If you have care needs or a disability, or you’re caring for someone who does, you may be able to access benefits to help you manage the extra financial costs.
Some of these benefits you can claim are means-tested, meaning that they depend on your income or savings being at a certain level.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance
PIP is a benefit designed to help with extra financial costs that you face because of your care needs or disability, if you are aged between 16 and 64.
Attendance Allowance is a similar benefit, but for people aged over 64.
PIP and Attendance Allowance are not means-tested.
Council tax discount
You may be entitled to help with council tax for your household relating to your disability or care arrangements.
This benefit is not means-tested.
Universal Credit
You can claim Universal Credit if you are unable to work due to ill-health, or if you are on a low income.
Universal Credit is means tested and includes help with living costs and housing costs.
If your income and savings are low
You might also qualify for means-tested benefits to top up your income. Depending on your age and circumstances, these might include:
- Housing Benefit if you (and your partner if you have one) have reached state pension age
- Council Tax Support
- Pension Credit (which might include an extra amount if you have a disability).
View more information on disability benefits.
Get benefits advice
You can check to make sure you are getting all the financial support you are entitled to by using a benefit calculator.
You can get benefits advice from local services on issues including money, debt, employment, housing and immigration. Visit Live Well York for a list of local agencies who provide this service.
Our Benefits and Contributions Advisors provide benefits advice for everyone with care needs, whether you're:
- in your own home
- in a care home
Note: If you spend time in hospital, your disability benefits payments may be affected.
Also see
- Benefits
- Council tax discount for Disabled people
- Adapting your home
- Blue Badge parking scheme
- Adult social care