Benefits, money and budgeting
Fast facts
- Looking after your money helps to reduce stress
- To get credit, whether it’s a loan, credit card or even mobile phone contract, it helps to be registered on the electoral roll
- Buying things on credit or with a loan costs more in the long run
- Depending on your circumstances there are benefits you may be eligible for
Benefits for people with epilepsy
There are a number of disability benefits that people with epilepsy can apply for. You don’t have to think of yourself as disabled. Note: If you are studying, see the page about being a student for what help there is for student finances.
Benefits that some people with epilepsy are eligible for include:
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Free prescriptions
If you have epilepsy and take epilepsy medicines, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions in the UK. There’s more info the page about prescriptions
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Free bus pass
If you would be refused a driving licence because of your epilepsy, you may be entitled to free bus travel (in England, Scotland and Wales) or half price bus travel (in Northern Ireland).
There is more about this on the travel and public transport page -
Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
PIP is a benefit to help with some of the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability.
The Epilepsy Action website has more information Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people with epilepsy -
Access to work
If your epilepsy affects your ability to do your job or means you have to pay work-related costs, Access to Work grants may help pay for practical support.
There is more info on the Epilepsy Action website about Access to Work for people with epilepsy -
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit
You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. Income-related ESA is gradually being replaced by Universal Credit.
The Epilepsy Action website has more information about benefits for people with epilepsy
Do something #1
Are you claiming all the benefits you might be entitled to? Is there anything mentioned here that you want to find out more about.
Top tips for managing your money
Taking the time to manage your money can help you feel more in charge. A budget is a plan for everything you spend money on and a record of the money you have coming in.
Budgeting helps you to:
1
Know what you can and can’t afford
2
Avoid getting into debt (or help you to get out of debt)
3
Plan for one-off expenses
4
Spot money-saving opportunities
Budgeting basics
- Work out what you spend and what you have coming in
- As well as all your regular spending remember to include occasional costs, like Christmas and birthday presents or holidays
- Be careful not to double count or to miss things out
- If you’re spending more than you have coming in, decide where you can cut back
- Plan your monthly spending – this is your budget
Watch
Need some help with setting a budget? Watch this video for help with what to include.
Budget tools
Do something #2
Use the budget template to work out your budget. Are you spending more than you have coming in? If so, how could you reduce your spending?
More info
Help with managing debt
If you are worried about money or debt, there are organisations that can help
Independence
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