Finances and Benefits
Managing your money and working out what benefits or tax credits you might be entitled to can be a complex task. Our team of Support and Development Workers can help you with their expert knowledge and guidance.
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is up to date, however changes in the law over time may affect the accuracy of some content. The information provided does not constitute legal or professional advice. You should always check details regarding your welfare rights with a local advice centre or the Department for Works and Pensions.
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The Benefit Cap
Read moreThe Benefit Cap is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get.
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Personal Independence Payments (PIPs)
Read moreEverything you need to know about PIP and support to help you complete your application.
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Attendance Allowances (if you're over 65 and have care needs)
Read moreAttendance Allowance is a benefit for people over the age of 65 who need extra help with the costs of their personal care needs.
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Carer's Allowance
Read moreCarer's Allowance is a benefit for people over 16 who are giving regular and substantial care to disabled children or adults in their own homes.
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Direct Payments
Read moreA direct payment is a cash amount given by social services so that you can buy care services for yourself.
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Disability Allowance (DLA) for children
Read moreDisability Living Allowance for young people under 16 provides help towards the extra cost of bringing up a disabled child.
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Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
Read moreEmployment Support Allowance (ESA) is paid to people who ability to work is limited by disability or ill health.
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Family Fund
Read moreThe Family Fund is an independent charity, financed by the government, who purpose is to ease the stress on families arising from the day-to-day care of a severely disabled child.
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Financial planning
Read moreFinancial planning can help to ensure that you and your family have considered the future and have the finances you need.
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Universal Credit (UC)
Read moreUniversal Credit is a single, integrated means-tested benefit payable to people of working age who are on a low income.
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Working Tax Credit - Disability Element
Read moreWant to know if you qualify? Click here for more information.
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Prescriptions
Read moreYou may qualify for free prescriptions, or could save money by using a Prescription Prepayment Certificate.
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Financial support in winter and cold weather
Read moreFind out what financial support you are entitled to during Winter and in cold weather, and how to claim.
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Welfare Reforms 2025+
Read moreInformation about the proposed Welfare Reforms in 2025 and beyond, and how Shine can help.
How Shine can support you
Shine’s Disability Benefits Support aims to help more members access key disability benefits.
Support is open to all members, and can offer specialist advice and one-to-one support from our team of Support and Development Workers. Whether you are a new parent looking after children with multiple needs at home and at school, a young adult at college, work or setting up a home, or someone coping with later in life issues, our team is here to support you.
We work with members on a one-to-one basis to resolve specific benefit related issues:
- Support members to claim appropriate entitlement to benefits
- Assist members who've been refused applications for benefits
- Provide information and tools to help members better understand their rights and entitlement
- Keep up to date with the latest developments in welfare policy and practice
- Represent the needs and views of our members at regional and national level
Call us on 01733 555988 or email firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk and we'll link you up with someone who can offer expert advice and guidance.
Further support
For further information contact:
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to locate your nearest bureau.
- Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL) to find out if there is a DIAL office in your area, or call 0808 800 3333
- Disability Rights UK or email enquiries@disabilityrightsuk.org
- GOV.UK