A to Z of MS
Click on the relevant link for more information on a topic.
A to Z of MS Benefits and tax credits
There are several of benefits for people with disabilities, care needs and for those caring for other people. These include:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
People under the age of 65 can apply for DLA if they have walking difficulties or need help looking after themselves. DLA is not means tested and can be claimed by people in work. From June 2013 DLA will be replaced for all new claimants by Personal Independence Payments. - Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
PIP will replace DLA for all new claimants from June 2013 and will start to be extended to people currently claiming DLA from 2015. - Attendance Allowance
People with care needs who are 65 or over will claim Attendance Allowance. People already getting DLA who turn 65 will continue to receive that benefit and not be transferred to Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance in not means tested. - Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
A benefit for people who are unable to work due to ill health or disability. This benefit has replaced Incapacity Benefit. Some people will be asked to attend a Work Capability Assessment to assess their ability to work. - Carer's Allowance
A benefit for people who care for someone for more than 35 hours a week.
Links go to more information about each benefit on the Gov.uk website, which also has an online benefits adviser to help you find out to which benefits and tax credits you and your family may be entitled.
Sources of further information
There are a number of organisations and resources that can help people with MS find what benefits they can claim, can assist with filling in forms and support people who may need to appeal against decisions.
Citizens Advice
Offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters and employment rights through Citizens Advice Bureaux.
Advice Guide is a self help website from Citizen's Advice that includes a section on identifying and claiming benefits
MS Society
Benefits and MS - a basic guide to benefits and tax credits. Order or download from the MS Society website.
Many branches have a welfare officer or local support officer who can help people with MS claim the benefits to which they are entitled.
Advice Now
An independent, not-for-profit website that has information across a range of subjects, including claiming benefits.
Benefits and Work
Site offering information and guides to understanding and claiming benefits, including tips for filling in forms effectively.
Community Legal Advice
A network of organisations in England and Wales offering advice about legal rights - including information on benefits. Community Legal Advice advice line number - 0845 345 4 345.
Disability Rights UK
Information on claiming benefits and the welfare changes from a charity that campaigns for the rights of people with a disability.
Turn2Us
The Turn2Us websites includes a benefits checker to help people access the money available to them and a range of factsheets about various benefits.