Benefit myths busted: Are you living with a disability and missing out on free cash?

If you live with a disability or long-term health condition, you could be entitled to financial support, even if you work. Yet many people miss out because of confusion, stigma, or common myths about disability benefits.

We take a look at what help is available and bust the biggest misunderstandings.

What disability benefits are available?

There are several benefits designed to support people with disabilities or health conditions.

Personal independence payment (PIP)

PIP helps with extra living costs if you have:

• a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition, and
• difficulty getting around or doing everyday tasks because of it

PIP is not based on income or whether you work. It depends on how your condition affects your daily life.

Attendance allowance

Attendance allowance helps with extra costs if you need help looking after yourself.

You may qualify if:

• you’re over state pension age
• you have a disability or health condition
• you need help from a carer
• you’ve needed that help for at least six months

Employment and support allowance (ESA)

ESA is for people whose disability or health condition affects how much they can work.

It can provide:

• money to help with living costs if you’re unable to work
• support to help you return to work if you’re able to

You can apply if you are employed, self-employed or unemployed.

Universal credit and disability

When applying for universal credit if you’re sick or disabled, you’ll be asked if you have a health condition that affects your ability to work.

If you do, you’ll need to:

• provide a fit (sick) note
• complete a work capability questionnaire, also called the UC50

What is the work capability assessment?

The department for work and pensions (DWP) uses your questionnaire and assessment to decide:

• whether you should receive extra universal credit
• whether you need to look for work
• whether you need to prepare for work

Possible outcomes

Limited capability for work (LCW)

If DWP decides you have LCW:

• you won’t have to look for work
• you may need to prepare for work, for example, training or CV writing
• you don’t usually get extra universal credit

Limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA)

If DWP decides you have LCWRA:

• you won’t have to work or prepare for work
• you receive extra universal credit

Common disability benefit myths - busted

Myth 1: “I work, so I can’t get disability benefits”

Not true.

Disability benefits like PIP are based on how your condition affects you, not whether you work. Many people receive disability benefits while working.

Myth 2: “Disabled people don’t want to work”

This myth is both inaccurate and harmful.

Many universal credit claimants are in work and benefits like PIP are not linked to employment status.

However, disability charity Sense reports that 82% of people with complex disabilities are out of work. For many, work simply isn’t realistic or appropriate.

For others, there is a strong desire to work, but barriers such as inaccessible workplaces, health fluctuations, or lack of specialist support make it difficult to find or keep a job.

Myth 3:“Claiming benefits is easy”

It isn’t.

Applying for benefits like PIP can be confusing, overwhelming and emotionally draining. Many people struggle with forms, assessments and unclear guidance.

That said, there are ways to make the process easier, such as:

• gathering medical evidence
• including Blue Badge details
• providing carers’ statements

We spoke to two expert organisations Fightback4Justice and Turn2Us, who support people with PIP every day.

Read our blog on how to increase your chances of a successful PIP claim.

Changes to universal credit for sick and disabled claimants

If you’re planning to claim universal credit because of a health condition, the timing matters.

From 6 April 2026, the government plans to reduce the sickness element, known as LCWRA, for new claims:

• From £94 a week down to £50 a week

However:

• if you apply before 6 April 2026, you keep the higher rate
• claims made by 5 April 2026 will receive:
• £423.27 a month, rising to £429.80
• claims made after that date are likely to receive:
• around £217.26 a month

Missing the deadline could cost you thousands of pounds a year.

Don’t miss out 

If you’re not sure if you qualify for universal credit and other disability benefits, we can help.

You can either give us a ring and we’ll check for you, or use our free benefits calculator to see what support you could get.