Welfare benefits
If you have M.E. or care for someone who has M.E., you may be entitled to claim welfare benefits.
Our understanding Information and Support team are able to share general information about the welfare benefits system, provide factsheets (see below), 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 M.E. 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.
Our welfare benefits factsheets
Action for M.E. produces a range of factsheets about some of the welfare benefits available, including information on applying and, if necessary, appealing. You can find links to these below.
- ESA: an overview (updated July 2020)
- PIP: an overview (updated July 2020)
- Universal Credit: an overview (updated July 2020)
- Supporting evidence for PIP and ESA claims
- DLA: a guide to filling in the form
- DLA: revisions and appeal
- DLA face-to-face medicals for adults and children
- DLA for children under 16
- Permitted Work
- Our factsheet on applying for a Blue Badge is under review. You can find guidance on the Citizens Advice Bureau website.
Impact of Coronavirus
The UK Government has published guidance on Statutory Sick Pay, Jobcentre appointments, health assessment appointments, changes to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits, Local Housing Allowances and Housing Benefit.
Face to face assessments for all welfare benefits remain suspended. People are encouraged not to delay making claims as all benefits remain open and telephone and paper based assessments are in place where appropriate.
Other sources of support
You can also contact the following for further welfare benefits information:
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Law Centres
- Your local council, which may offer welfare rights advice or be able to signpost you to local services.
- Turn2Us has a benefit calculator on their website and information about grants you might be able to apply for.
