Navigating the UK benefits system can feel complex and time-consuming, especially when you’re managing a health condition like an immunodeficiency or supporting someone who is. This guide brings together essential resources to help you find out what financial support you’re entitled to, how to apply, and where to get help with the process.

Check your eligibility

Before applying for any benefits, it’s important to check what you’re eligible for based on your current circumstances. There are several free and easy-to-use online tools that can help you work out what you could be entitled to:

    • EntitledTo – Offers a comprehensive benefits calculator that covers a wide range of support schemes.
    • Better Off Calculator – Helps assess how changes in income, such as starting a job, could impact your benefits.
    • Turn2Us – Includes a benefits checker and a grants search tool for additional financial help.
    • Policy in Practice Calculator – Clearly shows how much you could be entitled to under various scenarios.
    • Moneyhelper – benefits calculator provided by HM Government and the Money and Pensions Service
    • StepChange – use this to find out if you could be entitled to certain benefits, provided by the UK’s leading debt support charity

Tip: Always save or print your results for future reference. If your circumstances change (e.g. health, employment, living arrangements), you will need to redo the calculations.

These calculators will not give accurate results if you’re:

  • a student
  • not a British or Irish citizen
  • on strike
  • living permanently in residential care or a nursing home

You can also speak to a local welfare rights adviser for a personalised check.

Accessing benefit claim forms

Many benefit forms can be completed or downloaded online via the official government website:
GOV.UK – Browse Benefits

You can also request claim forms or ask questions by calling specific helpline numbers:

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP): 0800 917 2222
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): 0800 328 5644 (Textphone: 0800 328 1344)
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): 0800 169 0310
  • Disability Living Allowance (under 16): 0800 121 4600 (Textphone: 0800 121 4523)
  • Attendance Allowance: 0800 731 0122 (Textphone: 0800 731 0317)
  • Carer’s Allowance: 0800 731 0297 (Textphone: 0800 731 0317)
  • Universal Credit: Apply online or call 0845 600 0723 (Northern Ireland: 0800 012 1331)
  • Tax Credits: 0345 300 3900 (Textphone: 0345 300 3909)
  • Pension Credit: 0800 99 1234 (Textphone: 0800 169 0133)

For Scotland: Some benefits are now managed by Social Security Scotland. Call 0800 182 2222 for help with Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment.

What to bring to benefits appointments

Preparing for filling out a form or attending appointments with a benefits adviser or support worker can save time and ensure you get the most accurate advice. Useful information to have to hand includes:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Any letters showing current or previous benefit awards
  • Recent bank statements or summaries of savings/investments
  • Details about your mortgage, rent, and council tax
  • Information on any occupational/private pensions or maintenance payments
  • Household income details (e.g. partner’s earnings, student finance)

If you are working:

  • Recent payslips
  • A record of your working hours (especially if they vary)

If you’re unemployed:

  • Letters about your job loss or redundancy

If your application relates to health:

  • Contact details for your GP and specialists
  • A list of medications
  • Any recent medical letters or reports, if available

Getting help to fill in forms

Benefits forms can be long and confusing. The following organisations can help you complete them—and in some cases, even represent you in appeals:

Disability Information Advice Line (DIAL)

Run by disabled people, DIAL services offer tailored advice and support.

Citizens Advice

A trusted source of free, confidential advice. Many branches have specialist benefits advisers.

Law Centres

Offer free legal help with benefit claims and appeals.

Shelter

If your housing is affected by benefit issues, Shelter can help.

Your Local Authority

Some councils still have welfare rights advisers who can help with claims and appeals. Contact your local council and ask to speak to someone in the welfare rights or benefits team.

If you need additional support

If a disability or long-term health condition makes it harder for you to access or navigate services, you have the right to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. This includes help with form-filling, accessible communication formats, and extra time during assessments.

Applying for benefits can be emotionally and mentally exhausting, especially when you’re already dealing with health issues. You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to the organisations, listed above and ask them for help at any stage of the process.

Posted May 2025