What benefits may I be entitled to?

Having epilepsy does not automatically entitle you to claim benefits. These are some of the benefits you may be eligible to apply for, depending on how your epilepsy affects you, and your financial situation.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if your epilepsy means that you need someone to help look after you. You need to have reached State Pension age to claim Attendance Allowance.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child with epilepsy who is under 16, and who needs more looking after than a child who does not have epilepsy.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if your epilepsy affects how much you can work.
 

Pension Credit

You may be able to claim Pension Credit if you have reached State Pension age and meet eligibility criteria.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

You may be able to claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), to help with extra costs, if you have a long-term disability or health condition, and have trouble doing some everyday tasks, or with getting around. You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings, or are getting most other benefits.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland. Universal Credit has replaced these benefits for most people:

  • Housing Benefit;
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA);
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);
  • Child Tax Credit;
  • Working Tax Credit; and
  • Income Support.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income, out of work, or if you're unable to work because of a health condition.

Want to know more?

Download our benefits factsheet

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