Benefits & Money

If you have had a stroke and it affects your daily living activities, such as cooking, washing, dressing, or mixing with other people or your ability to get around, you should consider making a claim for benefits.

Here are some online benefit calculators that can help you see what financial support you may be eligible to apply for:

• Turn2us
• Policy in Practice
• Age UK

Work: Universal Credit brings together the main benefits if you are out of work or on a low income. You can still make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you are over State Pension age or you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. If you receive the Severe Disability premium, you can also continue to claim 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.

Benefits include:

• Universal Credit (UC)
• New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• Housing payments  
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 
• Pension credit

Carers: Providing care for someone after a stroke can impact your income and be a worry. You may have to reduce hours you work to care for a loved one.

Benefits include:

• Carers Allowance
• Respite for Carers
• Power of Attorney

Leisure: Getting involved in a leisure activity can also be rewarding in many different ways. It could raise your confidence, improve anxiety or low mood, or help you get fit. It can also help your recovery, by giving you enjoyable time communicating, thinking and learning, or being physically active.

Benefits include:

• Gym & Sports Club Discounts
• Blue Parking Badge
• Radar Keys

Home: You may need support with things around your home one returning home after a stroke. Find out more about what help is available, also if you’re finding everyday living costs more challenging.

Benefits include:

• Council Tax Reduction
• Council Tax Discounts
• Bin Collection (Local Councils)
• Housing payments
• Support for mortgage interest (SMI)
• Priority Customer (Utility Companies)

Managing finances after a stroke can be a real worry, but financial help is available through the benefits system.

• Benefits – Many people are not aware that they can get help and support. You can check what benefits you might be able to get by using an online benefits calculator. These include Entitledto and Turn2us. You can also get individual advice from organisations including Citizens Advice, Independent Age and Age UK. 
• Cost of living help – To help with higher costs, there are some extra payments and funding available. Visit help for households campaign for up-to-date information to help with the cost of living, including bills, childcare, housing and travel. 

You may also be able to get help via your employer, local council, and other organisations: 

• Energy grants – If you are struggling to pay energy bills, contact your supplier. Many energy companies have schemes to apply to if you are finding it difficult to pay gas or electricity debts, for example the British Gas Energy Trust. Citizens Advice also provides information about grants available from energy suppliers to help you pay off energy debts. 
• Council and local authority grants – Some local councils offer grants to help people on a low income. The amount you may get depends on the criteria set by your local council. You may be offered vouchers for food or fuel, clothing, or emergency travel.

Hardship grants are sometimes provided by national and local charities. It can sometimes be worth reviewing charities websites to see if these are available. Other grants and support include: 

• Food banks – You usually need to be referred to a food bank by a professional such as a Citizens Advice service, your GP, a social or support worker. Your local council can give information about food banks and other crisis support in your local area.  
• Sick pay from your employer – If you were working before your stroke, your employer may have a company occupational sick pay scheme. Speak to your employer about what you are entitled to. 
• Carers allowance – If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain benefits, you may be able to receive Carer’s Allowance. Visit the gov.uk website to apply. 

 Below are some links to resources in your area that may be able to offer advice and hands-on help with application forms when applying for financial support.