Medical Benefits

What are medical benefits?

Benefits and financial support if you’re disabled or have a health condition. Some of these are calculated based on your ability to work, some on if you have additional support needs, and others because you care for someone who does.

Can I claim medical benefits?

You may be eligible to claim medical benefits if you or a family member:

Have difficulty with everyday tasks.
Cannot work due to injury or disability.
Cannot work due to sickness.

Types of medical benefits

Here are some of the benefits you may be able to claim:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP helps people with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities. It has two parts:

Daily Living Component
Mobility Component

Each part can be paid at a standard or enhanced rate.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

ESA provides money if you cannot work due to sickness or disability and do not receive Statutory Sick Pay. You need to meet certain National Insurance contribution levels under the ‘New Style’ ESA rules. If you have not worked, you may need to check Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work.

Attendance Allowance

This benefit is for people over state pension age who need help with daily tasks or personal care due to illness or disability.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

DLA is for children under 16 with disabilities. It helps with extra costs due to the disability and has two components based on the level of help needed.

Universal Credit - Limited Capability for Work & Work-Related Activity

This part of Universal Credit is for adults with limited ability to work due to a health condition or disability. There are two levels:

Limited Capability for Work (LCW): For those who can work or prepare for work with support.
Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA): For those who are not expected to prepare for work.

You need a Work Capability Assessment to qualify for these.

Carer's Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is for people who regularly care for a disabled person. To qualify:

You must be 16 or older.
Not in full-time education.
Care for at least 35 hours a week.
Earn no more than £151 a week from employment or self-employment.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

IIDB helps if you were injured at work or developed a condition affecting your ability to work. You must have been employed in Great Britain at the time and undergo a medical assessment.