Services and support

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Welfare benefits

Welfare benefits

If you have ME or care for someone who has ME, you may be entitled to claim welfare benefits.

Action for ME produces the following factsheets giving key information about the application, assessment and appeal process specifically in relation to ME.

The UK Government has published a guide to "help you safely attend your face to face health assessment" for a number of welfare benefits.


Talking things through

Our understanding Information and Support team are able to share general information about the welfare benefits system and help you navigate other online information resources. We can also

  • share detailed information about Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and the work capability assessment as part of a Universal Credit (UC) claim, including the process for challenging decisions up to First-Tier Tribunal
  • help you understand how the symptoms of ME are relevant to the rules for these welfare benefits, and the questions used to assess them.
  • signpost to other sources of advice and representation where possible.

While we are not able to offer the following, we can signpost to other sources of advice and representation that do:

  • Provide “benefit checks” (that is, offer advice on what you are and aren’t entitled to).
  • Complete or review benefit forms.
  • Make representations on people’s behalf to tribunals, either in writing or in person.
  • Offer information on appealing to the Upper Tribunal.
  • Give debt or money advice, for example advice about rent arrears.

Other sources of support

You can also contact the following organisations for welfare benefits information.

  • Turn2Us has a welfare benefits calculator so you can check what you are entitled to, and information about grants you might be able to apply for.
  • Citizens Advice Bureau offers confidential advice online over the phone and in person, for free, as a national charity and network of local charities.
  • Disability Rights UK offers helplines specifically for disabled students and for support with personal budgets.
  • Your local council may offer welfare rights advice or be able to signpost you to local services.
  • Law Centres defend the legal rights of people who cannot afford a lawyer. Some offer free support to appeal PIP decisions.