To qualify for Disability Allowance you must:
-
satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (
see note),
-
have an injury, disease or illness, or have a physical or learning disability that has continued or is expected to continue for at least one year and causes you to be ‘substantially restricted’ in doing work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of your age, experience and qualifications,
-
be aged between 16 and 65, and
-
satisfy a means test.
Note: Habitual Residence is a condition which you must satisfy in order to qualify for certain social welfare assistance payments and Child Benefit. This condition took effect from 1 May 2004 and affects all applicants regardless of nationality. For more information, see SW 108.
Residential care
Since January 2007 people in residential care are entitled to the maximum personal rate of Disability Allowance subject to a means test.