Which benefits might Rosemary be eligible for?

Q. Which of the following benefits could Rosemary qualify for?

Eligible:

Personal Independence Allowance (PIP)

Personal Independence Allowance is a benefit that exists to help pay for the additional costs that can occur as a result of disability. It is not means-tested and is split into two components:

1. Care – Rosemary requires some help with dressing and some equipment for bathing/toilet so she may qualify for this.
2. Mobility – Rosemary has difficulty walking outside so may qualify for this as well.

Access to Work Grant

Access to Work can help an individual who has difficulty doing their job due to disability or health condition. It can help with the cost of equipment, support workers, adaptations to work premises and travel arrangements to/from work. If Rosemary requires help with equipment, additional support, small adaptations, transport costs to enable her to do her job then Access to Work can assists with this.

Motability

Motability is a car leasing scheme run by a charitable organisation. The scheme enables disabled people to access a mobility package including: car, scooter or powered wheelchair lease. Rosemary would need to qualify for high rate of mobility in DLA. Motability

Employment and Support Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is for people who have a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work. ESA provides:

• money to help with living costs if unable to work
• support to get back into work if  able to
• employed, self-employed or unemployed can apply

Universal Credit (UC)

This has replaced a number of benefits including Working Tax Credit and Employment & Support Allowance. You may qualify for Universal Credit if you are on a low income, out of work or unable to work.

Not eligible

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over age of 65 who require help with care. As Rosemary is 47 years old this is not a relevant benefit.

Carers Allowance

Individuals who require someone to care for them for more than 35 hours a week are eligible for this benefit. This does not apply to Rosemary.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

After being off work for more than 4 consecutive days an individual is entitled to SSP. However, Rosemary’s employer (Local Authority), like many others, operates an Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) scheme and therefore she does not need to access SSP.