Last Updated on 23/01/2025 by Crip Life
Managing finances can be challenging for anyone, but for disabled individuals in the UK, it often comes with additional hurdles. From navigating complex benefit systems to dealing with higher living costs, saving money can seem daunting.
However, with the right strategies and resources, it’s possible to improve financial stability and build savings. This guide provides practical tips and resources to help disabled individuals in the UK save money.
In this guide:
- Maximise disability benefits
- Disability grants and funding directories
- Take advantage of discounts and concessions
- Saving money on healthcare and wellbeing services
- Employment and training opportunities for disabled people
- Reducing energy bills, savings accounts and financial advice
1. Maximise disability benefits
The UK government offers several benefits specifically for disabled individuals. Understanding and accessing these can significantly reduce financial burdens:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged 16 to 64 with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It helps with the extra costs associated with disability.
The individual must have a long-term health condition or disability that impacts their ability to carry out daily living activities or mobility tasks. The condition must have affected the individual for at least three months and be expected to continue for at least nine months (unless they are terminally ill with less than six months to live).
PIP has two components: Daily Living (for daily tasks) and Mobility (for movement and transportation). Each has standard and enhanced rates.
People who qualify for the higher-rate Mobility component of PIP can choose between receiving a cash payment or using the Motability scheme to purchase a vehicle, mobility scooter, or powered wheelchair.
Unconfirmed sources have reported that in 2025, changes to PIP will include increased payment rates and a more inclusive assessment process, particularly for mental health and hidden disabilities, simplifying transitions and improving fairness.
Universal Credit (UC)
Universal Credit (UC) is a UK government welfare benefit designed to simplify and replace six legacy benefits, including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Tax Credits, and Housing Benefit. It provides financial support for individuals or families with low income, no income, or who are out of work.
Most people on the legacy benefits will gradually move to Universal Credit (UC) through managed migration, aiming for completion by 2028. Those with significant changes in circumstances may transition earlier.
People on Severe Disability Premium (SDP) are protected and receive transitional payments if moved. Contribution-based ESA has not been replaced by UC and has transitioned to a new style ESA.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will notify claimants when to switch.
To find out more about the move to Universal Credit, visit gov.uk/ucmove
To qualify as a new claimant of Universal Credit, you must be over 18 (some exceptions for 16 & 17-year-olds), under the State Pension age, living in the UK, and have less than £16,000 in savings. It’s available for workers on a low income, job seekers, people unable to work due to health, and those responsible for children or caring duties.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a UK benefit providing financial support for individuals with disabilities to help with extra costs associated with their condition. It is designed for children under 16 who have mobility or care needs due to a physical or mental disability.
To be eligible for DLA, the child must have lived in the UK for at least six months (exceptions apply) and have needs significantly greater than children their age. DLA is divided into Care and Mobility components, with different rates based on the level of support required. Adults now apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of DLA.
Like with PIP, children who have the highest rate of the mobility component of DLA are eligible to join the Motability scheme.
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) is a UK benefit for veterans or serving members of the armed forces who have a serious injury or illness caused by their service. It provides financial support to help with additional costs due to these injuries.
You must have been injured or developed a condition during military service and require long-term support or care. AFIP is not means-tested and is available regardless of income or savings. The payment is tax-free and can be claimed alongside other benefits.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a UK benefit for people over the State Pension age who have a disability or long-term health condition that requires extra help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. It helps cover additional costs related to care needs, though it is not means-tested and does not depend on income or savings.
Applicants must have had care or supervision needs for at least six months due to physical or mental disabilities. It is not for mobility needs and cannot be claimed alongside certain other benefits including DLA, PIP and Armed Forces Independence Payment.
The allowance is paid at two rates – £68.10 or £101.75 per week – depending on care needs (2023–2024 rates; subject to annual review).
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a UK government benefit aimed at providing financial support to people of State Pension age on low incomes. It has two parts: **Guarantee Credit**, which tops up weekly income to a minimum level, and **Savings Credit**, which rewards those with modest savings or income from a pension (available only if you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016).
