The UK benefits system can appear very complicated.

There are many different benefits, paid for different reasons. Many people with AS feel as if the benefits system is a maze. If you want advice on what you could be claiming do contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on freephone 0800 882 200 which provides general advice and information. The Directgov website also provides straightforward and up to date advice.

We now have access to a number of other publications produced by an external agency callled Benefits and Work covering a range of issues including:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Claiming DLA, attending DLA medicals, challenging DLA medical reports, appealing DLA decisions, renewing DLA and notifying DLA of a change in circumstances
  • Moving from Incapacity Benefit to ESA
  • Understanding Employment Support Allowance (ESA), claiming ESA and appealing ESA decisions
  • Rights at pathways to work interviews
  • Reasonable adjustments at work
  • Voluntary work 

These are all available free of charge to NASS members by contacting the NASS Information Officer. Please specify which of the reports you would like to receive.

We know that the government are planning to replace DLA with Personal independence payment (PIP) in 2013. Use this link to find out more.

If do you feel you need more advice we recommend that you contact a Welfare Rights organisation which offer a free service. They will often provide you with assistance in filling out long forms correctly and will make sure you know what benefits are available to you. Use this link to find your closest Welfare Rights organisation.

If you would like to share your experiences of claiming benefits with others do use the comment box.

Last reviewed: March 2011

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