Manchester

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Disability Support

Resources and support systems for individuals with disabilities, including mobility and accessibility services in Manchester.

Sections

1. Types of Disability Benefits Available

The UK government provides several benefits for individuals with disabilities. These benefits are administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and are available to eligible residents in Manchester. The key benefits include:

a. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • What it is: A benefit to help with extra costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects your ability to carry out daily activities or mobility.
  • Eligibility:
    • Aged 16 to State Pension age.
    • Have a health condition or disability that has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months.
    • Need help with daily living activities (e.g., dressing, cooking) or mobility (e.g., moving around).
  • How much you can get: PIP is divided into two components:
    • Daily Living Component: £68.10 or £101.75 per week (2023 rates).
    • Mobility Component: £26.90 or £71.00 per week (2023 rates).
    • You may qualify for one or both components depending on your needs.

b. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • What it is: Financial support for those unable to work due to a disability or health condition.
  • Eligibility:
    • Aged 16 or over and under State Pension age.
    • Have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work.
    • Must undergo a Work Capability Assessment to determine eligibility.
  • How much you can get: Payments depend on your circumstances, including age and the results of your assessment. Rates range from £77.00 to £117.60 per week (2023 rates).

c. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

  • What it is: A benefit for children under 16 with disabilities to help with extra costs.
  • Eligibility:
    • The child must have a disability or health condition that requires extra care or affects their mobility.
    • The condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 3 months and be likely to continue for at least 6 months.
  • How much you can get: Rates depend on the level of care and mobility needs, ranging from £26.90 to £101.75 per week (2023 rates).

d. Attendance Allowance

  • What it is: A benefit for individuals over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to a disability.
  • Eligibility:
    • Aged 66 or older.
    • Have a disability or health condition that requires frequent help or supervision.
  • How much you can get: £68.10 or £101.75 per week (2023 rates), depending on the level of care needed.

e. Universal Credit (UC)

  • What it is: A benefit for people on a low income or out of work, which includes additional support for those with disabilities.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must meet the general UC criteria (e.g., low income, savings under £16,000).
    • Have a disability or health condition that limits your ability to work.
  • How much you can get: The amount varies based on your circumstances, including the severity of your disability.

f. Carer’s Allowance

  • What it is: A benefit for individuals who care for someone with a disability for at least 35 hours a week.
  • Eligibility:
    • The person you care for must receive a qualifying disability benefit (e.g., PIP, DLA).
    • You must earn less than £139 per week (after tax and expenses).
  • How much you can get: £76.75 per week (2023 rates).

2. Application Procedures

The application process for disability benefits in Manchester is straightforward but may require supporting evidence. Here’s how to apply:

a. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  1. Start your claim: Call the PIP claim line at 0800 917 2222 (textphone: 0800 917 7777).
  2. Complete the form: You’ll receive a “How your disability affects you” form to complete.
  3. Provide evidence: Submit medical evidence (e.g., doctor’s letters, care plans).
  4. Assessment: Attend a face-to-face or telephone assessment with a health professional.
  5. Decision: You’ll receive a decision letter within 8-12 weeks.

b. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  1. Apply online: Visit the ESA application page or call 0800 055 6688.
  2. Submit evidence: Provide medical certificates and other supporting documents.
  3. Assessment: Attend a Work Capability Assessment.
  4. Decision: You’ll receive a decision letter detailing your entitlement.

c. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

  1. Apply online: Visit the DLA for children page or call 0800 121 4600.
  2. Complete the form: Provide details about the child’s condition and care needs.
  3. Submit evidence: Include medical reports or letters from healthcare professionals.
  4. Decision: You’ll receive a decision letter.

d. Attendance Allowance

  1. Apply by post: Download the form from the Attendance Allowance page or call 0800 731 0122 to request one.
  2. Complete the form: Provide details about your care needs.
  3. Submit evidence: Include medical evidence if available.
  4. Decision: You’ll receive a decision letter.

e. Universal Credit

  1. Apply online: Visit the Universal Credit page.
  2. Provide evidence: Submit details about your income, savings, and health condition.
  3. Assessment: If claiming due to a disability, you may need a Work Capability Assessment.
  4. Decision: You’ll receive a decision letter.

f. Carer’s Allowance

  1. Apply online: Visit the Carer’s Allowance page or call 0800 731 0297.
  2. Provide details: Include information about the person you care for and your income.
  3. Decision: You’ll receive a decision letter.

3. Associated Costs

  • There are no application fees for any of the above benefits.
  • However, you may incur costs for obtaining medical evidence (e.g., GP letters), though many healthcare providers offer this for free.

4. Local Resources and Support in Manchester

Manchester has several local organizations and offices that can assist with disability benefits:

a. Manchester City Council

b. Citizens Advice Manchester

c. Disability Rights UK

  • Services: Information and resources on disability benefits and rights.
  • Contact: Visit Disability Rights UK.

d. Greater Manchester Law Centre

e. Local Jobcentre Plus Offices

  • Services: Assistance with benefit applications and Work Capability Assessments.
  • Contact: Find your nearest office via the Jobcentre Plus locator.

5. Additional Tips

  • Seek advice early: If you’re unsure about eligibility or the application process, contact Citizens Advice or a local support organization.
  • Keep records: Retain copies of all forms, evidence, and correspondence.
  • Appeal if necessary: If your application is denied, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and appeal the decision.

By leveraging these resources and following the outlined steps, you can access the disability benefits and support available in Manchester.