You might qualify for certain benefits if you have a learning disability, which would help you become as independent as possible and pay for additional expenses brought on by your condition.
You may receive financial assistance from these benefits to engage in employment, education, or daily life.
Benefits for learning disabilities
Payment for Personal Independence (PIP)
You can be eligible for Personal Independence Payment if you are between the ages of 16 and the state pension age. This is for those who, because of a physical or mental illness or handicap, require more assistance to be self-sufficient.
PIP is composed of two parts. For those who require assistance with everyday activities, including eating and cooking, clothing and cleaning, speaking, and taking care of their medical needs, there is a daily living component. If you have a physical or learning disability, mental health condition, or sensory impairment that makes it difficult for you to move or go out and about, the mobility component is for you.
DLA, or Disability Living Allowance
The Personal Independence Payment replaces the Disability Living Allowance for adults, only allowing those born on or before April 8, 1948, and those with learning difficulties. DLA is still available for children under 16, with the amount determined by the additional support needed. DLA is divided into two parts: one for mobility and the other for daily life support, allowing payment for both if applicable.
At work
Allowance for Employment and Support (ESA)
ESA can assist individuals with learning disabilities who are under the state pension age, have worked in the past, and have paid enough national insurance in the past two to three years. The assessment phase, typically 13 weeks, is determined by age. After evaluation, individuals are assigned to either a work-related activity group or a support group based on their likelihood of resuming full-time employment.
Disability insurance premiums
A disability premium can be paid as a separate payment or as an addition to your Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment Support Allowance. You must be receiving specific benefits, such as DLA, PIP, or Attendance Allowance, or you must have been unable to work for the past 12 months because of a disability in order to be eligible.
Grant for Access to Work
Because of your learning disability, you have the right to reasonable modifications to your job position to assist you in getting through any challenges you have. You might be eligible for Access to Work money if you require equipment but your business cannot afford to purchase it for you. Additionally, they might pay for a support worker to assist you at work or with your commute.
In education
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
DSA offers financial and academic support to university or college students with learning disabilities. The support depends on the individual’s ability to study. A needs assessment determines potential assistance, including specialist equipment, non-medical assistance, and money back on extra costs related to the disability.
Receiving support from another person
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is available for individuals with learning disabilities who require support in daily life. There are two rates: lower for frequent help or supervision, and higher for very frequent help. The 2024/25 Attendance Allowance rates are £72.65 per week and £108.55 per week, respectively. This is different from Constant Attendance Allowance, which is only available to those receiving Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or War Disablement Pension.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is available to those who support you for at least 35 hours per week, including daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, medication collection, transport, or personal care. This support does not require full-time education or earning over £151 per week. Only one person can claim caregiver’s allowance, and you cannot claim a severe disability premium if someone is supporting you.
Funding for a personal assistant
A personal assistant (PA) is a person who can help you with personal care, household chores, employment, education, leisure, and social activities. You may receive one or more personal assistants from your local government, or you may be able to employ one on your own with financial assistance. Frequently, PIP can be used to finance them.
