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. It was updated in December 2019. Use this page to navigate between the different benefits that you might be entitled to.

On this page:

• Are you entitled to benefits?
• Benefits you may be entitled to
• Qualifying rules for benefits
• The benefits cap
• Information for those living in Northern Ireland

Use an independent benefits calculator to find out what benefits you could get, how to claim and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.

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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

Having a lung condition doesn’t entitle you to welfare benefits. Benefits depend on how your lung condition affects your care or mobility needs, or your ability to work.

If you’re unsure what you’re entitled to and want to talk to someone, please call our helpline on 03000 030 555.

Benefits you might be entitled to:

• Care and mobility
• Unable to work
• Universal credit
• Conditions caused by work
• Carers benefits
• Top up benefits, including pensions, income support etc
• Prescription costs
• Help with heating costs

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Care and mobility

If you have difficulties with daily living needs, getting around or need a carer’s help. This includes information on:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Attendance Allowance (AA)

Read more about care and mobility benefits

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People unable to work

There are 2 types of benefits that you could be eligible for if you cannot work because of your illness:

• Information on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Read more about benefits for those unable to work

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Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment that is meant to help with living costs for those who have a low income or are out of work. Information about Universal Credit and when you might be entitled to claim.

Read more about Universal Credit

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Conditions caused by work

If your condition is caused by work that you do, you could be entitled to compensation. This includes information on Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

Read more about benefits for conditions caused by work

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Carers benefits

This information is on the financial help available for carers, including: 

• The Carer’s Allowance
• Carer’s Credit.

Read more about carers benefits

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Top-up benefits

There are a number of top-up benefits that could aid you if you have a low income. Including:

• Income Support
• Tax Credits
• Pension Credit
• the new State Pension
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction.

Read more about top-up benefits

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Prescription costs

Learn when you're entitled to free prescriptions, and how a prescription prepayment certificate can reduce your costs.

Read more about prescription costs

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Help with heating costs

It is important to stay warm in winter if you are living with a lung condition. Find out more about how to get help with your heating costs. Including information on:

• Winter Fuel Payments
• Cold Weather Payments
• Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Read more about getting help with heating costs

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Qualifying rules for benefits

Each benefit has different qualifying rules. But there are two 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.

 

Do you live in Northern Ireland?

If you live in Northern Ireland, 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 [email protected]