Purpl’s UK Disability Benefits & Support Handbook

A practical starting point for disability benefits, extra support, and cost-saving help across the UK.

The handbook for disability benefits that nobody gives you

There is rarely a clear starting point when disability or long-term illness becomes part of everyday life.

Very few organisations explain what support exists, how disability benefits connect to real-world costs, or what help may apply when health changes, work becomes harder, or living costs rise. As a result, many people must navigate a complex system of benefits, grants, concessions, and support schemes — often while managing symptoms, uncertainty, and reduced income.

This handbook exists to change that.

Created by Purpl, this guide brings together clear, practical information about disability benefits and support available across the UK. It covers what benefits may apply, what extra help those benefits can unlock, and where to find grants, concessions, carer support, and cost-saving schemes that are easy to miss.

Important note on eligibility: many disability benefits focus on how a condition affects daily living and mobility, rather than a diagnosis label. However, most claims still require evidence of impact (for example, medical evidence, supporting letters, or assessments), and rules can vary by nation and local authority.

This handbook is designed to be used as a reference. It can be dipped in and out of, returned to when circumstances change, and used to jump straight to the sections that matter most.

About this handbook

• Publisher: Purpl
• Purpose: A UK-wide starting point for disability benefits and linked support (with nation-specific differences clearly signposted).
• Sources used: Official government guidance (for example GOV.UK, mygov.scot, and Social Security Scotland) plus recognised scheme providers (for example Motability and National Rail railcard sites).
• Last reviewed: 3 February 2026

This is general information, not legal or welfare rights advice. Benefit rules and local schemes can change. For individual circumstances, use official guidance and/or speak to an advice service (for example Citizens Advice).

In this handbook

• Getting started
• What am I eligible for?
• What to check every year
• 1. Disability benefits
• 2. Extra support linked to disability benefits
• 3. Disability cards and access evidence
• 4. Grants, home support, and one-off help
• 5. Work, study, and everyday life
• 6. Carer support and respite help
• 7. Cost saving and living with a disability
• 8. Other trusted support organisations
• Frequently asked questions (faqs)
• Final thoughts
• Download the free PDF

Getting started

This handbook is built to answer one question: “Where do I start?”

A good first step is identifying which nation applies (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), then matching the situation to the right benefit type (working age, pension age, child).

What am I eligible for? A quick starting point

If unsure where to begin, start here:

• Under State Pension age (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Living in Scotland (working age): Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP)
• Disabled child under 16 (UK-wide): Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Over State Pension age (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Attendance Allowance
• Over State Pension age (Scotland): Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP)

Income and housing support (for example Universal Credit, ESA, or Pension Credit) may also apply alongside disability benefits. For a tailored estimate, use: Purpl’s Benefits Calculator that’s powered by Turn2us.

Purpl tip: Disability benefits often act as a gateway to additional help (rather than replacing it). It’s usually worth checking what extra support becomes available once a benefit is awarded.

Official links: PIP (GOV.UK) | ADP (mygov.scot) | DLA for Children (GOV.UK) | Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK) | Pension Age Disability Payment (mygov.scot)

What to check every year

Some support is seasonal, time-limited, or needs renewing.

• Warm Home Discount (usually applied automatically; low-income households in Scotland may need to apply via their supplier)
• Household Support Fund (varies by council and funding period)
• Council Tax reductions (including disability-related reductions where applicable)
• Blue Badge expiry and renewals
• Motability lease end dates and renewals
• Disabled Persons Railcard expiry
• Priority Services Register status with energy and water suppliers

Purpl insight: A yearly reminder can reduce missed support and unnecessary financial pressure.

Official links: Warm Home Discount (GOV.UK) | Cold Weather Payment (GOV.UK) | Warm Home Discount overview (Ofgem)

1. Disability benefits

Disability benefits are designed to recognise the extra costs and barriers created by disability or long-term health conditions. In practice, eligibility is usually based on how day-to-day life is affected, rather than diagnosis labels alone.