To qualify, you must live in the UK, be of State Pension age, and meet income criteria. Eligibility for additional amounts may apply if you have a disability, care for someone, or face housing costs like rent.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is a UK government scheme providing financial support to help older people with heating costs during winter. Payments range from £250 to £600, depending on age and circumstances, with higher amounts for those aged 80 and over or receiving certain benefits.
In July 2024, the UK government revised the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment. Previously a universal benefit for all pensioners, it is now means-tested. To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2024–2025, you must have been born before 23 September 1958 and be receiving Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit. This change aims to target support towards pensioners with lower incomes.
Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment is a UK government scheme providing financial support during periods of extreme cold. Eligible individuals receive £25 for every 7 days of freezing temperatures (0°C or below) between 1st November 2024 and 31st March 2025 in your local area.
It’s automatic for those on certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit with additional criteria (e.g., having a disability or caring for a child under five). Payments help with heating costs and are triggered by specific weather conditions at local weather stations. No application is needed.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for individuals providing unpaid care for someone with substantial health needs in the UK. In 2025, it requires caring for at least 35 hours weekly for someone on qualifying disability benefits, with earnings below a set threshold (currently £139 per week).
Applicants must be 16 or older and reside in England, Scotland, or Wales. Full-time students or individuals earning above the limit are not eligible. It aims to support those balancing care responsibilities with limited income, ensuring recognition of their contributions.
2. Disability grants and funding directories
Disability grants can ease financial burdens on accessing home adaptations, mobility aids, assistive technology and other disability living costs. Many organisations and funding directories can support you in finding the best financial support for your needs:
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) helps disabled individuals in the UK fund home adaptations for independent living, like ramps or stairlifts. You must own or rent the home, and the local council assesses needs and suitability.
Grants are means-tested for adults but free for children. The maximum grant varies by region, and funds depend on eligibility and adaptation requirements.
Access to Work Grant
Access to Work is a UK government program providing financial and practical support for people with disabilities or health conditions to start or stay in employment. It helps fund workplace adaptations, special equipment, interpreters, or travel assistance.
To qualify, you must have a condition that affects your ability to work, be aged 16 or older, and live in England, Scotland, or Wales. The scheme is tailored to individual needs and works alongside employer-provided adjustments.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a non-repayable grant that supports university students with disabilities to cover additional study-related costs caused by a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty, with funding of up to £26,948 annually.
It helps with specialist equipment like adapted computers, non-medical helpers such as note-takers or BSL interpreters, travel expenses incurred due to the disability, and other study-related support like extra printing costs. Eligible students must qualify for student finance and provide evidence of their disability.
Disability Grants
Disability Grants is an online directory designed to help disabled individuals, their families, and carers access financial support. It provides a comprehensive database of grants and funding opportunities tailored to meet various needs, including mobility aids, home adaptations, education, and medical equipment.
Users can search for grants based on their specific circumstances, such as age, disability type, or location. The directory simplifies the process of finding suitable funding options and offers guidance on eligibility criteria and application processes.
By connecting users to relevant support, the Disability Grants empowers disabled people to overcome financial barriers and enhance their independence.
Family Fund
Family Fund is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting families raising disabled or seriously ill children under the age of 18. It provides financial grants to help with essential items and services that enhance the child’s quality of life and ease family pressures.
These grants cover a wide range of needs, including household appliances, sensory toys, specialised equipment, and family breaks. The charity focuses on low-income families, ensuring support reaches those who need it most. Family Fund also offers advice and guidance to help families access additional resources. Its mission is to provide practical help and hope to families facing challenges.
Turn2us
Turn2us is a UK-based charity dedicated to helping people in financial difficulty access the support they need. It offers resources and tools to find grants, benefits, and financial assistance tailored to individual circumstances, including those with disabilities.
It has a free online Benefits Calculator and Grants Search tool to help users identify potential income support or charitable grants. Turn2us also provides practical advice on managing finances, understanding entitlements, and applying for support.
The organisation collaborates with partners and offers direct services to address barriers disabled individuals may face, empowering them to improve their financial stability and quality of life.
3. Take advantage of discounts and concessions
Several businesses and organisations provide discounts to ease the financial burden on disabled individuals:
Food and utility discounts
The Household Support Fund is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to individuals and families facing difficulties due to the rising cost of living. The fund, which is available until March 2025, offers small grants or vouchers for essentials like food, clothing, and utility bills.
