What Does It Mean to Be Disabled?
You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
If you believe you can identify with the above statement, consider discussing your situation with your GP. There may be resources and support available to you that could improve your quality of life.
A Common Misconception: Aging vs. Disability
As someone who has conducted countless home visits, I have seen many patients who clearly meet the criteria for being disabled. However, they often don’t seek help because they identify their challenges as merely “getting old.” This misunderstanding can prevent people from accessing the support they need and deserve.
Recognising a disability isn’t about admitting defeat. It’s about taking a proactive step toward maintaining independence and improving your daily life. Support is available, but it starts with acknowledging the need for it.
- Disability by the Numbers: A Closer Look
- Financial Benefits and Support Programs
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP):
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children:
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC):
- NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC):
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA):
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP):
- Pension Credit (PCG):
- Blue Badge:
- Motability Scheme:
- Winter Fuel Payment:
- Council tax reduction:
- Free NHS services:
- Garden maintenance:
- Handy Person Service:
- Grants for Individuals with Disabilities
- Charities to support individuals with disabilities
- Help yourself to allow others to help you
All Information provided is correct for England
- 16 million people in the UK identify as disabled – that’s 24% of the population.
- Of these, 23% are of working age, and 45% are over state pension age. Among those over state pension age, 67% are over 85 years old.
Types of Impairment by Age Group
- Over state pension age: The largest category is mobility impairments, followed by stamina, breathing, and fatigue-related issues.
- Working age: Mental health conditions top the list, followed by mobility impairments.
Read the full report here: House of Commons Library
in 2021/22, 31% of disabled people were in poverty. This was even higher (38%) for people with a long-term, limiting mental health condition. Higher poverty rates for disabled people are partly due to the additional costs associated with disability and ill health and partly due to the barriers to work they face (JRF Foundation).
These figures highlight that disabilities affect people differently depending on their stage of life. They also show that many individuals may not recognise their need for assistance, particularly as they age.
Eligibility:
- State pension age
- Must have needed help for at least six months; does not cover mobility needs.
- NOT MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- Must have had difficulties for at least three months and expect them to continue for at least nine months.
- NOT MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- Child must be under 16 years old.
- Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of the child
- NOT MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- NOT MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- Must reside in a nursing home
- NOT eligible for CHC
- NOT MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- Below pension age
- Have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work
- NOT MEANS-TESTED, However Must have made sufficient National Insurance contributions
Eligibility:
- Awarded a GIP of 50% or higher under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- You cannot get AFIP at the same time as the following benefits DLA, PIP, WPMS (War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement) , CAA (War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance), IIDS (Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit)
- NOT MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- State pension age
- If one receives Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rate care component of DLA, PIP or AFIP
- Could be available to those living in a care homes.
- MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility; You are automatically eligible for a blue badge from age 3 onwards while meeting one or more criteria:
- You are in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- You are receipt of PIP as you cant walk more then 50 metres
- You are registered as severely sight impaired
- You are in receipt of WPMS
- You have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
- NOT MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- If you are receipt of DLA (higher rate) ,PIP (higher rate), WPMS or AFIP.
- NOT MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- Individuals born on or before 23 September 1958
- If you are in receipt of Pension credit, universal credit, employment and support allowance or if you receive child tax credit/working tax credit with an income of 26,000 or below.
- MEANS-TESTED
Eligibility:
- You’ll have to show that you have either an extra bathroom, kitchen or other room that you need for the disabled person or extra space inside the property for using a wheelchair
- The property must be the main home of at least 1 disabled person. This can be an adult or a child – it does not have to be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax.
Severe Mental Impairment (SMI): Individuals may be eligible for significant Council Tax discounts or exemptions if the impairment appears to be permanent. This can include conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or severe learning disabilities. Discount details: 25% , 50% or 100% all depending on the criteria.
Eligibility:
- Request a certification from your doctor confirming the severe mental impairment diagnosis.You must be entitled to (though not necessarily receiving) one of the following benefits:
You must be entitled to (though not necessarily receiving) one of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component at the middle or highest rate
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component
- Universal Credit (with a limited capability for work element)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
It is important to note that specific criteria may vary on council policies. Please contact your council directly. Find your local council here : Apply for Council Tax Reduction – GOV.UK
If you are in receipt of the following benefits:
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
- Universal Credit – Depending on your income. More information
- NHS low income scheme
- You can claim money back if you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability.
You will be entitled to:
- Free NHS Prescriptions
- Free NHS dental treatments
- Free NHS sight tests
- Help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses
- Free NHS wigs and fabric support
- Refunds of necessary travel costs for NHS treatments.
Eligibility:
- Primarily available to council tenants; some councils may extend services to private homeowners or housing association tenants.
- Over 60 years
- Disability or health condition.
- Some councils may require that no able-bodied person resides in the household who could perform the tasks
- MEANS-TESTED (Varies by councils)
This will be offered as a free service, subsidised or at a reduced fee. Eligibility will vary between between councils, therefore i recommend you check your local council.
Eligibility:
- Over 60 years old.
- Disability or health condition.
- Lack help from family and friends.
- Unable to finance themselves.
- Responsible for the upkeep of their own living area.
- MEANS-TESTED (Varies by council)
Eligibility will vary between between councils, therefore i recommend you check your local council.
Eligibility:
- Age 18 and above
- You must have one of the following physical disability, age-related needs, autistic, sensory impairment, learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, progressive conditions, terminal illness or mental health conditions.
- Intend to reside in the property during the grant period
- Be an owner-occupier, a private tenant, a landlord with a disabled tenant, a local authority tenant, or a housing association tenant
- MEANS-TESTED on the income and saving above the threshold of £6000 of the disabled person, their spouse or partner. Children under the age 18 are NOT MEANS-TESTED.
It is important to note that specific criteria may vary on council policies. Please contact your council directly. Find your local council here: Disabled Facilities Grants: Overview – GOV.UK
Eligibility:
- The child much be 17 years or below
- The child must have reside in the house for at least 6 months
- Family is on a low income or on benefits such as universal credit.
Eligibility:
- be 16 years and over
- Have a physical or mental health condition or disability that necessitates support to perform your job or to travel to and from work
- Be employed, self-employed, have a job offer, or be about to start a job or work trial
- Reside and work in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- NOT MEANS TESTED.
The grant can cover various forms of assistance, including:
- Specialist equipment and assistive software to facilitate your work tasks.
- Adaptations to existing equipment to make it more accessible.
- Support workers, such as British Sign Language interpreters, job coaches, or note-takers.
- Additional travel costs if you are unable to use public transport due to your condition.
- Physical adjustments to your workplace to accommodate your needs.
- Support for mental health conditions, including tailored plans to help you manage your condition at work.
Eligibility:
- Grant applications are only accepted from health or social care professionals, or advisors or support workers from other organisations or charities
- Have a physical or learning disability or a long-term illness
- Be in financial need, unable to afford the required equipment or building work themselves, and unable to obtain the necessary funding from statutory services.
Eligibility:
- Any Age
- Physical or mental disability
- Community groups supporting disabled individuals in gardening activities
- Research Support Groups: Connect with others who have similar conditions. Talking to people in similar situations can provide invaluable insights and emotional support.
- Explore Benefits: Identify which financial or practical support options apply to you.
- Plan Your Lifestyle: Consider how to best adapt your environment and daily routine to enhance independence and comfort.
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