Bristol

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Disability and Carer Support

Benefits and services tailored to individuals with disabilities and their caregivers in Bristol.

Sections

1. Types of Benefits Available

a. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • What it is: A benefit for individuals aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term illness, disability, or mental health condition that affects their ability to carry out daily activities or mobility.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must have a health condition or disability that has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months.
    • Assessed based on how the condition affects your ability to perform daily tasks or move around.
  • Rates (as of 2023):
    • Daily Living Component: £68.10 (standard) or £101.75 (enhanced) per week.
    • Mobility Component: £26.90 (standard) or £71.00 (enhanced) per week.
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Call the PIP claim line (0800 917 2222) to start your claim.
    2. Complete the "How your disability affects you" form.
    3. Attend an assessment (if required).
    4. Await a decision from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
  • Costs: Free to apply.

b. Attendance Allowance

  • What it is: A benefit for individuals over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to a disability or illness.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must have a disability or illness that requires care or supervision.
    • No mobility component is included.
  • Rates:
    • £68.10 (lower rate) or £101.75 (higher rate) per week.
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Download or request the Attendance Allowance claim form from the government website.
    2. Complete and return the form to the address provided.
  • Costs: Free to apply.

c. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

  • What it is: A benefit for children under 16 with a disability or health condition.
  • Eligibility:
    • The child must need extra care or have mobility issues compared to other children of the same age.
  • Rates:
    • Care Component: £26.90 to £101.75 per week.
    • Mobility Component: £26.90 to £71.00 per week.
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Apply online or request a form from the DWP.
    2. Provide evidence of the child’s condition and how it affects them.
  • Costs: Free to apply.

d. Carer’s Allowance

  • What it is: A benefit for individuals who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability.
  • Eligibility:
    • The person you care for must receive a qualifying benefit (e.g., PIP, Attendance Allowance, or DLA).
    • You must earn less than £139 per week (after tax and expenses).
  • Rate:
    • £76.75 per week.
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Apply online via the government website or by post.
    2. Provide details of your caring responsibilities and income.
  • Costs: Free to apply.

e. Universal Credit (UC)

  • What it is: A benefit for individuals on a low income or out of work, which can include additional support for those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must meet income and savings thresholds.
    • Additional elements are available for those with limited capability for work or caring responsibilities.
  • Rates:
    • Varies depending on circumstances (e.g., disability, caring responsibilities, housing needs).
  • Application Procedure:
    1. Apply online via the Universal Credit portal.
    2. Attend an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus (e.g., Bristol Jobcentre).
  • Costs: Free to apply.

2. Local Considerations and Resources in Bristol

Bristol has a range of local services and organizations that provide additional support for individuals with disabilities and carers:

a. Bristol City Council

  • Support Services:
    • The council offers advice and assistance with applying for benefits, housing adaptations, and accessing care services.
    • Contact the council’s Adult Social Care team for help with assessments and support plans.
  • Contact:

b. We Care Home Improvements

  • What it is: A local organization that helps disabled individuals and carers with home adaptations and repairs to improve accessibility.
  • Services:
    • Advice on funding for home adaptations (e.g., Disabled Facilities Grant).
    • Practical support with installations.
  • Contact:

c. WECIL (West of England Centre for Inclusive Living)

  • What it is: A Bristol-based charity supporting disabled people to live independently.
  • Services:
    • Benefits advice and advocacy.
    • Peer support groups and social activities.
    • Employment and training support.
  • Contact:
    • Phone: 0117 947 9911
    • Website: WECIL

d. Carers Support Centre

  • What it is: A local organization providing support for unpaid carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
  • Services:
    • Help with applying for Carer’s Allowance and other benefits.
    • Respite care and emotional support.
    • Training and workshops for carers.
  • Contact:

e. Bristol Disability Equality Forum

  • What it is: A user-led organization advocating for the rights of disabled people in Bristol.
  • Services:
    • Information on local services and benefits.
    • Campaigning for accessibility and inclusion.
  • Contact:

3. Application Tips and Advice

  • Gather Evidence: Ensure you have medical evidence (e.g., doctor’s letters, care plans) to support your application.
  • Seek Advice: Contact local organizations like WECIL or the Carers Support Centre for help with completing forms and understanding eligibility.
  • Appeals: If your application is denied, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and appeal the decision if necessary. Local advocacy groups can assist with this process.

4. Associated Costs

  • There are no direct costs for applying for benefits. However, you may need to pay for medical evidence or reports if required. Some local charities and organizations may help cover these costs.

5. Key Contacts

  • DWP (for PIP, Attendance Allowance, DLA, Carer’s Allowance):
  • Bristol City Council:

By utilizing the national benefits system and Bristol’s local resources, individuals with disabilities and carers can access financial support and services to improve their quality of life.