Benefits
Benefits are available to help with living costs, support those on low income and provide support for those who may not be able to work due to their MS. Below are some of the benefits you may be entitled to.
Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
If your MS affects how much you can work, then you may be able to claim ESA.
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP may be available for people with MS if it affects your daily living or mobility.
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
If you are unemployed and applying for jobs, then you may be able claim this allowance.
https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance
Universal Credits
This is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you're on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
Attendance Allowance
This helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
Blue Badge
You may be able to apply for a blue badge if your walking is reduced or you have certain other disabilities. This will allow you to park in disabled parking spaces. The website below gives clear information on who may be successful in getting a blue badge.
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Disabled Facilities Grants
If you require adaptions (changes) in your house because of your MS, you may be able to get a grant to help pay for these.
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants
Carer's Allowance
Your carer, spouse or relative may be able to claim this if they care for you for more than 35 hours a week.
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Council Tax Reduction
You could apply to your local council. You may get a discount on your bill if you're eligible.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction
Water Rate Reduction
WaterSure is a scheme which helps some people with their water bills. To apply for the scheme, you must be on benefits and need to use a lot of water for medical reasons.
WaterSure scheme – help with paying water bills - Citizens Advice
Pension Credits
Pension credit is for people of pension age on a low income.
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Child Benefit
For people with children under 16 years old or under 20 years old if they are in education.
https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit
The MS Society has further information about benefits which you can access from this link.
Disabled Students Allowance
Brief Guide to MS Benefits - Financial Support | MS Society
You can also get in touch with one of their MS benefits advisers by calling the MS Society Helpline on 0808 800 8000 or emailing on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can also provide support with benefits.
Other useful links
Benefits calculators - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
https://dorsetaccesswellbeing.co.uk/about_us/
Some information sourced from Hereford MS Wellbeing Hub (herefordmshub.co.uk)
