Finding strength through support

Benefits and financial

assistance
Stroke Support Helpline: 0303 3033 100
or email: helpline@[Link]

Many people find that their finances suffer after a stroke. This
guide covers the main types of financial help available and
where to go for individual advice.

Financial changes after a stroke For information on other finance and funding
topics, visit our website. Topics include:
Coping with the aftermath of stroke can be • Accommodation:
tough. You might be faced with financial [Link]/accommodation
difficulties if you are off work, or if a family • Support for carers: [Link]/caring
member reduces their working hours to be a • Work: [Link]/work
carer. If you have a disability, you may need • Managing someone else’s finances:
to pay more for things like heating, transport [Link]/someone-elses-finances
and specialist equipment. People tell us this
is a real worry. Benefits calculators
Many people are not aware they can get
Financial help may be available through the help, or are not claiming all the support
benefits system. You may also be able to they may be entitled to. You can check
get help via your employer, local council and what benefits you might be able to get by
other organisations. You can also call our using an online benefits calculator.
Stroke Support Helpline who can tell you
where you can find more help. Online benefits calculators you can try
include:
This guide covers: • [Link]
• Help with energy bills and the cost of • [Link]
living.
• Help with one-off expenses, including More details about each benefit and
grants. how to claim are on the [Link] website.
• Benefits if you are out of work or on a low You can also get individual advice from
income. organisations including Citizens Advice,
• Benefits if you have an illness or disability. Independent Age and Age UK. Turn2Us
• Benefits if you care for someone. also has an online tool to help you find a
local advice service.

For more information visit [Link] 1

Benefits and financial assistance

Help with energy bills and the Winter Fuel Payments 2025
cost of living The government runs a scheme to help people
over the State Pension age pay their energy
bills. If you were born before 22 September
Visit [Link]/cost-of-living for a list of the 1959 and have an annual taxable income
latest help available with the cost of living of under £35,000, you will be eligible for a
including bills, childcare, housing and travel. Winter Fuel Payment.
The website also has advice on where to get
support if money problems are affecting your You should get a letter in October or
mental health. November 2025, telling you how much you’ll
get. Payment amounts depend on your age
Energy costs help and who you live with. Payments are expected
If you’re struggling to pay energy bills, to go out in November or December 2025.
contact your supplier as soon as possible.
They can discuss options such as giving you How will payment be made?
more time to pay. • The amount will be paid automatically
into your account. If your income is over
Energy companies often have assistance £35,000, your payment will be recovered
schemes their customers can apply to if later through the tax system.
they are finding it difficult to pay their gas or • Visit [Link]/winter-fuel-payment for
electricity debts. more information. To report a missing
payment or a change in circumstances,
Citizens Advice also provides information call 0800 731 0160.
about grants from energy suppliers to help • In Scotland, the Pension Age Winter
you pay off energy debts. Heating Payment is replacing the Winter
Fuel Payment. See [Link] for details.
How do I apply for a grant to help with
fuel and utility costs? Cold Weather Payments 2025
• Contact your energy provider to find out if If you’re not the right age to receive a
they have a grant-making scheme. Winter Fuel Payment, you may be able to
receive Cold Weather Payments instead.
Help with water bills These are payments made whenever there
Water companies offer support to customers is a seven-day period of very cold weather.
who are struggling to pay their water bills. You will only get these payments if you’re
Contact yours to see if they have a hardship receiving certain benefits. Visit
fund or a scheme such as Watersure, which [Link]/cold-weather-payment/eligibility
caps your bills if you’re on benefits and meet to check if you are eligible.
certain other eligibility criteria.
You do not have to apply for Cold Weather
Payments. If you qualify, you’ll receive them
automatically in the same way you receive
your other benefits. If you think you should
have received a Cold Weather Payment but
you have not, contact the Pension Service
Centre or your local Jobcentre Plus (Jobs and
Benefits office in Northern Ireland). If you are
on Universal Credit, contact the Universal
Credit helpline.

2 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

If you live in Scotland, you will not get Cold Websites listing grants and financial
Weather Payments. Instead, Winter Heating support
Payments will be paid automatically to those These websites may help you search for
on certain benefits. other grants:
• Turn2us has a grants search available at
[Link]
Grants, loans and help in a crisis • Lightning Reach is a service enabling
access to a wide range of financial support
Grants from councils and local authorities at [Link]
Some local councils in England offer welfare • Disability Grants offers a search for
assistance schemes to help people on a low national and local funds at
income. These schemes replace Community [Link]
Care Grants and Crisis Loans. The amount you
may get depends on the criteria set by your Budgeting Loans
local council. You may be offered vouchers for Loans are available from the government
food or fuel, clothing or emergency travel, or to people on income-based benefits, other
be referred to a local food bank. than Universal Credit. The loans can be
used to help pay for things like furniture
In Scotland, local councils offer Crisis Grants and household appliances, as well as rent
and Community Care Grants through the advances, moving costs and repaying
Scottish Welfare Fund. These can help people previous loans.
in an emergency or if you’re about to leave
care and need equipment to help you live Budgeting Loans are repaid through your
independently at home. benefits. Unlike other loans, they are interest-
free, so you only pay back what you borrow.
In Wales, the Discretionary Assistance Fund
provides grants to people who need help in If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you
an emergency or with immediate, essential will need to apply for a Budgeting Advance
costs of living. instead (see the section on Universal Credit
later).
In Northern Ireland, you can apply for
Discretionary Support, which provides grants To get a Budgeting Loan, you or your partner
and interest-free loans for people in a crisis must have received either Income Support,
situation. income-based JSA, income-related ESA or
Pension Credit for at least six months.
How do I apply?
• If you live in England or Scotland, contact You can borrow up to:
your local council to find out what grants • £348 if you are single.
you can apply for. • £464 if you are in a couple.
• If you live in Wales, contact the • £812 if you have children and claim
Discretionary Assistance Fund online at Child Benefit.
[Link]/discretionary-assistance-
fund-daf or call 0800 859 5924. How do I apply for a Budgeting Loan?
• If you live in Northern Ireland, apply • If you live in England, Scotland or Wales,
online at [Link]/services/claim- apply online at [Link]/budgeting-help-
discretionary-support, call the Finance benefits or contact the Social Fund on
Support Service on 0800 587 2750 or 0800 1690 140, textphone 0800 169 286,
contact your local Social Security or Jobs or Welsh language line on 0800 1690 240
and Benefits Office. for a paper form.

For more information visit [Link] 3

Benefits and financial assistance

• If you live in Northern Ireland, visit Moving over to Universal Credit

[Link]/articles/social-fund- If you are already getting any of those legacy
budgeting-loan or call 0800 0224 250 benefits, you will be contacted about moving
for a form. over to Universal Credit. You will be told this
is happening by the Department for Work
Food banks and Pensions (DWP) in a letter.
Food banks may be able to help if you cannot
afford to buy the food you need. You usually If the amount of Universal Credit you get is
need to be referred (sent) to a food bank lower than your previous benefit, a ‘transition
by a professional such as a Citizens Advice protection’ payment will top up the amount
service, your GP or a social worker. Your so that you do not lose out.
local council can give information about
food banks and other crisis support in your How you are paid
local area. Visit [Link]/debt- Universal Credit is a single amount paid to a
and-money/using-a-food-bank for more household. For a couple living together, the
information. circumstances of both people are taken into
account. Payments go into one bank account.
Some areas also have ‘community fridge’ For a couple, this can be a single or joint
schemes run by volunteers, where you can account, depending on what you agree on
drop in and collect food which has been together.
donated. Search at communityfridgemap.
[Link] to see if there is one near you. In England and Wales, Universal Credit is
paid monthly. In Scotland, you may be able
Toiletries and period products to choose if you are paid once or twice a
Food banks often supply toiletries and period month. You can also choose to have the
products. Schools and colleges in the UK housing costs element paid direct to a
should also provide free period products to landlord.
students.
In Northern Ireland, you are normally paid
twice a month. You can ask to be paid once
Universal Credit (UC) a month.

Universal Credit (UC) is the main benefit New claims and advance payments
for working-age people. It is now in place Your first payment should be made
for most new benefit claims across the UK. within five weeks. You can apply for an
You may be able to get it if you’re on a low advance payment, which is repaid from
income, out of work or unable to work. future payments. You can also apply for a
Budgeting Advance loan for emergency
Universal Credit is replacing these benefits: household costs.
Income Support, income-based Job Seeker’s
Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment Advance payment
and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing To request an advance payment while you
Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax wait for your first Universal Credit payment,
Credit. These are known as ‘legacy benefits’. apply through your online account. The
amount you get will depend on your full
Universal Credit payment and how much you
can afford to pay back. The repayments are
taken from your monthly payments over a
period of up to 24 months.

4 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

Universal Credit monthly amounts People who care for someone who gets a
Each Universal Credit payment is made up health or disability-related benefit
of a standard allowance, plus any extra • If you provide care for at least 35 hours per
amounts that apply to you. These include week: £201.68 a month.
extra help with rent and childcare. You can
work while on Universal Credit, and each Help with housing costs
month you have to declare changes in your The amount of the housing payment you
income such as wages or childcare costs. may get depends on your rent and other
The amount you are paid will vary depending circumstances. You can apply for housing
on your circumstances that month. Use a payments in your Universal Credit online
benefits calculator to check how much you account.
could get. Visit [Link]/universal-credit to
find out more. How do I claim Universal Credit?
Visit [Link]/universal-credit to apply. You
From April 2025, the standard monthly will need a bank account and email address.
allowances are:
• Single and under 25: £316.98. If you do not have internet access, or you
• Single and 25 or over: £400.14 have a problem with your online account,
• Living with partner, both under 25: call the Universal Credit helpline on
£497.55 for both. 0800 328 5644, textphone 0800 328 1344.
• Living with partner, either over 25:
£628.10 for both. Get individual help with a Universal Credit
claim
Extra amounts Citizens Advice’s Help to Claim scheme
If you have children who live with you provides individual advice and help
You may get an extra monthly amount: with claiming. To find out more, visit
• If you have one child: born on or after 6 [Link] or call their free phone
April 2017: £292.81 a month. Born before 6 service: Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848,
April 2017: £339.00. Advicelink (Wales): 0800 702 2020.
• For your second child: £292.81.
• If you have a child with a disability: Age UK can also offer advice over the phone.
£158.76 extra. Call the advice line on 0800 678 1602.
• If you have a child with a severe disability:
£495.87 extra. Budgeting Advance
A Budgeting Advance is a loan to help people
You may also be able to claim help with up on Universal Credit with emergency costs
to 85% of your childcare costs if you are such as replacing a washing machine or
working. See [Link]/universal-credit/what- moving house. It’s available to people who
youll-get for advice. have been claiming Universal Credit for six
months or more, with earnings below a set
People with limited capacity to work due amount. It is repaid through your monthly
to a disability or health condition Universal Credit payments within 24 months.
You may get an extra monthly amount: You apply by contacting your local Jobcentre
• If you have limited capability for work and Plus work coach.
work-related activity: £423.27.
• If you have limited capability for work
and you started health-related UC or ESA
before April 3, 2017: £158.76

For more information visit [Link] 5

Benefits and financial assistance

What you can borrow: Benefits if you have an illness

• Single people: up to £348. or disability
• Couple: up to £464.
• If you have children: up to £812.
Sick pay from your employer
Advice on budgeting If you were employed before your stroke,
The Money Helper website offers advice your employer may have a company
about claiming and living on Universal Credit. occupational sick pay scheme. This will
It looks at managing on a single monthly entitle you to pay while you’re off work. How
payment, paying rent and saving. If you are much you get and how long you receive it
claiming as a couple, it’s important to talk will depend on your contract. Speak to your
about money and make plans for your family employer about what you are entitled to.
finances together. Visit [Link]
for more advice. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
If your company does not have a sick pay
Financial abuse scheme, you can still get up to £118.75
Problems can arise between partners statutory sick pay (SSP) a week if you are too
claiming Universal Credit together. ill to work. This is paid by your employer in
Sometimes, one person tries to use money the same way as your normal wages.
to control their partner. They might stop them
from buying food, or spend the money on To qualify for SSP, you have to earn an
alcohol or gambling instead of paying bills. average minimum of £125 per week. Even
If this happens, it’s financial abuse. if you are on a fixed-term or zero hours
contract, or have recently started work, you
If you’re worried about your partner misusing can still claim SSP.
the money, you can ask for payments to be
split. Call the Universal Credit helpline on You can get SSP for up to 28 weeks. If you are
0800 328 5644. unable to return to work or are not entitled to
SSP, you may be able to claim Employment
Help with financial and domestic abuse and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
Women can get support from Refuge online
at [Link] or by phoning How to find out more
0808 200 0247. Speak to your employer about SSP and
their sick pay arrangements. Visit
Men can visit the Respect Men’s Advice Line [Link]/statutory-sick-pay for more details
at [Link] or call of eligibility and benefit rates.
0808 801 0327.
If you disagree with a decision on SSP, you
can contact the HMRC statutory payment
dispute team on 0300 322 9422, or
textphone 0300 200 3212.

You can get help with disputes over sick pay

from ACAS. Visit [Link] or call
0300 123 1100.

6 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

Support if you’re self-employed If it’s agreed that your illness or disability

If you are self-employed, you cannot get limits your ability to work, then you’ll be
Statutory Sick Pay. You may be able to eligible to receive ESA and you will be put
claim New Style Employment and Support into one of two groups:
Allowance (ESA) if you have made enough
National Insurance contributions. See below Work-related activity group
for more information on ESA. You will be placed in this group if you’re
assessed as being able to return to work in
New Style Employment and Support the future. You will be expected to take part
Allowance (ESA) in work-related activities and go to regular
If you cannot work because of an illness or interviews with an adviser to prepare you
disability, you may be able to claim ESA. for work.
You must be under State Pension age and
not receiving Statutory Sick Pay. This benefit Support group
is now part of Universal Credit for most If your illness or disability has a severe effect
new applications. If you have paid enough on your ability to work, you will be put into
National Insurance contributions, you can this group and not be expected to look for
claim ‘new style ESA’. It is contribution-based work or go to interviews.
and is not affected by your partner’s income
and savings. How do I claim ESA?
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales,
The amount you receive depends on your you can apply online at
circumstances. [Link]/employment-support-allowance
• Up to £92.05 per week for the work- or phone the Jobcentre Plus helpline on
related activity group. 0800 055 6688, textphone 0800 023 4888.
• Up to £140.55 per week for those in the
support group with severe illness or If you live in Northern Ireland, you can
disabilities, or nearing the end of life. apply online at [Link]/articles/
employment-and-support-allowance
The assessment process or call the ESA Centre on 0800 085 6318.
Most people will need to fill in a questionnaire
about their health and abilities. Most people Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
will also have a Work Capability Assessment. Personal Independence Payment helps with
some of the extra costs caused by long-term
Work Capability Assessments (WCA) ill health or disability.
Work Capability Assessments can be done in
person, on the phone or by video call. You’ll It replaces a benefit called Disability Living
be told how your assessment will take place. Allowance (DLA). If you were born on or
If you have a severe disability or receive before 8 April 1948 and are already receiving
certain medical treatments, you may not DLA, you will carry on receiving DLA. See the
need to have a WCA. ‘Benefits if you care for someone’ section
later in this guide for information about DLA
In the assessment, a health professional will for children. All other existing claimants have
look at how your illness or disability affects moved to PIP.
the work you can do. Visit
[Link]/benefits for tips To qualify for PIP, you must be aged
on preparing for an assessment. between 16 and State Pension age. If you’re
over State Pension age, you can apply for
Attendance Allowance instead.

