Benefits & Advocacy
General Guidance On Benefits & Our Advocacy Service
Benefit Resources
This page provides resources and guidance for individuals with severe (M.E.) who need support with welfare benefits and related issues. It includes detailed guidance sheets on topics like: Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Tips for completing forms, preparing for assessments, and understanding how ESA is judged. As-well as Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Step-by-step guidance on starting a claim, completing forms, and providing supporting evidence.
Some of these resources are available to members of the group only as part of our advocacy services, they can be accessed if you are logged into the website. Alternatively, you can contact us to request guide sheets via email or post. All other public resources are available below.
| Title | Summary | Categories | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP Guidance List | To provide a comprehensive overview of key guidance for individuals applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), ensuring they understand the process and how to present their case effectively. | Benifits Guides PIP / ADP (Members Only) | |
| PIP Face-to-Face Assessment Guidance | To provide practical advice for individuals undergoing a face-to-face assessment as part of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) process, whether at home or an assessment center. | Benifits Guides PIP / ADP (Members Only) | |
| PIP Guidance: Part 1 – General Points | To provide an overview of key considerations for individuals applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), ensuring they understand the process and how to present their case effectively. | Benifits Guides PIP / ADP (Members Only) | |
| PIP Guidance: Part 2 – Specific Activities of Daily Living and Mobility | To provide detailed advice on completing the section of the PIP assessment related to daily living and mobility activities, ensuring claimants accurately represent their limitations. | Benifits Guides PIP / ADP (Members Only) | |
| PIP Guidance: Part 3 – Your Illness and Professionals | To provide advice on how to effectively communicate your condition and the involvement of healthcare professionals when applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). | Benifits Guides PIP / ADP (Members Only) | |
| PIP Pointers: Key Guidance for Claimants | To provide essential advice for individuals applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), ensuring they understand the process and how to present their case effectively. | Benifits Guides PIP / ADP (Members Only) | |
| What to Expect During a PIP Assessment | To offer practical guidance for individuals undergoing a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment, covering both home and assessment center appointments. | Benifits Guides PIP / ADP (Members Only) |
| Title | Summary | Categories | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Disability Benefit for Pension-Age Residents in Scotland | The Scottish Government has introduced Pension Age Disability Payment to assist individuals over State Pension age with care needs arising from a disability or long-term health condition. Key details include: … | Other Benifits & Financial Issues (Public) | |
| Guidance When First Claiming PIP (ENGLAND) | Purpose: This guide provides comprehensive advice for individuals making their initial claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It is designed to simplify the application process by outlining what PIP is, … | Other Benifits & Financial Issues (Public) | |
| 2023 Pension Credit Guidance | Title: 2023 Pension Credit Guidance Purpose: This document provides up-to-date, clear guidance on eligibility, application processes, and available resources for pension credit in 2023. It is designed to help eligible … | Other Benifits & Financial Issues (Public) |
| Title | Summary | Categories | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Happens If I Am Too Ill to Attend an Appeal Hearing in Person | Purpose: This document provides clear guidance for individuals who, due to severe illness, are unable to attend an appeal hearing in person. It outlines the process and available alternatives to … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Disability Related Expenditure Assessment Guide (DRE) | Title: 2022 Disability Related Expenditure Assessment Guide (DRE) Purpose: This guide provides detailed instructions on assessing disability-related expenditures. It is designed to help individuals with disabilities—and those supporting them—understand how … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| When a Loved One Dies | Purpose: This document offers comprehensive guidance for those coping with the loss of a loved one. It outlines the immediate practical steps to take, addresses key administrative and legal considerations, … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| When a Relative is Terminally Ill | Purpose: This guide provides comprehensive advice and support for relatives and close family members facing the reality of a loved one’s terminal illness. It aims to empower families through practical … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| When Your Partner or Relative is in Hospital (2022) | Purpose: This document provides practical guidance and support for partners, relatives, and close family members when a loved one is admitted to the hospital. It aims to help readers navigate … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Moving Home Checklist | Title: Moving Home Checklist Purpose: This checklist is designed to help individuals and families prepare for a move. It outlines all the essential steps to organize, pack, and transition to … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Finding Advice for People with Severe M.E. | Title: Finding Advice for People with Severe M.E. Purpose: This document offers comprehensive guidance to individuals with severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), along with their carers, on how to access reliable … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Tips for Travel to Hospital | Title: Tips for Travel to Hospital Purpose: Provides practical strategies to ensure safe and comfortable travel to the hospital. Designed especially for individuals with chronic or severe conditions to minimize … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Paying for Care when Suffering from Severe M.E. (ENGLAND) | Key Points: Needs Assessment: First Step: Request a needs assessment from your local authority, applicable for both individuals and carers. The assessment determines eligibility for services and creates a care … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Care at Home (Adult Social Care: SCOTLAND) | Overview: The document provides guidance on social care services and options available in Scotland for individuals managing illness or disability at home. Key Points: Local Authority Support: Social work departments … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Hospital Booklet 2023: Information for Patients and Hospital Staff Regarding Treatment of Patients with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) | Key Points: About Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) M.E. is a serious neurological disease causing widespread dysfunction in the immune, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. It is often triggered by infection and worsened … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Hospital Care for People with Severe and Very Severe ME | Key Points: Challenges of Hospital Care for Severe ME Patients Hospitals are often unsuitable environments for those with severe ME due to sensory sensitivities (noise, light, etc.) and lack of … | Other Advocacy Information | |
| Supporting People with ME/CFS in Hospital | Purpose: The pack aims to assist individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and their carers in advocating for reasonable adjustments and appropriate care in hospital settings. Key Sections and … | Other Advocacy Information |