The eligibility criteria vary by the local authority, but typically, those most in need, such as low-income households, individuals on means-tested benefits, or those with specific vulnerabilities, are eligible. The support comes in different forms, including supermarket vouchers and one-off cash payments.
There is also the Warm Home Discount, which is a scheme designed to help low-income households with their energy costs during the winter months. For 2025, eligible individuals will receive a one-time £150 discount on their electricity or gas bill. The scheme is divided into two main groups: the “Core Group,” which includes people receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, and the “Broader Group,” which targets those on other qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit or Income Support.
If you’re eligible, the discount will typically be applied automatically by your energy supplier. However, some individuals, particularly in Scotland, may need to apply. Payments are expected by 31st March 2025,
Furthermore, the WaterSure Scheme is designed to help low-income households or those with high water usage due to specific medical conditions. It caps water bills at the average level for the area, ensuring that people don’t pay more than what others with similar water usage pay.
Eligibility requires being on qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefits, or having a medical condition that results in high water consumption, such as Crohn’s disease or incontinence. To apply, individuals must have a water meter and provide evidence of benefits or medical conditions. If eligible, the scheme can reduce bills significantly.
Council Tax discounts
Council Tax discounts for disabled people can provide significant savings. If someone in the home has a disability, you may be eligible for a disability reduction, which can lower your property’s tax band.
Additionally, if your home has been adapted to be more accessible for someone with a disability (e.g., a wheelchair ramp, or wider doors), you may be eligible for a reduction. Full-time students with disabilities are also eligible for exemptions.
Council Tax Support schemes may offer further reductions for low-income or disabled individuals. Eligibility and application processes vary by local council, so it’s important to contact them directly for details.
Travel discounts
Travel discounts including a Disabled Persons Railcard allow individuals with disabilities to save up to a third on rail fares, providing significant savings on travel. Free or discounted bus passes are also available through local councils, making public transport more accessible and affordable for those with qualifying disabilities.
Additionally, the Blue Badge Scheme offers parking concessions for individuals with severe mobility challenges, enabling easier access to essential destinations by allowing parking in reserved areas or for longer periods.
These initiatives aim to support greater independence and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, enhancing their ability to navigate daily life more comfortably.
Entertainment discounts
People with disabilities are eligible for discounted concession tickets at many theatres, cinemas and attractions across the UK. Many venues have access membership schemes that disabled guests can register to, making it easier to book accessible tickets and facilities.
Initiatives such as the Access Card and the CEA Card makes it easier to book accessible tickets and show proof of eligibility without giving details and invasive information about disabilities and health conditions.
These initiatives are designed to make entertainment and cultural experiences more accessible, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can enjoy a wider range of activities with the support of family, friends and carers at no additional cost.
With these benefits, venues strive to create an inclusive environment, enabling people to participate in leisure and cultural events without financial barriers or logistical challenges.
TV licence discount
The UK TV Licence discount helps certain groups save on the cost of a licence, required to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer. Discounts include:
- Free Licence for Over-75s: Available if you’re over 75 and receive Pension Credit. You must apply and provide proof of eligibility.
- Half-Price Licence for the Blind: Those registered as severely sight-impaired (blind) can get a 50% discount. Proof of blindness is required during application.
- Care Home Residents Concession: Residents in care homes that qualify for an ARC (Accommodation for Residential Care) licence pay a reduced annual fee of £7.50.
The standard TV Licence fee is £159 annually. Concessions must be renewed periodically, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Payment plans are available to spread costs. Discounts help ensure affordability for vulnerable groups while maintaining access to essential services.
Join discount membership schemes
Another great way to save money on shopping and events is by joining discount membership schemes. Many discount services are specifically tailored for people with disabilities and their carers and families.
Blue Badgers is a UK-based service offering discounts for people with disabilities and their carers. For just £4.99 annually, members can access savings on various products and services, including shopping, travel, and entertainment. The platform provides digital and physical cards for use at participating venues.
Purpl Discounts is a UK-based platform offering exclusive discounts tailored for disabled individuals. It connects users to deals across various categories, including fashion, food, home goods, and assistive devices. By providing curated savings,
Purpl aims to enhance accessibility and financial inclusivity for disabled communities, ensuring valuable cost reductions on essential and lifestyle products.
