Sometimes it can be complicated to find the form or service you are looking for. Here we have provided some information and links to where you can download the forms or find more information. The alphabetical list below is not exhaustive but they are some of the most common ones.
ACCESS TO WORK
A government grant that can pay for practical support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition to help you:
- start working
- stay in work
- move into self-employment or start a business
Download a factsheet about Access to Work here.
ASSISTED REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE
Is provided for people who are unable to take their bin to the kerbside because of disability or ill health.
Download Lewisham’s application form for assisted refuse collection here.
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
If your ability to keep safe or look after your own personal care is affected by physical or mental illness or disability.
BLUE BADGE SCHEME
Provided by your local council, it helps you park closer to your destination if you are disabled.
Download the application from Lewisham Council.
CARER’S ALLOWANCE
To help you look after someone with substantial caring needs.
Find the form here.
CHILD BENEFIT
You can claim Child Benefit for each child you are responsible for regardless of whether you are working or have savings.
Get the form here.
CHILD TAX CREDIT
You could get Child Tax Credit for each child you’re responsible for if they are:
- under 16
- under 20 and in approved education or training
You don’t need to be working to claim Child Tax Credit
Call the Tax Credit Helpline to find out more
COUNCIL TAX – DISABLED RELIEF
Complete this form if you are the council tax payer applying because a person with a disability lives in your home.
DISABLED STUDENTS’ ALLOWANCE
Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are paid on top of your other student finance. They help you pay the extra costs you may have because of your disability. They don’t have to be repaid.
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE
Is a tax-free benefit for disabled people who need help with mobility or care costs.
You can make a new claim if you are under 16.
If you are over 16, it is called Personal Independence Payment – See below.
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT ALLOWANCE
Is a benefit for people who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
Find the right number to call to apply
FREEDOM PASS
For disabled people is funded by local councils and gives free travel on most public transport in London 24 hours a day (after 9.30am on most National Rail services within the London area).
Go to Lewisham’s Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass Page
HOUSING BENEFIT
Is to help you pay your rent if you’re on a low income.
Call 020 8690 844 or click here for more information
INCAPACITY BENEFIT
Being replaced by Employment Support Allowance – See above.
INCOME SUPPORT
Helps people who do not have enough to live on. It is for certain groups of people who don’t get Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance and are not in full time employment.
Claim through Jobcentre Plus by phone. Get the number and more information here.
JOBSEEKERS’ ALLOWANCE
A benefit for people who are unemployed but capable of work. To get Jobseeker’s Allowance you also have to meet several other conditions, which include showing that you are looking for work.
MATERNITY ALLOWANCE
Is usually paid to you if you did not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. The amount you can get depends on your eligibility.
PENSION CREDIT
Is an income-related benefit that comes in two parts and you may be eligible for one or both:
- Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level
- Savings Credit is extra money if you’ve got some savings or your income is higher than the basic State Pension
PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT
Personal Independence Payment helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64.
You must start your claim by phone. Get the number you need here.
SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE
Has been replaced by Employment Support Allowance. – See above
TAXI CARD SCHEME
The London wide scheme offers subsidised transport for people who have serious mobility impairment and difficulty in using public transport.
Download the application form here.
UNIVERSAL CREDIT
Universal Credit is a new type of benefit designed to support people who are on a low income or out of work. It will replace six existing benefits and is currently being rolled out across the UK.
It will replace:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
Find out more about it and how to claim here.
WORKING TAX CREDIT
Working Tax Credit is there to give your income a boost if you’re working and on a low income.
Contact the Tax Credit Helpline.
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Which ones have we missed? Leave a comment in the box below.
The information and links contained within this blog post were up to date as of October 26th 2015.