This section has been adapted from our factsheet, A guide to welfare benefits. It offers a quick overview of the benefits that you may be eligible for if you are disabled or unable to work because of sickness.
We have not covered all benefits relating to children, eg. Child Benefit, or those available for specific situations, such as maternity or bereavement.
Disability and sickness benefits
The welfare benefits system is complex so please use these pages as a starting point and then seek further advice.
Benefits check
It’s best to undergo a complete benefits check. Your local council may employ welfare rights workers who can give you advice and carry out benefits checks. Action for M.E. Supporting, Lifelong or Professional Members may contact our Welfare Rights Line. Otherwise contact Citizens Advice.
Talk on benefits
You can listen to a talk on Incapacity Benefit/Employment and Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, given to Network MESH (West London) support group, November 2010, by Ian Greaves, author of the Disability Rights Handbook produced by campaign charity, the Disability Alliance.
