities that affect their ability to work. If you have a child with a disability then you may also qualify to receive an extra amount.
Find out more
Carer's Allowance
This is the main benefit for anyone who spends at least 35 hours a week caring for someone receiving certain disability benefits. It is not means-tested, but earnings above a certain threshold can affect eligibility.
Find out how to claim Carer’s Allowance
Access to Work Grant
Access to Work is designed to help employees with a disability get or stay in work. It provides financial support for practical assistance in the workplace, including special equipment, adaptations, or support worker services. It also provides financial support for getting to and from work.
Find out more
Disabled Facilities Grant
This grant from the your local council can help cover the cost of home adaptations, such as installing ramps or widening doorways, to enable individuals to live more independently.
Find out more
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme supports individuals with severe mobility problems, allowing them to park closer to their destination. It can be used if you are the passenger or driver.
Find out more
Council Tax Reduction
If you are a disabled person, you may be eligible for a reduction in Council Tax. Eligibility criteria vary by local authority and you should check with your council.
Find out more
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children
The DLA is a tax-free benefit for children under 16 to help with the extra costs caused by long-term ill health or disability. The rate received will depend on the level of care the child requires.
Find out more
VAT Relief
Certain goods and services designed for disabled people are eligible for VAT relief, meaning they can be purchased without VAT. This includes personal alarms, fall alarms and other telecare devices and disability alarms. Find out more about VAT exemption.
Motability Scheme
This is not a government scheme and is managed by the Motability Foundation charity. It enables people to use their mobility allowance to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair.
Find out more
It's important to note that eligibility criteria and application processes vary for each benefit. For personalised advice and assistance, organisations such as Scope, Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper offer guidance on navigating these benefits.
Savings and discounts for the disabled
As someone living with multiple sclerosis (MS), I face unique challenges when managing everyday activities at home. For those who live with MS, the thought of being alone and experiencing a fall or other health-related emergency is a genuine concern. This worry often extends to loved ones, who may feel anxious when they're not around to offer support so any discounted rate on products and services that support my independence is welcome.
You can also save money and offset the cost of living through disability discount websites such as Purpl Discounts. These offer savings on disability aids, assisted technology and medical products, as well as everyday items including food, drink and home appliances.
You would normally need to provide some form of verification, for example Purpl require you provide evidence of Blue Badge, PIP, DLA and other disability benefit letters, Disabled Bus or Train pass, Access Card, CEA Card and Disabled ID (DID) Card.
Savings from Purpl Discounts
Purpl offers exclusive discounts for the disabled community to help offset the cost of living with a disability.
To sign up you will need to upload a photo of an approved disability documents.
Practical steps for accessing benefits for the disabled
Once you are aware of the financial support available, you will need to check your eligibility and submit your application. If you are not used to benefits system, then this can seem daunting. However, there are some resources available to help you.
Use benefits calculators
Begin by using online benefits calculators, such as those on gov.uk or websites like Turn2Us or EntitledTo. These tools help estimate which benefits you might qualify for based on your personal circumstances. Some benefits can be combined, while others may affect eligibility for other programs. For example, if you’re claiming Universal Credit, certain disability benefits may adjust the amount you receive.
Organise your documentation and applications
Most applications will require evidence of your financial situation and supporting documentation from medical professionals. You would normally need your National Insurance number, proof of address, and recent bank statements to hand. It is likely you will also need doctor’s letters, hospital reports, or treatment records. These help illustrate the impact of your condition on daily life and work.
For Personal Independence Payment (PIP), for example, you’ll need to explain how it affects your mobility, personal care, or ability to complete everyday tasks.
Completing your application
Completing an application can be time-consuming so be patient and set aside some quiet time to complete the process. You may find it easier to write out a draft first and have a friend or family member check it before you submit your application.
If you are asked to describe your condition, avoid vague phrases and provide examples, for example “I experience pain after 10 minutes of walking.” This level of detail makes it easier for assessors to understand your needs.
Seek support if needed
Organisations like Citizens Advice offer assistance with filling out forms. Their advisors will be used to completing applications and can ensure you understand each question and present your case effectively.
Submit your application early and understand the appeals process
You should submit copies of any documentation, not originals, and request confirmation of receipt so you know your application has been received.
It can take often take some time before you find out if your application has been successful. If your request is turned down, don’t be discouraged and appeal if necessary.
