Overview of Benefits Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Who can get sickness and disability benefits? Still working Employed but can’t work Don’t work because of illness Caring for someone Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Types of benefits Contributory Non-contributory Means tested Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Working May be eligible for other things, e.g. free prescriptions No change to income but outgoings may increase Working Tax Credit Disability benefits May be eligible for other things, e.g. free prescriptions Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Employed – off sick Occupational sick pay Statutory sick pay Help with rent or mortgage costs Help with Council Tax Tax Credits Savings and partner’s income taken into account for income-related Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Not employed Employment and support allowance - contribution based or income related Savings and partner’s income taken into account for income-related Help with rent or mortgage costs Help with Council Tax Child Tax Credit Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Severely affected Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – 16-65 care needs mobility needs Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – under 16 Attendance Allowance (AA) – 65 and over Special rules for terminal illness Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

How ESA is assessed Physical descriptors Mental health descriptors Descriptors look at how your condition affects ability to carry out certain activities MH - incl support needed to complete tasks Variable condition Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

How PIP is assessed Daily living activities Mobility activities Descriptors look at whether you can carry out certain activities and if you need assistance with them MH - incl support needed to complete tasks Variable condition Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

www.citizensadvice.org.uk Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Help filling in ESA50 form Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Help filling in ESA50 form (cont) Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Help filling in ESA50 form (cont) Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Help filling in PIP form Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Help filling in PIP form (cont) Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Carers Carer’s Allowance Provide 35 hours or more of care/support to someone on PIP, AA or DLA Not working, or Working but earning less than a certain amount each week Not a student Not on certain benefits Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Care Act 2014 If you are elderly, disabled or have an illness, you may be able to get care and support arranged by your local council to help you live as normally as possible. Council website has information on adult care and support IACE team contacts Jill and Claire: Care support advisors based in Macclesfield but covering Cheshire East . Tel 01625 432847 Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Telephone Claire or Jill: IACE Telephone Claire or Jill: 01625 432847 Email: Claire.cole@infoadvicece.org.uk Jill.walsh@infoadvicece.org.uk Website: www.advicece.org.uk Helpline: 01260 288353 (24 hour answer service)

Cheshire East Council website

Other things to consider Help with prescription charges - free prescriptions if patient has certain conditions Help with costs to travel to hospital - Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme Blue badge - severe walking disabilities All benefits may be affected by changes in circumstances during the illness, e.g. hospital stays Accurate as at Nov 2017. Please be aware that the welfare benefits system is complicated and changes frequently. For specific advice please contact Citizens Advice Cheshire North on 01625 432847

Come and see us We operate face to face services in Macclesfield (Sunderland Street) Knutsford (Town Council Offices) Poynton (Civic Hall) Wilmslow (4 venues) Drop in sessions & appointments (including telephone call-backs)

Other ways to get help You can also contact CA for advice via Telephone – 03444 111 444 Email – advice@cecab-north.org.uk Self help websites

Self Help Websites CA national website www.citizensadvice.org.uk CA local website www.cecab-north.org.uk

Next step Phone or visit our offices Pick up a leaflet Check out our websites