Disability Benefits

A percentage of the general population will meet the definition of ‘disabled’ without realising it, and as a result may be missing out on the opportunity to apply for additional benefits which are provided to alleviate disadvantage caused by a mobility or care need arising from a disability.

Disability benefits are not means-tested and are available to adults and minors.  The definition of a disability is “a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.” 

The meaning of ‘substantial’ is more than minor or trivial, e.g., it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed.

An impairment is ‘long-term’ where it has lasted at least 12 months or where the total period for which it lasts, from the time of the first onset, is likely to be at least 12 months or which is likely to last for the rest of the life of the person affected.    Special provisions apply when determining whether the effects of an impairment that has fluctuating or recurring effects are long-term.

More information about Disability Benefits here.