Disability Benefits

Disability benefits are designed to support disabled people with extra costs arising from their disability. As these are not income-replacement benefits they are not means-tested, although a medical assessment may be required.

The main disability benefits can give you an entitlement to other benefits, elements and premiums.

It is important to be aware that a permanent or temporary stay in a residential care or nursing home can affect certain disability and related benefits

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance provides financial support with the costs of personal care arising from a physical or mental disability to people of State Pension age. It is not taxable nor means-tested, so it won’t affect the claimant’s State Pension.

More information about Attendance Allowance, a claim form and contact details for the Disability and Carers Service can be accessed at nidirect:

 

Blue Badge scheme

A Blue Badge allows those with severe mobility problems to park close to where they need to go by allowing them to access on-street parking concessions and free on-street parking. It can be used both as a driver and a passenger. The scheme can also provide access to accessible parking bays.

More information about the Blue Badge scheme can be accessed at nidirect:

Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) helps with disabled people’s mobility or care costs. Adults between 16 and State Pension age must now claim Personal Independence Payment, but DLA can still be claimed for children under 16. DLA is neither taxable nor means-tested but medical assessment is required.

More information about DLA, a claim form and contact details for the Disability and Carers Service can be accessed at nidirect:

Disabled Facilities Grant

If adaptations are required to a property to help a person with a disability, the owner occupier, landlord or private tenant can apply to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) for a Disabled Facilities Grant. Any adaptations will need to be approved by an occupational therapist, the local health trust or NIHE.

More information about the Disabled Facilities Grant can be accessed at nidirect and the NIHE website:

Disabled Person's Allowance

Where a property has been suitably adapted or has additional features to accommodate a disabled person's needs, the householder might be entitled to 25 per cent rates discount.

More information about Disabled Person's Allowance, and an application form, can be accessed at nidirect:

Industrial Injuries Scheme

The Industrial Injuries scheme provides compensation in the form of benefits for disablement due to an industrial accident while at work or training, or one of over 60 prescribed diseases accepted as a particular risk of occupation.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is the main benefit in the scheme. It provides financial compensation to people who suffer a loss of faculty because of an industrial accident or prescribed industrial disease.

More information about the main benefits in the Industrial Injuries scheme, as well as contact information for the Industrial Injuries Branch, can be accessed at nidirect:

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recognises the extra costs due to a long-term health condition or disability. The condition must be expected to last for at least 12 months. It is not means-tested, so won’t be affected by income or savings. However, entitlement to PIP is subject to a medical assessment, which considers the impact the claimant’s condition has on their day-to-day life rather than the condition itself – it is usually a good idea to seek advice about the assessment process before making a claim for PIP.

More information about PIP, including Easy Read Guides and contact details for the Disability and Carers Service, can be accessed at nidirect: