Benefits

If you are state pension age, physically or mentally disabled, and need someone to help look after you, you may be entitled to Attendance Allowance. You do not have to have someone caring for you to claim.

If you are under state pension age and have a disability or long term health condition which means you have difficulties with daily living or getting around, you may be entitled to Personal Independence Payment.

You may also be able to claim a discount on your council tax or apply for a grant or other benefits.

Follow our links below for further information.

• benefits entitlement
• council tax discounts for carers and for those with severe mental impairment
• disability-related council tax reduction
• apply for disability-related council tax discount 
• death and bereavement benefits 
• disability equipment and transport benefits 
• benefits for people with disabilities 
• benefits for students with disabilities 
• financial help for students 
• heating and housing benefits 
• low income benefits 
• pensions and pension credits 
• tax credits

There are online benefits calculators to help you work out which benefits you can claim.

DWP provide explanatory videos about benefits in British Sign Language (BSL).

There’s a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called the benefit cap.

See also our information about Concessions and discounts.

• If you need extra help or support, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Visiting Team can visit you at home (or somewhere else, such as in hospital) to help you with your benefit claim.

• Your local Citizens Advice can provide expert advice on benefits. Some may be able to assist with form-filling. Contact your local office.
  
  
• The Citizens Advice website has online guidance to help you fill in forms for Personal Independence Payment (PIP),  Attendance Allowance and Employment Support Allowance
  
  
• Carers Together in Hampshire provides benefits advice and help with form-filling for older people and carers.
  
  
• SARC in Southampton provides advice and representation in welfare benefits and employment to Southampton residents.

Several organisations can give you advice if you want to apply for benefits, including:

• Age UK
• Citizens Advice
• Turn2us
• Veterans UK Welfare Service
• SSAFA (for former and serving members of the Armed Forces) 
• National Autistic Society (Autism) 
• Dementia UK (Dementia)
• Mind (Mental Health
• Mencap (Learning disabilities)

You can find more local and national organisations in our Community Directory. Select your area.