What welfare benefits might I be entitled to?
We’ve put together a basic guide to benefits for people living with a lung condition in England, Scotland and Wales.
If you live in Northern Ireland, please call our helpline on 03000 030 555. Or take a look at the NI Direct page and the AdviceNI pages. You can also call the Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 232 1271 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or email benefit.uptake@nissa.gsi.gov.uk
You may be entitled to benefits if you:
- have care or mobility needs because of your lung condition
- cannot work due to your lung condition
- are thinking of giving up work because of your lung condition
- care for someone with a lung condition
Each benefit has different qualifying rules. But there are 2 main criteria:
- Means-tested or non-means-tested – if a benefit is means-tested it will take into account your other benefits and income.
- Contributory or non-contributory – for some benefits you need to have paid a certain amount of national insurance contributions.
Benefits cap
There’s a limit to the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called the benefits cap.
You’re not affected by the benefit cap if anyone in your household gets certain benefits such as Attendance Allowance (AA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Working Tax Credit.
Our helpline can give you more information, call 03000 030 555.
Benefits you might be entitled to:
Care and mobility
Information on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance (AA).
People unable to work
Information on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Universal Credit
Information about Universal Credit and when you might be entitled to claim.
Conditions caused by work
Information on Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).
Carers
Information on Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Credit.
Top-up benefits
Information on Income Support, Tax Credits, Pension Credit, the new State Pension, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
Prescription costs
Learn when you're entitled to free prescriptions, and how a prescription prepayment certificate can reduce your costs.
Help with heating costs
Information on Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments, and Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Last medically reviewed: December 2018. Due for review: December 2019
This information uses the best available medical evidence and was produced with the support of people living with lung conditions. Find out how we produce our information. If you’d like to see our references get in touch.