Purpl insight: Many people delay applying because they assume they are “not disabled enough”. In reality, most benefits focus on impact and day-to-day difficulties.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)

What this benefit is for: PIP helps with the extra daily living and mobility costs caused by a disability or long-term health condition. It is not based on income, savings, or work status.

PIP has two parts:

• Daily Living
• Mobility

Each component can be paid at a standard or enhanced rate, and it is possible to receive one component or both.

Official link: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – GOV.UK

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Child Disability Payment (CDP) (Scotland)

What these benefits are for: ADP and CDP are Scotland’s disability benefits for the extra costs of disability and long-term health conditions.

• Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is for working-age people.
• Child Disability Payment (CDP) is for disabled children and young people.

Purpl insight: Scotland’s disability benefits are administered by Social Security Scotland, and the claim journey differs from DWP processes.

Official links: ADP – mygov.scot | CDP – mygov.scot

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children (UK-wide)

What this benefit is for: DLA helps with extra care and mobility needs for disabled children under 16. Some adults may still receive DLA through legacy claims, but most working-age adults now claim PIP (or ADP in Scotland).

DLA has two components:

• Care
• Mobility

Official link: DLA for children – GOV.UK

Attendance Allowance (England, Wales, Northern Ireland – state pension age)

What this benefit is for: Attendance Allowance helps cover extra costs of personal care or supervision caused by disability or long-term health conditions for people over State Pension age. It is not means-tested and has no mobility component.

Official link: Attendance Allowance – GOV.UK

Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) (Scotland – state pension age)

What this benefit is for: Pension Age Disability Payment replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland for new claims. It supports people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability or long-term health condition.

Official link: Pension Age Disability Payment – mygov.scot

Other disability-related benefits (income and housing support)

These benefits may help replace income or cover housing costs when disability affects the ability to work. They often sit alongside disability benefits (such as PIP/ADP), rather than replacing them.

• Universal Credit (UC) – means-tested; additional elements may apply after a Work Capability Assessment.
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – includes New Style ESA and legacy ESA for eligible claimants.
• Pension Credit – means-tested support for people over State Pension age; can unlock extra help.
• Housing support – via UC housing element, legacy Housing Benefit (in some cases), and Discretionary Housing Payments.
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) – for disability caused by work or a workplace accident.

Official links: Universal Credit – GOV.UK | ESA – GOV.UK | Pension Credit – GOV.UK | IIDB – GOV.UK

2. Extra support linked to disability benefits

Many disability benefits unlock practical support that reduces costs and removes barriers — but this is rarely explained clearly when a benefit is awarded.

Purpl tip: Once a disability benefit is in place, it’s worth checking the extra help that may come with it (local rules apply).

Blue Badge and parking support

The Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for disabled people who have difficulty walking or face barriers when travelling. Eligibility can be automatic in some situations (for example specific mobility criteria), but many people qualify through an assessment of need rather than benefits alone.

Official link: Apply for a Blue Badge – GOV.UK

Motability scheme

The Motability Scheme allows eligible people to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair using a qualifying mobility benefit. Leases typically include insurance, servicing, maintenance, and breakdown cover (scheme rules apply).

Official link: Motability Scheme (official site)

Disabled (concessionary) bus pass

Many disabled people can access free or discounted bus travel via local authority concessionary travel schemes. Criteria and companion travel rules vary by area.

Official starting point: Disabled person’s bus pass – GOV.UK

Disabled Persons railcard

The Disabled Persons Railcard offers up to one third off rail fares for eligible people and a companion across Great Britain. It can be used at peak and off-peak times (terms apply).

Official link: Disabled Persons Railcard (official retailer)

Coach discounts

Some coach operators offer discounted travel for disabled passengers through their own schemes. Eligibility, discount level, and application routes vary by operator.

Taxi and community transport

Some local authorities provide subsidised taxi schemes or community transport for disabled people who cannot easily use public transport. Availability varies widely by location and usually requires a local application.

Ferry discounts

Some ferry operators offer discounted fares, assistance, or priority boarding for disabled passengers and carers. Eligibility depends on the operator, so checking ahead is recommended.

London Freedom pass (Disabled Persons)

Disabled London residents may qualify for a Freedom Pass, providing free travel across Transport for London services (subject to eligibility rules and local council administration).

