Sheffield

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Disability Benefits

Financial and practical support for individuals with disabilities living in Sheffield.

Sections

1. Categories of Disability Benefits in the UK

The main disability-related benefits available in Sheffield (and the UK) include:

a. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • Purpose: Financial support for individuals aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term illness or disability that affects their ability to perform daily activities or mobility.
  • Components:
    • Daily Living Component: For help with everyday tasks.
    • Mobility Component: For help with getting around.
  • Rates: Payments depend on the level of need (standard or enhanced rate).

b. Attendance Allowance

  • Purpose: For individuals over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to a disability or illness.
  • Rates: Two rates (lower and higher) depending on the level of care required.

c. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

  • Purpose: For children under 16 with disabilities who need extra care or have mobility issues.
  • Components: Care and mobility components, similar to PIP.

d. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Purpose: For individuals unable to work due to a disability or health condition.
  • Types:
    • Contribution-based ESA (based on National Insurance contributions).
    • Income-related ESA (means-tested).

e. Universal Credit (UC)

  • Purpose: A means-tested benefit for individuals on a low income or out of work. It includes additional support for those with disabilities or health conditions.
  • Work Capability Assessment: Determines eligibility for the disability element of UC.

f. Carer’s Allowance

  • Purpose: For individuals who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability who receives certain benefits (e.g., PIP or Attendance Allowance).

2. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for disability benefits depends on several factors, including age, residency, health condition, and financial circumstances. Below are the general criteria:

a. Residency and Immigration Status

  • Must be living in the UK.
  • Must meet the "habitual residence test" (proof of living in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands for a certain period).
  • Some benefits require the applicant to have no restrictions on their right to reside in the UK.

b. Health and Disability

  • The condition must have a significant impact on daily living or mobility.
  • For PIP, the condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months.
  • Medical assessments may be required to confirm eligibility.

c. Financial Circumstances

  • Means-tested benefits (e.g., Universal Credit) consider income and savings.
  • Non-means-tested benefits (e.g., PIP) do not consider financial circumstances.

d. Age

  • PIP: For individuals aged 16 to State Pension age.
  • Attendance Allowance: For individuals over State Pension age.
  • DLA: For children under 16.

3. Application Process

The application process for disability benefits typically involves the following steps:

a. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  1. Initial Claim: Call the PIP claim line (0800 917 2222) to start the application.
  2. Form Completion: Complete the "How your disability affects you" form (PIP2).
  3. Assessment: Attend a face-to-face, phone, or video assessment with a health professional.
  4. Decision: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reviews the application and sends a decision letter.

b. Attendance Allowance

  1. Form Completion: Download or request the Attendance Allowance claim form (AA1).
  2. Submission: Send the completed form to the DWP.
  3. Decision: The DWP assesses the application and sends a decision letter.

c. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

  1. Form Completion: Download or request the DLA claim form for children.
  2. Submission: Send the completed form to the DWP.
  3. Decision: The DWP assesses the application and sends a decision letter.

d. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  1. Initial Claim: Apply online or by phone.
  2. Work Capability Assessment: Attend an assessment to determine eligibility.
  3. Decision: The DWP reviews the application and sends a decision letter.

e. Universal Credit

  1. Online Application: Apply via the Universal Credit website.
  2. Work Capability Assessment: If claiming due to a disability, attend an assessment.
  3. Decision: The DWP reviews the application and sends a decision letter.

f. Carer’s Allowance

  1. Online or Paper Application: Apply online or request a paper form.
  2. Decision: The DWP reviews the application and sends a decision letter.

4. Associated Costs

  • There are no fees to apply for disability benefits.
  • However, applicants may incur costs for obtaining medical evidence or attending assessments (e.g., travel expenses). Some costs may be reimbursed by the DWP.

5. Local Considerations and Resources in Sheffield

Sheffield has a range of local resources and organizations that can assist individuals with disabilities in navigating the benefits system and accessing additional support:

a. Sheffield Citizens Advice

  • Services: Free advice on benefits, including help with applications and appeals.
  • Contact: Visit their website or call 0808 278 7820.

b. Disability Sheffield

  • Services: Advocacy, peer support, and information for disabled people in Sheffield.
  • Contact: Visit their website (www.disabilitysheffield.org.uk) or call 0114 253 6750.

c. Sheffield City Council

  • Services: Information on local services, blue badge parking permits, and housing adaptations.
  • Contact: Visit the council’s website or call 0114 273 4567.

d. Sheffield Carers Centre

  • Services: Support for carers, including advice on Carer’s Allowance and other benefits.
  • Contact: Visit their website (www.sheffieldcarers.org.uk) or call 0114 272 8362.

e. Local Jobcentres

  • Services: Assistance with benefit applications and work-related support.
  • Locations: Several Jobcentres are located across Sheffield (e.g., Cavendish Court, Bailey Court).

f. Sheffield Mencap & Gateway

  • Services: Support for individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
  • Contact: Visit their website (www.sheffieldmencap.org.uk) or call 0114 276 7757.

6. Appeals and Disputes

If an application is denied or the applicant disagrees with the decision:

  1. Mandatory Reconsideration: Request a review of the decision within one month.
  2. Appeal: If the reconsideration is unsuccessful, appeal to an independent tribunal.

Local organizations like Citizens Advice and Disability Sheffield can provide support with appeals.

7. Additional Support

  • Blue Badge Scheme: For parking concessions for disabled individuals.
  • Disabled Facilities Grant: For home adaptations to improve accessibility.
  • Concessionary Travel Pass: Free or discounted travel for disabled individuals in Sheffield.

This guide provides a detailed overview of disability benefits in Sheffield. For further assistance, consider reaching out to local organizations or the DWP directly.