Benefits and financial advice for the disabled
- Government benefit enquiry line
Advice and information for disabled people and carers on a range of available benefits. The person taking your call will not have your personal papers but will be able to give you general advice.
Attendance allowance
Attendance Allowance, sometimes referred to as AA, is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care because they are physically or mentally disabled.
- What you need to know about attendance allowance
Link to the DirectGov website
Cash payments
Cash payments known as 'direct payments' are given to people who need services following assessment by a social services department. For example, you may have been assessed as needing a personal carer, or an item of equipment.
- All you need to know about direct payments
Link to the Brighton and Hove direct payment website - Disabled facilities grant (227kb PDF file)
This leaflet tells you whether you are entitled to a grant for adaptations and facilities that enable you to remain living in your home. - Disability and carers services (1.10mb PDF file)
A leaflet explaining how the Department of Work and Pensions can give financial help to disabled people and carers.
Disability allowance
Disability Living Allowance - sometimes referred to as DLA - is a tax-free benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled.
- What you need to know about disability living allowance
Link to the DirectGov website
Local support groups
- Federation of disabled people
The Brighton & Hove Federation of Disabled People promotes independence and dignity for all people with disabilities.
- Money Advice and Community Support Service (MACS)
We give free, independent and confidential money advice. This includes welfare benefit advice and debt advice to help you deal with unmanageable debts. Our money handling service manages people’s money on their behalf, although a social services referral may be needed to access this service.
Mobility scheme
Buying and adapting a car can be expensive. The motability scheme - run by the independent not-for-profit organisation Motability - gives disabled people the opportunity to own or lease a car at an affordable price.
- What you need to know about the motability scheme
Link to the DirectGov website