For more information visit [Link] 7

Benefits and financial assistance

Or if you have received PIP before, you can Or you can write to: Personal Independence
still make a new claim if you were eligible Payment New Claims, Freepost DWP PIP 1. It
for it in the year before you reached State will take longer to get a decision in the post.
Pension age. You can check your State
Pension age at [Link]/state-pension-age If you live in Northern Ireland, call the PIP
Centre on 0800 012 1573, textphone
To qualify for PIP, you must also have a long- 0800 587 0937.
term illness or disability that makes it hard
to get around or do everyday tasks, such as Adult Disability Payment in Scotland
preparing food or managing your medication. If you live in Scotland, you’ll need to apply
You must expect these problems to go on for for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead
at least 12 months to be eligible for PIP. You of PIP. If you currently get PIP, you should be
can apply when you start experiencing these moved automatically to ADP. See
problems. However, there is a three-month [Link]/adult-disability-payment or
‘qualifying period’ before you will be entitled call 0800 182 2222 to apply.
to PIP.
Attendance Allowance (AA)
You can claim PIP whether you’re in work or If you have reached State Pension age and
not. You can also claim it if you have savings. need help with your personal care because
You do not have to pay tax on it, and you can you have a disability, you may be able to
receive it at the same time as other benefits claim Attendance Allowance. In most cases,
such as ESA or Universal Credit. you must have needed help for at least six
months before you can receive AA. If a doctor
PIP is made up of two parts, one for daily has said you have less than 12 months to live,
living and one for mobility. you can get AA more quickly.

The daily living part is paid at two different AA is paid at two different weekly rates and
weekly rates: the rate you receive will depend on the level
• Higher rate £110.40. of care you need:
• Lower rate £73.90. • Higher rate £110.40.
• Lower rate £73.90
The mobility part is also paid at two different
weekly rates: Once you’ve submitted your initial claim,
• Higher rate £77.07. you may be asked to attend a medical
• Lower rate £29.20. assessment. This is to work out how much
support you should get.
The rate you receive depends on how your
disability affects your daily life and your ability AA is not affected by any savings or income
to get about. Once you have submitted your you have. You do not have to pay tax on
initial claim, you may be asked to undergo an AA and claiming it can even increase other
assessment with a health professional to work benefits you receive, such as Housing Benefit
out how much support you should get. and Pension Credit.

How do I claim PIP? How do I claim AA?

If you live in England or Wales, call the PIP If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, visit
claim line on 0800 917 2222, textphone [Link]/attendance-allowance to print a
0800 917 7777. claim form, or call the Attendance Allowance
Helpline on 0800 731 0122, textphone
0800 731 0317.

8 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

If you live in Northern Ireland, call the Benefits if you care for someone
Disability and Carers’ Service on who has an illness or disability
0800 587 0912, textphone 0800 012 1574.

Loans and grants for home adaptations Carer’s Allowance

If you care for someone at least 35 hours a
Disabled Facilities Grants week and they receive certain benefits, you
(England, Northern Ireland and Wales) may be able to receive Carer’s Allowance.
If you have a disability, you may need to The weekly rate is £83.30.
make changes to your home so you can
continue to live there, such as installing a You do not have to be related to or live
stairlift or a downstairs bathroom. You may with the person you care for to claim. But
be able to get a grant from your local council you must be aged over 16, and the person
to help you. You should apply for a grant you care for must receive a benefit such as
before making any changes as you cannot Attendance Allowance, Disability Living
get one afterwards. Allowance (at the middle or highest rate) or
Personal Independence Payment (with the
How much you may get depends on your daily living component).
savings and income. You might need to pay
towards the cost of the work. You do not Carer’s Allowance is not fully means-tested,
need to be claiming benefits to apply for a but you can only claim if you usually earn less
grant, but if you are, your grant will not affect than £196 a week from paid work, after tax and
the amount you receive. your expenses for caring have been taken off.

To apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant, There are other reasons you cannot claim,
you or someone you live with must have a including being in full-time education.
disability. You must also intend to live in the Claiming Carer’s Allowance can affect
property for the whole period of the grant. other benefits that you or the person you
This is usually five years. care for receive.

These grants are available in England, Wales The rules are different in Northern Ireland.
and Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, Visit [Link]/articles/carers-
contact your local council about grants you allowance to find out more.
may be able to apply for.
How do I claim Carer’s Allowance?
How do I apply for a Disabled Facilities If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, visit
Grant? [Link]/carers-allowance to apply or call
• If you live in England or Wales, contact 0800 731 0297, textphone 0800 731 0317.
your local council.
• If you live in Northern Ireland, contact your If you live in Northern Ireland, apply online at
local Health and Social Services Trust. You [Link]/articles/carers-allowance
can also speak to your GP or social worker. or call the Disability and Carers Service on
0800 587 0912, textphone 0800 012 1574.

In Scotland, people who receive Carer’s

Allowance will be automatically moved onto
a new benefit called Carer Support Payment
by spring 2025. The amount you get will stay
the same.

For more information visit [Link] 9

Benefits and financial assistance

Disability Living Allowance for children In Scotland, you can apply for Child
You can only claim Disability Living Disability Payment online at
Allowance (DLA) on behalf of a baby or [Link]/child-disability-payment or
child who is under the age of 16 and lives in call Social Security Scotland on
England or Wales. It is known as ‘DLA for 0800 182 2222.
children’. You can claim DLA for children
whether you’re in or out of work. In Northern Ireland, contact your local Jobs
and Benefits office, or call the Disability and
DLA for children may help with the extra Carers Service on 0800 587 0912, textphone
costs of looking after a child who has 0800 012 1574.
difficulties walking or needs extra care
because of an illness or disability. They must When your child turns 16, they may be
have had these difficulties for at least three eligible to apply for a Personal Independence
months and expect them to last for at least Payment (PIP) instead. See the section on PIP
six months. DLA is split into care and on page 7.
mobility parts.
Help when someone dies
The care part is paid at three different weekly When someone close to you dies, there
rates and depends on the level of care that may be many practical things to deal with
your child needs: on top of grief. You may be able to get
• Higher rate £110.40 some financial help. You might also need
• Middle rate £73.90. to consider other financial and legal matters
• Lower rate £29.20. such as their bank accounts, property and
will.
The mobility part is paid at two different
weekly rates and depends on the amount of For advice on financial, practical and
help your child needs getting around: emotional issues after a death, visit the
• Higher rate £77.05 [Link] website.
• Lower rate £29.20.
Visit [Link]/bereavement for our
Your child may need to attend an guide to bereavement and grief. Call our
assessment to work out how much support Stroke Support Helpline for more sources of
they should get. help and advice, or if you just want to talk.

You can claim DLA for children living in Bereavement Support Payment
Northern Ireland but the rules are different. This benefit is for people under State
Visit [Link]/articles/disability- Pension age who have lost their spouse or
living-allowance-children for more details. civil partner. Some people who lived with a
partner but were not married may also be
If the child lives in Scotland, you need to able to claim it.
apply for Child Disability Payment instead.
This benefit is not means-tested and you will
How do I claim DLA for children? not be taxed on it. To qualify, your partner
To claim DLA for a child, you need to be must have paid enough National Insurance
their parent or guardian. If the child lives in contributions, or have died due to a work-
England or Wales, call the DLA Helpline on related accident or illness.
0800 121 4600, textphone 0800 121 4523,
or print a form from The benefit consists of a first payment
[Link]/disability-living-allowance-children followed by up to 18 monthly payments.

10 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

There is a higher rate for parents who are Help with funeral costs
entitled to Child Benefit (or were pregnant If you get certain benefits including Universal
when their partner died). The rates are: Credit, you can apply for a Funeral Expenses
• Higher rate first payment: £3,500. Payment. This may help towards some of the
• Monthly payments: £350. costs of a funeral such as burial or cremation
• Lower rate first payment: £2,500. fees. You can apply after the person has
• Monthly payments: £100. died, up to six months after the funeral.
Visit [Link]/funeral-payments for more
How do I claim Bereavement Support information.
Payments?
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, visit In Scotland, you can apply for a Funeral
[Link]/bereavement-support-payment Support Payment instead.
or call the Bereavement Service helpline on
0800 151 2012, textphone 0800 731 0464. How do I apply for a Funeral Expenses
Payment?
In Northern Ireland, visit [Link]/ If you live in England or Wales, call the
bereavement or call 0800 085 2463. Bereavement Service helpline on
0800 151 2012, textphone 0800 731 0464.
Parental Bereavement Leave
and Statutory Pay In Northern Ireland, call the Bereavement
Parents who have lost a child, or experienced Service on 0800 085 2463.
stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, have
a right to paid time off work. You can take up In Scotland, apply for a Funeral Support
to two weeks, either together or separately Payment online at [Link]/funeral-
to your partner. You will receive Statutory support-payment or call 0800 182 2222.
Parental Bereavement Pay from your
employer in the same way as your wages.
The amount you receive will depend on your Benefits for people out of work
salary and your employment contract. or on a low income
Your employer may have a parental
bereavement policy giving information Universal Credit brings together the main
about leave and pay. Some employers benefits if you are out of work or on a low
offer schemes providing counselling and income. It is replacing these old ‘legacy’
wellbeing support services to help you during benefits: Income Support, income-based Job
a difficult time. Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), Housing Benefit,
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
How do I claim Parental Bereavement
leave and pay? You can still make a new claim for Housing
You need to tell your employer about your Benefit if you are over State Pension age or
bereavement, and you will need to you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary
complete a declaration form online. Visit housing. If you receive the Severe Disability
[Link]/parental-bereavement-pay-leave premium, you can also continue to claim
for details and to access the form. some legacy benefits unless you have a
change in circumstances. You can also claim
New Style Job Seeker’s Allowance if you’ve
made enough National Insurance payments.

For more information visit [Link] 11

Benefits and financial assistance

New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) Size restrictions

You can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Housing payments and Housing Benefit can
Allowance (JSA) if you have paid enough be reduced if you have spare bedrooms in
National Insurance contributions. It can be your home. This rule has different names in
claimed on its own or along with Universal local areas including ‘under-occupancy rules’,
Credit. ‘Housing Benefit size restrictions’ or a ‘spare
room subsidy’.
You can claim it if you’re unemployed, or if
you are working fewer than 16 hours per week Adult couples are expected to share a
on average. You need to be looking for work. bedroom. If you have two children of the
same sex under the age of 16 or two children
After you apply for JSA, you will be asked to under the age of 10, regardless of their sex,
go to an interview at your local Jobcentre and they will be expected to share a bedroom.
agree steps to look for work. This is called a There are some exceptions to these rules.
‘claimant commitment.’ If you do not keep These include if you have a disability and
the agreement, you could lose your JSA. regularly need a carer to stay overnight, or
if your child has a disability that means they
How do I claim New Style Jobseeker’s can’t share a bedroom.
Allowance?
• If you live in England, Scotland or Wales For council or social housing tenants, if you
and are 18 or over, visit [Link]/guidance/ have one spare bedroom, the payment is cut
new-style-jobseekers-allowance to apply by 14%. It is cut by 25% if you have two or
online. If you are aged 16 or 17 or need more spare bedrooms.
help, contact your local Jobcentre.
• If you live in Northern Ireland, apply online Local councils set the rates for privately
at [Link]/services/claim-new- rented accommodation in a similar way.
style-jobseekers-allowance, or These rules only apply if you are of working
the Benefits freephone number on age. If either you or your partner are the right
0800 022 4250. age to receive Pension Credit, your Housing
Benefit will not be affected.
Housing payments
Housing payments are part of Universal How do I claim Housing payments or
Credit. They replaced Housing Benefit for Housing Benefit?
most people. They help you pay your rent if • Housing payments are part of your
you are on a low income. Universal Credit application. If you already
get Universal Credit, you can apply for
There’s no set amount for the housing housing payments in your online account.
payment. How much you get depends on how • Housing Benefit is still available to certain
many bedrooms your home has and who you people. It’s claimed through your local
rent from, as well as your income and other council. If you live in England, Scotland or
circumstances. Wales and are receiving Pension Credit,
call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234,
Visit [Link]/housing-and-universal-credit to textphone 0800 169 0133.
find out more. • If you live in Northern Ireland, you can
apply for Housing Benefit online at
You can still claim Housing Benefit separately [Link] or call the Housing Executive
in certain circumstances. This includes if Office on 03448 920 900.
you are over State Pension age or living in
supported, sheltered or temporary housing.

12 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

Support for mortgage interest (SMI) Savings Credit is an extra payment for
You may be able to receive SMI to help people with some savings or a workplace
towards paying the interest on a mortgage or pension. You can get £17.30 a week if you are
a home improvement loan. It’s paid as a loan. single, or £19.36 if you have a partner. It is
You have to repay the loan with interest if you only available if you reached state pension
sell your house. SMI only covers the interest on age before 6 April 2016.
your mortgage or loan. It cannot help you pay
off the amount you borrowed or any arrears. Pension Credit does not affect other benefits
you receive. If you have a disability or care
You can apply for SMI if you receive Universal for someone who has a disability, you may
Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA, receive a higher amount.
income-related ESA or Pension Credit.
How do I claim Pension Credit?
SMI is normally paid direct to your lender. If • If you live in England, Scotland or Wales,
you’re getting Pension Credit, the payments visit [Link]/pension-credit or call the
can start right away. If you get Universal Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234,
Credit, payments can start after three months textphone 0800 169 0133.
of receiving Universal Credit. If you have • If you live in Northern Ireland, visit
claimed any of the other benefits listed [Link]/pension-credit or call the
above, you need to have received them for Application Line on 0808 100 6165.
39 weeks in a row before SMI is paid.
Changes to the State Pension
How do I claim SMI? The new State Pension is a regular payment
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales and for people who reached State Pension age on
are on Universal Credit, contact the Universal or after 6 April 2016.
Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644, textphone
0800 328 1344. If you get Pension Credit, You can get the new State Pension if you are
call the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469, eligible and:
textphone 0800 731 0464. If you are on other • A man born on or after 6 April 1951.
benefits, contact your local JobcentrePlus. • A woman born on or after 6 April 1953.

If you live in Northern Ireland and are on If you reached State Pension age before 6
Universal Credit, contact the Universal Credit April 2016, you’ll get the basic State Pension
helpline. If you are on other benefits, contact under the old rules.
your local Jobs and Benefits Office or the
Pension Centre. The State Pension age is changing. The State
Pension age is now 66 for both men and
Pension Credit women. It will increase to 67 between
If you’re of State Pension age and on a low 2026 and 2028, with a further increase to
income, you may be able to get Pension 68 planned between 2044 and 2046.
Credit. It is separate to your State Pension
and helps with living costs. Visit [Link]/state-pension-age to check
your state pension age. For free, independent
Pension Credit comes in two parts, guidance and information on pensions, visit
Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Money Helper at [Link] or call
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly 0800 011 3797.
income to £227.10 if you’re single. If you have
a partner, it tops up your joint weekly income
to £346.60.

For more information visit [Link] 13

Benefits and financial assistance

Council Tax Reduction and Council Tax • £326.29 per week for single adults without
Discounts children, or whose children do not live
If your income is low or you are claiming with them.
benefits, you may be able to get a Council
Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Not everyone claiming benefits is affected
Support). You can own or rent your home. by the cap. For example, people with a
How much of a reduction you get will depend disability or illness that stops them working,
on where you live and who lives with you, as and their carers, may not be affected. People
well as your income and other circumstances. over State Pension age and those who get
Armed Forces payments, including War or
If you are the only adult living in your home, War Widow/Widower’s Pensions, will not be
you could get a Council Tax Discount. This affected.
is not dependent on your income. Some
people, such as full-time students, are not Visit [Link]/benefit-cap to work out
counted when working out how many people whether your benefits will be reduced
live in a property. because of the cap.

If you have severe cognitive impairment, you What if I am not happy with a decision
may be able to claim a discount or complete about my benefit?
exemption from your council tax. Go to If your claim is rejected, or you think you’re
[Link]/council-tax for more information. getting the wrong amount, you can appeal
against the decision.
How do I apply for a Council Tax Reduction
or Council Tax Discount? Information about how to appeal, and
• Contact your local council. who you need to contact, will normally be
• In Northern Ireland, homeowners can explained in the letter you receive about your
apply for Rate Relief, and people on benefit claim. There may be a time limit for
Universal Credit can apply for Rate appeals, so you need to respond quickly.
Rebate, via the [Link]/rates-help
website. If you’re still not happy with the decision
after it has been reviewed, you can appeal to
Benefit cap a tribunal. A tribunal is an independent panel
There is a cap (limit) on the total amount of people who can change the decision if
of benefits that people can receive. The they think it’s wrong.
maximum amount is:
• £423.46 per week for couples, with or Visit [Link]/appeal-benefit-decision for
without children living with them, and for information on the appeals process and to
single parents whose children live with apply online. Appealing against a benefits
them. decision can be a complex process so it is a
• £283.71 per week for single adults without good idea to get expert advice. See ‘Other
children, or whose children do not live sources of help and information’ later in
with them. this guide for organisations that can help.

If you live in Greater London, the maximum

amounts are:
• £486.98 per week for couples, with or
without children living with them, and
for single parents whose children live
with them.

14 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

Help with health costs Ireland. If you claim free treatment you
are not entitled to, you may have to pay a
Although NHS appointments are free, you penalty charge of up to £100. If you’re unsure
may have to pay for some things, such as what help you are entitled to, you can check
dental treatment and medication. online at [Link]/nhs-help-
health-costs or call the NHS Help with
Many people are entitled to free or reduced Health Costs helpline on 0300 330 1341.
charges. Visit the NHS online checking tool
at [Link]/check-if-youre- Exemption certificates for prescriptions
eligible-help to find out if you could get help in England
with health costs. You can also ask your GP, In England, you need an exemption
pharmacist, dentist or optician. certificate to get free prescriptions. You or
a health professional have to fill in a form
It’s important to follow any treatment you are to apply for a certificate. You may need to
given after a stroke, as this is one of the best show the certificate when you collect your
ways to reduce your risk of another stroke. prescription at a pharmacy.

If you are unsure or worried about paying There are different exemption certificates
for health costs, seek advice from a health you can apply for, depending on your
professional. circumstances. Visit the NHS Business
Services Authority website at [Link].
Free or reduced cost prescriptions [Link]/check-if-youre-eligible-help to
The rules on who can claim free or reduced- check what help you can get.
cost prescriptions depend on where you live
in the UK. Medical exemption certificate
(MedEx certificate)
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland You can apply for a MedEx certificate if you:
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, • Have a permanent disability that means
prescriptions are free for everyone. Other you need support to leave the house.
health costs such as dental treatment and • Take medication for epilepsy.
sight tests are lower or free for some age • Take medication for diabetes.
groups, or if you are on certain benefits or
have certain medical conditions. Ask your Several other health conditions, including
healthcare professional for more information. cancer, also entitle you to help with health
costs. The NHS Business Services Authority
England website has a full list of conditions.
In England, prescriptions are free up to
the age of 16 (or 18 if you’re in full-time How do I apply?
education). They’re also free after the age Ask your GP for the application form FP92A.
of 60. There are exemptions for prescription A GP or staff member at your GP surgery will
charges and other health costs if you are on need to sign the form. The certificate lasts for
benefits or have certain medical conditions. five years and then it needs to be renewed.
All prescriptions are free while you are a
hospital inpatient. Some items are always Maternity exemption certificate
free, such as some contraceptives. Everyone who is pregnant or had a baby
in the last 12 months is entitled to free
There are different rules about who can claim prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment.
free prescriptions and other health costs
in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern

For more information visit [Link] 15

Benefits and financial assistance

How do I apply? Help for people on benefits and

Your midwife, GP or health visitor applies Pension Credits
on your behalf as soon as your pregnancy
is confirmed. You can get a certificate by Universal Credit
email right away or in the post within If you are on Universal Credit, you may be
10 working days. able to get help with health costs.

War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces How do I apply?

Compensation Scheme • You will need to show your Universal
If you’re aged under 60 and you receive War Credit award notice to prove your income
Pension or Armed Forces Compensation is under the limit for claiming.
payments, you can claim for health costs
relating to your accepted disability. Income-based ‘legacy’ benefits
You can get help with health costs if you or
How do I apply? your partner are on Income Support, income-
Contact Veterans UK on 0808 1914 218. based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related
Employment and Support Allowance or
NHS Low Income Scheme certificate Pension Guarantee Credit.
If you’re not entitled to benefits but you’re
on a low income and live in any country How do I apply?
in the UK, you can apply for an NHS Low • You need to show your award notice to
Income Scheme certificate. This can give you prove you’re entitled.
help with costs like dental care, travel fares
to appointments, eye tests and glasses. In Contribution-based benefits
England, it also gives help with prescription If you are on contribution-based Jobseeker’s
costs which are free to people living in the Allowance or Employment and Support
other UK countries. Allowance, you are not automatically entitled
to help with health costs, but you may be
The Low Income Scheme is means-tested, able to apply for the NHS Low Income
so you have to provide details about your Scheme.
income and living costs.
Pension Credits
If you meet the income criteria, you can either If you are on Pension Credit Guarantee
get a HC2 certificate for full help with health Credit, with or without Savings Credit, you
costs, or a HC3 certificate for partial help. are entitled to free prescriptions and other
treatments. If you only get the Savings
How do I apply? Credit, you do not automatically get full help
• Visit [Link]/nhs-low- with health costs, but you can apply for the
income-scheme to apply online. NHS Low Income Scheme.
• You can fill in form HC1 and post it instead.
You can get a form from a Jobcentre,
hospital or GP surgery.

Call NHS Help with Health Costs helpline on

0300 330 1341 if you have questions.

16 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

Prescription Prepayment Certificates Where to get help and

(England only) information
If you’re not eligible for the NHS Low
Income Scheme, a Prescription Prepayment
Certificate could still save you money if you From the Stroke Association
pay for a lot of prescriptions.
Stroke Support Helpline
You can buy a three-month certificate for Our Stroke Support Helpline offers
£32.05 or a 12-month certificate for £114.50. information and support for anyone
The certificate covers you for all of your NHS affected by stroke, including family, friends
prescriptions within that time. and carers.

How do I buy a PPC? Call us on 0303 3033 100, from a textphone

• You can buy one online at 18001 0303 3033 100.
buy-prescription-prepayment-certificate. Email helpline@[Link]
[Link]/start or call 0300 330 1341.
Read our information
Log onto [Link], where you can find
easy-to-understand information, videos and
an online community to support you. You can
also call the Stroke Support Helpline to ask
for printed copies of our guides.

Other sources of help and

information

Apply and get information about

financial help

[Link]
Website: [Link]/welfare
Information and online applications.

Local councils
Website: [Link]/find-local-council
Use the postcode search to get contact
details for your local council.

Jobcentre Plus
Website: [Link]/contact-jobcentre-plus
Phone: 0800 055 6688
Textphone: 0800 023 4888
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the
phone): 18001 then 0800 055 6688

For more information visit [Link] 17

Benefits and financial assistance

Northern Ireland Disability Law Service

Website: [Link] Website: [Link]
Information on jobs, benefits, tax credits and Phone: 020 7791 9800
grants and how to claim in Northern Ireland. Email: benefits@[Link]
Provides free legal advice to disabled people
Scotland and their families and carers in England.
Website: [Link]
How to find and use public services in Independent Age
Scotland. Website: [Link]
Helpline: 0800 319 6789
Wales A charity that offers advice and support to
Website: [Link] older people.
How to find and use public services in Wales.
MoneyHelper
Website: [Link]
Benefits and finance: support and Set up by the government to offer free,
Information independent advice on all money matters.

Age UK Scope
Website: [Link] Website: [Link]
Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 Helpline: 0808 800 3333, textphone
Offers individual support and advice about 18001 0808 800 3333
benefits. A charity that provides support, information
and advice to disabled people and their
Age Scotland families.
Website: [Link]/scotland
Helpline: 0800 124 4222 Step Change
Advice and practical support with claiming Website: [Link]
benefits in Scotland. Debt advice line: 0800 138 1111
Offers free, impartial advice on managing
Carers UK debts and other money matters.
Website: [Link]
Carers Line: 0808 808 7777 Turn2Us
Provides support and information for carers. Website: [Link]
Comprehensive information about benefits
Citizens Advice and financial support. It offers a benefits
Website: [Link] calculator, a search tool to find a local advice
Advice line (England): 0800 144 8848 service and a tool to find grants.
Advice link (Wales): 0800 702 2020

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS)

Website: [Link]
Helpline: 0800 028 1456
Free advice services including local offices
that can help you with a wide range of issues.
They give benefits and appeals advice and
can help you fill in claim forms.

18 Call the Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100

 Benefits and financial assistance

Grants The Sequal Trust

Website: [Link]
British Gas Energy Trust Phone: 01691 624 222
Website: [Link] Email: info@[Link]
Phone: 0121 348 7797 Provides funding for specialist
Provides information about applying for communication aids.
a grant to help with energy bills, other
household debts or essential items. RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind
People)
Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust Website: [Link]/grants
Website: [Link] Phone: 0303 123 9999
Phone: 0207 998 8817 Email: tfl@[Link]
Provides grants for help with services, Provides grants for technology to help
equipment and respite breaks. people with sight loss.

Hospital Saturday Fund

Website: [Link]
Charity which provides grants for some
types of therapy, home adaptations and
equipment.

Independence at Home
Website: [Link]
Phone: 0208 427 7929
Provides grants for adaptations, specialist
equipment and other items to help make life
easier at home.

Mobility Trust
Website: [Link]
Phone: 0118 984 2588
Purchase or loan of powered wheelchairs or
scooters.

Professionals Aid Guild

Website: [Link]
Phone: 020 7935 0641
Email: admin@[Link]
Financial help for members of the
professions and their dependants, where
no other help is available.

The Sawyer Trust

Website: [Link]
Email: info@[Link]
Helps women aged over 50 in need of
financial help.

For more information visit [Link] 19

Benefits and financial assistance

About our information

We want to provide the best information
for people affected by stroke. That’s why
we ask stroke survivors and their families,
as well as medical experts, to help us put
our publications together.

How did we do?

To tell us what you think of this guide,
or to request a list of the sources we
used to create it, email us at
feedback@[Link]

Accessible formats
Visit our website if you need this
information in audio, large print or braille.

Always get individual advice

Our guides contain general information
about stroke. But if you have a problem,
you should get individual advice from a
professional such as a GP or pharmacist.
Our Stroke Support Helpline can also help
you find support. We work very hard to
give you the latest facts, but some things
change. We don’t control the information
provided by other organisations or
websites.

You know more than most just how shocking and confusing having
a stroke is. We’re here to support you and your family find the
strength and determination to get back to life.

Learn more about stroke support: [Link]

© Stroke Association 2025

Version 12.1. Published July 2025.
To be reviewed: April 2026.
Item code: A01R01
JN 2526-104

Stroke Association is registered as a charity in England and Wales (No 211015) and in Scotland (SC037789).
Also registered in the Isle of Man (No. 945) and Jersey (No. 221), and operating as a charity in Northern Ireland.