4. Saving money on healthcare and wellbeing services
Navigating the support available for healthcare and mental health needs is crucial for individuals with disabilities or health challenges.
Various services, both NHS and local authorities, provide access to free or low-cost prescriptions, medical equipment, and mental health support, ensuring individuals can access the care they need without financial strain:
Accessing NHS free prescriptions and healthcare support
NHS free prescriptions are available for those with qualifying medical conditions and means-tested benefits in England, while residents of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland enjoy free prescriptions universally.
The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) supports individuals with limited finances by covering costs for prescriptions, dental care, and vision services.
Additionally, local authorities provide essential equipment, such as wheelchairs or mobility aids, free of charge to those in need.
These measures aim to alleviate financial burdens associated with healthcare and ensure access to necessary medical treatments and equipment for individuals with health challenges or disabilities.
Free and low-cost mental health support
For mental health support, many local councils provide a range of free or low-cost resources to support their communities. These services often include access to trained counsellors, therapists, or mental health professionals who can offer guidance and support.
Peer groups and support networks are frequently organized to bring people with similar challenges together, fostering a sense of understanding and belonging. Workshops, stress management sessions, and wellness programs may also be available.
Additionally, these services are often tailored to specific demographics, such as youth, seniors, or minority groups, ensuring accessibility and relevance. Contacting your local council can help uncover available options.
The NHS can also provide face-to-face and online talking therapy, but this can be limited sessions and lengthy waiting lists.
One suggested mental health service is Spokz People, an online wellbeing community and programme specifically tailored for disabled people and their families. There is a 30-day free trial and then there is the option of an annual fee of £50, a monthly fee of £5 or a weekly fee of £1.15. Spokz People is also trialling free membership grants to those who genuinely can’t afford the price – eligibility applies.
5. Employment and training opportunities for disabled people
Disabled people can work and access employment opportunities, even while claiming certain benefits. In the UK, individuals with disabilities are protected by the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace. Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to support disabled employees, such as altering workspaces, offering flexible working hours, or providing assistive technologies. Below are several job boards and employment support services that can help you secure inclusive work:
Jobcentre Plus
Jobcentre Plus provides personalized support for disabled job seekers, offering tailored advice, resources, and assistance to help you find and sustain employment. This includes help with job applications, interview preparation, and identifying suitable roles. Additionally, it offers guidance on accessing benefits, workplace adjustments, and disability-related support services.
Scope’s Employment Services
Scope’s Employment Services offers personalized advice and support to disabled job seekers, assisting them in finding suitable employment. It provides tailored guidance on job applications, interview preparation, and navigating workplace challenges. Scope also offers support for career development, workplace adjustments, and promoting inclusive environments for disabled employees.
Mencap – Education, Skills and Work support
Mencap, the leading UK charity for learning disabilities, offers support for both disabled job seekers and employers. Its Education, Skills, and Work resources include CV writing, benefits advice, and information on work experience, training, and apprenticeships. Mencap also assists employers with recruitment and on-the-job support for staff with learning disabilities.
Disability Confident
Disability Confident is a UK government-led initiative aimed at encouraging employers to create inclusive workplaces and provide job opportunities for disabled individuals.
It offers resources and training to help employers recruit, retain, and develop disabled employees. By promoting inclusive practices, the initiative works to reduce employment barriers for disabled people.
Any company can advertise job openings on the DWP’s Find a Job website, which features a dedicated section for Disability Confident employers. Currently, there are 14,000+ Disability Confident vacancies available nationwide, spanning sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, education, finance, legal, customer service, administration, engineering, and more.
Evenbreak
Evenbreak is a UK-based social enterprise that connects disabled job seekers with inclusive employers. It offers a job board featuring vacancies from disability-friendly companies and provides resources to help individuals with disabilities navigate the recruitment process. Evenbreak promotes diversity and inclusion, aiming to improve employment opportunities for disabled people.
Maximus UK
Maximus UK is a leading provider of employment, health and disability services, delivering tailored support to help individuals find sustainable work and improve health outcomes. With over 5,000 employees and more than 400 community partners, they collaborate with government bodies, local authorities, businesses, and voluntary organisations across the UK.
