Benefits and tax credits
There are a variety of benefits for people with disabilities, care needs and for those caring for other people, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Employment and Support Allowance (which has replaced Incapacity Benefit) and Carer's Allowance.
However, finding out about eligibility and getting appropriate help to make a claim is not always a straightforward process.
There are a number of organisations and resources that can help find a way through the maze so that people with MS are able to claim their entitlements.
See also information on help with prescription charges.
Sources of information
- Benefits and MS
- An MS Society publication that provides a basic guide to benefits and tax credits. The book can be ordered or downloaded from the MS Society website.
- Citizens Advice
- Offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters and employment rights through Citizens Advice Bureaux.
- Community Legal Advice
- A network of organisations in England and Wales offering advice about legal rights - including information on benefits. Community Legal Advice advice line number - 0845 345 4 345.
- Turn2Us
- Charity that helps people access the money available to them. Includes a benefits checker
- Benefits and Work
- Site offering information and guides to understanding and claiming benefits.
- MS Society branches
- Many branches have a welfare officer or local support officer who can help people with MS claim the benefits to which they are entitled.
- Advice Now
- An independent, not-for-profit website that has information across a range of subjects, including claiming benefits.
- Disability Alliance
- Produces the Disability Rights Handbook and is a leading authority on social security benefits for disabled people.
- Directgov - money, tax and benefits
- Portal for government information and services online. Includes descriptions of benefits and eligibility.
- Directgov online benefits adviser
- An online questionnaire to help you find out to which benefits and tax credits you and your family may be entitled.