Useful sources of information about benefits

A list of organisations who can provide information and advice about benefits

Over 100,000 families across the UK access benefits to support them to care for a child, or children, with complex health needs. With rising living costs, it is increasingly important to be aware of the financial assistance available to you and your family.

Each year millions of households do not get the help they are entitled to. It is estimated that over £15 billion remained unclaimed in means-tested benefits in 2022.

In this article, we look at agencies that can support you to understand what benefits you may be entitled to.

Contact

Contact is a charity for families with disabled children, who have a wealth of information about benefits you may be entitled to. The information is specifically designed for parents who look after a child with a disability. Their website contains information about what each benefit means, for example, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Universal Credit (UC).

You can visit their site here.

Contact also has sites specifically for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Turn2Us benefits calculator

The Turn2Us benefits calculator is a useful tool that can help you find out what means-tested benefits you are entitled to. You will need to enter information about yourself, your current housing situation, your child and their disability. For a full list of the information you will need to complete a benefits calculation, click here.

To start using the benefits calculator to find out what you are entitled to, click here.

Citizen’s Advice

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau can provide you with advice about what benefits you are entitled to, as well as how to manage debt and other financial issues. They have useful information on their website here.

You can find your local Citizen’s Advice and find out how you can speak to an advisor here.

Citizen’s Advice also has sites specifically for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Carers UK

Carers UK has a range of advice, support and guidance for non-paid carers, including advice on what benefits you may be entitled to. Click here to visit their financial support page.