Its services include employment and skills programs, health and wellbeing initiatives, and clinical assessments. Committed to responsible business practices, Maximus UK supports inclusive recruitment through the Ban the Box campaign and aims to become carbon-positive by 2030.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor allows employees to rate their employers, providing insights on aspects like equality, diversity, and overall job satisfaction. It also offers access to previous interview questions, helping job seekers prepare. Users can compare companies to find the best fit, helping them make informed decisions about potential employers.
British Association for Supported Employment (BASE)
The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) is the national voice for organizations providing specialist employment support. It promotes high-quality Supported Employment services, aiming to improve employment rates for disabled people. BASE advocates for inclusive recruitment and offers training, resources, and networking opportunities for employers and service providers.
6. Reduce eneegy bills, savings accounts and financial advice
There are many ways that you can manage your money, save up for the future and get financial support:
Save money on energy bills
To save on energy bills, use energy-efficient methods like cooking with a microwave, slow cooker or air fryer, which use less power than ovens. Turn off appliances at the plug to avoid standby energy consumption, shorten shower times or alternate days, maximise water and energy efficiency, and use natural heat by opening curtains during the day and closing them at dusk.
When charging devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers or even mobility aids such as wheelchairs, hoists and medical equipment, only charge once they get to low power and only for a couple of hours a day.
Also, if you do not require your mobility equipment regularly due to being an ambulant wheelchair user for example or you work from home and don’t need to venture out daily, only charge your equipment the day before going on a day out or a few hours before needing the Equipment, which will save energy.
Additionally, the most effective way to save money is to reduce radiator usage in unused rooms and turn down thermostats by one degree to save money annually. Smart heating systems or adaptive solutions can benefit disabled individuals while minimising energy waste.
Although energy-saving tips can be useful, they’re not as straightforward for many people with disabilities and health conditions.
Aside from essential mobility and medical equipment that people can’t go without, they may need to access smart gadgets to be independent, which need energy, and may not be able to manually adjust radiators or unplug devices – this is why having access to benefits, grants and discounts mentioned above can make a big difference.
Read further advice on saving money on your energy bills.
Smart ways to save and grow your money
To grow your savings effectively, start by opening a savings account. Look for high-interest accounts that maximise your returns, or consider an Individual Savings Account (ISA), which offers tax-free growth and is particularly beneficial for long-term saving.
Another great option is Premium Bonds, which give you a chance to win tax-free prizes instead of earning traditional interest—ideal for those who enjoy a little excitement with their savings.
To save even more, cut down on unnecessary expenses, such as subscriptions or dining out, and set a monthly budget to track your spending. Automating your savings by setting up a direct debit into your savings account ensures consistent growth. Compare rates and accounts regularly to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Additionally, take advantage of cashback offers or loyalty programs to make your money work harder. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference in your financial future.
Seek financial advice
Various organisations are offering free financial support to help disabled people manage their finances, access benefits, and overcome financial challenges. Here’s an overview of the resources available to assist:
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- Scope: Offers tailored advice on benefits, managing debt, and accessing grants to improve financial independence.
- Citizens Advice: Provides free, impartial support on benefits, budgeting, and understanding financial rights.
- MoneyHelper: Delivers practical guidance on budgeting, benefits, and managing money effectively, with resources accessible to disabled individuals.
- Disability Rights UK: Focuses on benefits, independent living, and work-related support for disabled people, ensuring they understand their entitlements.
- National Debtline: Provides confidential advice on managing debt, budgeting, and regaining financial control.
- StepChange: Specializes in personalized debt advice and solutions, catering to the unique needs of disabled individuals.
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Saving money for disabilities and health conditions can be challenging, but with the right knowledge, tools, and support, it’s possible to achieve financial stability and independence. This guide is meant to serve as a comprehensive resource, but we understand that individual circumstances and experiences may vary.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have suggestions for additional information or resources that could benefit others, or if you believe any part of this guide is incorrect or outdated, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Your input is invaluable in helping us improve and provide accurate, helpful content for our readers. We will continue to update this guide as and when necessary.
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