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.

  • The Benefit Cap

    The Benefit Cap is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get.

    Read more 
  • Personal Independence Payments (PIPs)

    Everything you need to know about PIP and support to help you complete your application.

    Read more 
  • Attendance Allowances (if you're over 65 and have care needs)

    Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over the age of 65 who need extra help with the costs of their personal care needs.

    Read more 
  • Carer's Allowance

    Carer'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.

    Read more 
  • Direct Payments

    A direct payment is a cash amount given by social services so that you can buy care services for yourself.

    Read more 
  • Disability Allowance (DLA) for children

    Disability Living Allowance for young people under 16 provides help towards the extra cost of bringing up a disabled child.

    Read more 
  • Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

    Employment Support Allowance (ESA) is paid to people who ability to work is limited by disability or ill health.

    Read more 
  • Family Fund

    The 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.

    Read more 
  • Financial planning

    Financial planning can help to ensure that you and your family have considered the future and have the finances you need.

    Read more 
  • Healthy Start

    Healthy Start provides free vouchers and coupons every week.

    Read more 
  • Universal Credit (UC)

    Universal Credit is a single, integrated means-tested benefit payable to people of working age who are on a low income.

    Read more 
  • Working Tax Credit - Disability Element

    Want to know if you qualify? Click here for more information.

    Read more 
  • Prescriptions

    You may qualify for free prescriptions, or could save money by using a Prescription Prepayment Certificate.

    Read more 
  • Financial support in winter and cold weather

    Find out what financial support you are entitled to during Winter and in cold weather, and how to claim.

    Read more 
  • Welfare Reforms 2025+

    Information about the proposed Welfare Reforms in 2025 and beyond, and how Shine can help.

    Read more 

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: