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Barriers to the Benefits System

Navigating the UK benefits system as a disabled person is rarely straightforward. 

 

Whether you’re applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit (UC), Carer’s Allowance, or another form of support —the process can be overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally draining. 

 

We’re here to help break down the barriers in the way.

Other Barriers

Financial Insecurity

Applies to those who:

  • Are unpaid or formal carers

  • On low income

  • Co-habitating with a partner

  • Are on multiple benefits.

The barrier:

Living with a disability comes with substantial hidden costs — and benefits often don’t reflect that. On average, disabled households need an average of £1,122 extra per month due to added expenses like specialist equipment and ongoing healthcare costs.

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The welfare system often adds financial strain instead of relief. Carers face significant restrictions: Carer’s Allowance provides just £76.75 per week for providing more than 35 hours of care, and aren’t allowed to earn much extra without reducing how much Universal Credit payment their household gets. While living with a partner can mean losing access to means-tested benefits.

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Many disabled people who try to work part-time worry that even small earnings might lead to benefit reassessments or sanctions, even if their health hasn’t changed. Appealing a decision can mean being left with no stable income for months, and getting legal advice or medical evidence can be expensive.

 

The whole process leaves people stuck and in poverty.

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How we help:

  • We advise based on your financial situation and help you understand how benefits interact. 

  • We guide you through decisions around work, sick notes, or caring responsibilities, so you can make informed choices without risking sanctions or overpayments.

  • We never want cost to be a barrier, so give a range of flexible payment options.

  • We help identify other forms of assistance you may be eligible for, like council tax reductions.

Disabled and LGBTQ+

May apply to those who are:

  • Trans or non-binary

  • LGBTQ+

  • Without supportive family

The barrier:

LGBTQ+ disabled people often face additional barriers when navigating the benefits system—barriers that go beyond health. Many are estranged, lack support networks, or experience housing insecurity. 

 

Discrimination and trauma within healthcare and public systems are common, making interactions with the DWP especially distressing.

Official records may still list a previous name or gender, which can lead to misgendering, delays, or triggering experiences during assessments. 

 

For trans and nonbinary people in particular, the process of disclosing identity, gathering evidence, or attending assessments can feel unsafe, outing, or retraumatising. Many struggle to find anyone appropriate or affirming to write supporting letters.

How we help:

  • As an LGBTQ+ and disabled-led organisation, we understand that these systems because we’ve been through them, and here to help you navigate them.

  • Assist in deciding what information to share and how to disclose it, meeting the DWP’s requirements without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.

  • Suggest how to frame or adjust documents under old names.

  • Build strong evidence using letters from chosen family, support groups, and other non-medical sources—validating your experience when the system doesn’t.

  • Offer supportive, non-judgemental advice where all identities are respected.

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