Being newly diagnosed with a long term health condition or impairment can be overwhelming and knowing where to go for the right advice and support is really important. Possability People have an independent confidential advice service which aims to provide people with the information and help they need.

Our team of friendly and knowledgeable advisors can explain what benefits you may be entitled to and how to apply for them. We offer confidential advice all the way through from your initial enquiry, to discuss entitlements and eligibility criteria, advice on making an application, form filling, preparing for medical assessments and appealing decisions made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Personal independence Payment (PIP) is extra money to help with everyday life if you have an illness, are disabled, or have a mental health condition. It is there to support people over the age of 16 regardless of if they are working, receiving other benefits or their level of savings. PIP is made up of two parts: “daily living” and “mobility”, and involves a medical assessment. Possability People offers help and support with initial PIP form filling, preparing for your medical assessment, and appealing a decision you do not agree with.

If you are in receipt of PIP for your mobility then you may also be able to get a Blue Badge, a reduction in your Road Tax, a disabled persons bus pass and discounted rail card.

Attendance Allowance (AA) is for people over pensionable age and who need help with their care due to illness or being disabled. AA is not means tested so you can be entitled regardless of other benefits or savings. On reward of AA you may become entitled to other benefits such as pension credit or council tax reduction. Possability People offer help and advice with Attendance Allowance form filling, and appealing awards you do not agree with.

Some people might already be claiming Disability Living Allowance, so if you have an existing benefit claim then it is always best to check with a benefits advisor before making any new claim.

If you receive Attendance Allowance or the Daily Living element of PIP, then someone who cares for you might be able to claim a Carers Allowance.

Universal credit (UC) is a payment to help with your living costs and is based on your personal circumstances, such as your income, savings, earnings from part time or self-employed work, housing costs and if you have a health condition or are disabled. You may be entitled to an extra amount of universal credit if your illness or impairment prevents you from working or preparing for work. When applying for UC you can request a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) which will involve completing a form, providing medical evidence and taking part in a medical assessment. Possability People’s Advice Centre can advise you on Universal Credit and Work Capability Assessments. Advisors are trained to support you in form filling, assessment preparation as well as appealing decisions you are not happy with.

Contribution based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or ‘New Style ESA’ is a contribution benefit, meaning you can only normally claim if you have paid enough National Insurance contributions over the last 2 tax years. New Style ESA is not affected by you or your partner’s savings and your partner’s work does not affect your claim. You will need to complete an application form, submit medical evidence and will need to attend a medical assessment. Possability People are here to help with that too.

Some people are still on ‘legacy benefits’ such as housing benefit, Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, or Tax Credits. With a change in circumstances, such as a change in your health, it is important to consider what benefit is right for you before applying. Possability People’s Advice Centre can advise you on the most appropriate benefit for your circumstances.

If you are in receipt of certain benefits then you also be able to claim for help with health care costs (prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests etc), energy efficient grants and warm home discounts.

The most important thing to remember, however, is that while it can be extremely daunting trying to work out how you are going to manage, especially while you are coming to terms with a new situation, you do not have to manage alone.

So please don’t worry, contact our Advice Centre, who will be able to talk you through your options. It’s what we’re here to do.

Contact us by email: esussexadvice@possabilitypeople.org.uk or by telephone: 01424 234460 or by textphone: 07774 910064.

(Image courtesy of Casper Rae on Unsplash)