Disability and sickness benefits

A form and some money

Most people who have had a stroke will be entitled to some sort of income, either from their employer or from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Employer's statutory sick pay
 If the person is employed, they may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from their employer, depending on how long they've been employed, their age and how much they earn. SSP can be paid for up to 28 weeks of sickness. When their entitlement to SSP ends, they may be able to claim Incapacity Benefit.

Department for Work and Pensions benefits
Contact the Benefits Agency, Department for Work and Pensions, for more information on the following.

  • If the person is not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay, and they have enough National Insurance contributions, they can claim Incapacity Benefit (IB) from the first week after their stroke.  
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is for people under 65 to help with personal care and mobility. It can be claimed alongside other benefits and income, and is not based on financial circumstances.
  • Attendance Allowance (AA) is for people 65 and over who need help with personal care. Payment starts six months after a stroke but can be claimed beforehand.
  • Someone who cares for a disabled person for more than 35 hours a week may be entitled to Carer's Allowance (CA), depending on other benefits and social security payments.

 

Local council benefits


House and money

Apply to your local council to see if you can claim Housing Benefit (for help with rent) or Council Tax Benefit (for help with Council Tax bills). 

Low-income benefits
If your household is on a low income, you may be entitled to other state benefits, such as:

  • Income Support (contact your local Jobcentre);
  • Working Tax Credit (contact HM Revenue and Customs on 0845 300 3900); and
  • Pension Credit, if you are over 65 (phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234).

 

Benefits Agency enquiry line

  • Freephone: 0800 88 22 00
  • Textphone for people with hearing difficulties: 0800 24 33 55

Local council benefits and low-income benefits are paid to couples, so each partner's income is taken into account.

Links
Going to hospital
Returning home
Health professionals
Social services
Stroke Association services
How can family help?
Going back to work
Driving