For people living with a disability, their condition can often affect them financially, as well as physically or mentally. While there’s support available for those that need it, with so many benefits and information out there, it can be confusing to work out what you might be entitled to and how to apply. On this episode Andrea Fox joins the MS Society’s Benefits Advisor, Bez Ely, and Head of Policy, Phillip Anderson, to discuss how having a disability can impact someone financially and how to find the right support.

How can you find more information?

Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website.

You can also find lots of helpful information on financial support and disability on the following sites:

Information on benefits

Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefitsMoney Helper: www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefitsGOV.UK: www.gov.uk/browse/benefits

Benefits and grants entitlement

Turn2us Benefits Calculator: benefits-calculator-2.turn2us.org.ukTurn2us Grants Search: grants-search.turn2us.org.uk

Benefits appeals

GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision

Employee rights

ACAS: www.acas.org.uk/advice

Support for travel

Motability: www.motability.org.ukBlue Badge Scheme: www.gov.uk/blue-badge-scheme-information-councilDisabled Persons Railcard: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

Useful helplines

MS Society: www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/ms-helplineCitizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-usScope: www.scope.org.uk/helplineDisability Law Service: dls.org.uk/free-advice

MS Society resources

Financial help: www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/financial-helpFact sheets and booklets: www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/resources-and-publications

This episode was recorded in July 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.

Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.