Official link: Freedom Pass – TfL

Car tax exemptions and vehicle support

Some disabled people qualify for full exemption or reduced rates of Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax). This is often linked to specific mobility benefit awards.

Official link: Financial help if disabled: vehicles and transport – GOV.UK

Tolls, congestion charging, and ULEZ-style schemes

Disabled drivers may qualify for reduced charges or exemptions on some toll roads, river crossings, and congestion charging schemes. In London, many Blue Badge holders can apply for relevant discounts, but most schemes require registration rather than applying automatically.

Purpl tip: Always check the official scheme page before travelling — rules differ by area and charge.

Council tax reductions and local authority help

Disability can reduce Council Tax through schemes such as the Disabled Band Reduction (where the home has been adapted for a disabled person), Council Tax Support, exemptions, or local support schemes. Reductions are not always automatic and usually require an application.

Official link: Council Tax discounts for disabled people – GOV.UK

NHS support

Help with NHS costs may be available for prescriptions, dental treatment, eye care, and travel to appointments through medical exemptions, the NHS Low Income Scheme, and patient transport services (eligibility varies).

Official links: Help with health costs – NHS | NHS Low Income Scheme – NHS

3. Disability cards and evidence of access needs

Disability cards are often used to evidence access needs and support requests. These are not government disability benefits, and each card has its own rules, fees, and acceptance levels depending on the organisation or venue.

Disabled ID (DID) card

The Disabled ID (DID) Card can be used as proof of disability in some settings. Acceptance varies by provider.

Nimbus Access card

An Access Card helps communicate access requirements to venues and events (acceptance varies by organisation).

CEA cinema card

The CEA cinema card allows a free companion ticket at participating cinemas (terms apply).

4. Grants, home support, and one-off help

Grants and one-off support can make a significant difference, particularly during periods of change (for example leaving hospital, adapting a home, or managing a sudden income drop). Many schemes are discretionary and time-limited.

Purpl insight: Applying early can help, especially where grant processing takes time.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

Disabled Facilities Grants can fund essential home adaptations (for example ramps, level-access showers, stairlifts, and widened doorways). Eligibility, means testing, and administration varies by nation and local authority.

Official link: Disabled Facilities Grants – GOV.UK

Charitable grants and crisis support

Charitable and local welfare grants can provide one-off financial help during hardship or sudden change. For searches, use: Turn2us Grant Search.

Help at home, equipment, and VAT relief

VAT relief may apply to some disability-related goods, equipment, and certain building/adaptation work (rules apply and documentation is usually required).

Official link: VAT relief for disabled people – GOV.UK

Energy, water, and household support

Some schemes are seasonal or time-limited, so knowing when and how to apply can matter just as much as knowing they exist.

Warm home discount

A one-off £150 discount on electricity bills. It is usually applied automatically if eligible. Low-income households in Scotland may need to apply via their energy supplier.

Official link: Warm Home Discount – GOV.UK

Cold weather payment

Automatic payments during periods of very cold weather for people on certain benefits, triggered by local temperatures during the winter period.

Official link: Cold Weather Payment – GOV.UK

Winter fuel payment

An annual payment to help with heating costs for eligible people over State Pension age (rules can change). Check current eligibility and payment details via GOV.UK.

Official link: Winter Fuel Payment – GOV.UK

Priority Services Register (PSR)

Free extra support from energy and water suppliers for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions (for example accessible communications and outage support).

Official link: Priority Services Register – Ofgem

WaterSure and water support schemes

Some schemes can reduce or cap water bills for households with high essential water use due to disability or medical needs (rules vary by water company).

Official link: WaterSure – Ofwat

Household Support Fund

Local council support with food, energy, and essentials (funding windows and rules vary by council). This support does not affect benefits.

Official link: Household Support Fund guidance – GOV.UK

5. Work, study, and everyday life

Access to Work

Funding for workplace adjustments, equipment, travel support, and assistance for disabled employees and self-employed people.

Official link: Access to Work – GOV.UK

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

Financial support for students to cover extra costs of studying with a disability or long-term health condition.

Official link: Disabled Students’ Allowance – GOV.UK

Health adjustment passports and workplace support

Tools to help communicate access needs consistently at work (availability varies by employer and sector).

6. Carer support and respite help

Caring for someone else can affect income, health, and long-term security — and carers can be entitled to support in their own right.

Purpl insight: Many people don’t identify as carers at first. If regular, unpaid support is being provided because of someone’s disability, it’s worth checking what applies.

Financial support for carers

• Scotland: Carer Support Payment
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Carer’s Allowance (where eligible)

Official links: Carer Support Payment – mygov.scot | Carer’s Allowance – GOV.UK

Respite, local authority, and young carer support

Support can include carers assessments, respite options, and targeted help for young carers (varies by area).

Official starting point: Support and benefits for carers – NHS

7. Cost saving and living with a disability

How Purpl helps reduce everyday costs

Purpl is the UK’s first money-saving platform for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to help offset the extra costs they face.

Purpl provides access to verified disability discounts across shopping, travel, utilities, and everyday essentials — designed to work alongside benefits and wider support schemes.

8. Other trusted support organisations

Sometimes personalised advice, advocacy, or help with complex situations is needed. The organisations below provide trusted support across the UK.

Scope

Website: scope.org.uk
Disability Helpline: 0808 800 3333

Scope provides advice and support for disabled people and their families, including benefits, employment, and emotional support.

Turn2us

Website: turn2us.org.uk

Turn2us helps people access benefits, charitable grants, and financial support through online tools and guidance.

Citizens Advice

Website: citizensadvice.org.uk

Citizens Advice offers free, confidential advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment, and legal issues.

Social Security Scotland (Scotland only)

Website: socialsecurity.gov.scot
Helpline: 0800 182 2222

Social Security Scotland supports claims for devolved benefits such as ADP, CDP, and PADP.

Local authority adult social care

Local authorities can carry out care and support assessments, provide equipment or adaptations, and offer direct payments or respite support. Find the relevant local council via the official government directory:

Official link: Find a local council – GOV.UK

If urgent help is needed

• NHS 111 for urgent health advice
• GP or local mental health services for rapid support
• Local council emergency welfare teams for food, heating, or housing crises

Purpl tip: Seeking help early is not a failure. Support services exist to step in before problems escalate.

Frequently asked questions

What disability benefits may apply in the UK?

Depending on where someone lives and how a condition affects daily life, disability benefits may include:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (England, Wales, Northern Ireland – working age)
• Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Child Disability Payment (CDP) (Scotland)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for a disabled child (UK-wide for children under 16)
• Attendance Allowance (England, Wales, Northern Ireland – State Pension age)
• Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) (Scotland – State Pension age)

Official starting points: GOV.UK: Disability Benefits | Mygov.scot: Benefits | Social Security Scotland: Benefits

Is a diagnosis required to claim disability benefits?

Not always. Many benefits focus on functional impact. However, evidence is usually needed to show how day-to-day life is affected.

Can someone work and still receive disability benefits?

Yes. Benefits such as PIP and ADP are not means-tested, so working does not automatically prevent eligibility.

Does claiming a disability benefit affect other benefits?

Disability benefits like PIP and ADP do not reduce other benefits, but they can increase entitlement to some means-tested support (for example through additional elements in Universal Credit).

Do Purpl discounts affect benefits?

Purpl discounts are not intended to count as income and are designed to work alongside benefits. If any offer involves cash payments, vouchers, or similar rewards, it’s sensible to check how that specific arrangement is treated for the benefit in question.

Final thoughts

Purpl’s UK Disability Benefits & Support Handbook exists because nobody should have to piece this information together alone.

It brings together disability benefits, extra support, grants, carer help, and cost-saving guidance in one place — written clearly, practically, and with lived understanding.

At the heart of this handbook is Purpl. Beyond guides and explainers, Purpl helps disabled people reduce everyday costs through verified disability discounts designed to work alongside benefits and wider support schemes.

This handbook is reviewed and updated as benefits change and new support becomes available, so it remains something people can return to, trust, and share.