Four ways to prepare for upcoming disability benefit cuts and find alternative support

If you rely on Personal Independence Payment or incapacity benefits, you may have heard that changes are coming. The UK government has announced £5 billion in welfare cuts by 2030, which may mean that some people living with disability could lose financial support. Scope has warned that an additional 700,000 households with a person living with a disability may be pushed into poverty with these proposed benefit changes. 

Facing benefit changes can feel overwhelming, but support is out there. There are grants and other financial support available to help with essential costs like food, energy bills, transport, and more.

Grants and support can help with household costs

1. Check what grants you are eligible for

Even if you already receive benefits, additional financial support may still be available. Check your eligibility through the Lightning Reach portal.

Some great options you can find through the portal include:

• Household Support Fund - Provides financial support through local councils to help with food, energy bills, and essential living costs.

• Royal British Legion - Supports members of the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, veterans & their families with a variety of needs.

• National Benevolent Charity - Assistance for individuals in financial hardship.

  
  

2. Apply for help with energy costs

If you use medical equipment at home or struggle with high heating bills, there are organisations that can help. Below are some popular sources of support for energy costs. 

• National Energy Action - Supporting energy efficiency and fuel poverty. provides free advice and support on reducing energy costs.

• YES Energy Solutions - Helps households access energy-saving grants.

• The British Gas Energy Trust - which can help with outstanding energy debts, even if you are not a British Gas customer.

  
  

💡If you are at risk or have fallen behind on your bills, contact your energy provider, as many offer additional support to those in need. 

3. Get support with food and daily essentials

The cost of food has increased, and for those with special dietary needs, it can be even more expensive. If you are struggling to afford groceries, here are some support options:

• Food banks and community pantries, including the Trussell Trust network, offer emergency food parcels. Please note that you may need a referral to access this service, reach out to Citizen’s Advice if you need assistance with this. 

• Some councils and charities provide supermarket vouchers or other financial assistance to help with grocery costs. 

• Some disability-related grants may also cover food costs, which you can check through the Lightning Reach portal. 

  
  

4. Reduce costs on transport and mobility needs

If you rely on public transport, taxis or mobility equipment, there are schemes to help make travel more affordable.

• The Disabled Person’s Railcard provides a one-third discount on train fares across the UK.

• The Motability Scheme offers grants to help with the cost of adapted vehicles and mobility aids.

• TfL Dial-a-Ride provides free door-to-door transport for disabled people in London who cannot use public transport.

  
  

Many local councils also offer free or discounted transport schemes, so check your local authority for options.

Kim's story

With changes the PIP payments on the horizon, now is the time to check what support you're entitled to. The portal makes it easy to find and apply for financial assistance, including grants and hardship funds, all in one place.

Many people have already accessed life-changing support through the portal. Kim, a military veteran living with a disability, was awarded £200 per month to help with energy costs after finding support through the Royal British Legion via Lightning Reach. This financial help reduced her stress and made it easier to manage daily living costs. Read Kim’s story here

Find out what support you can access today on the Lightning Reach portal.

Need advice on disability benefit changes? 

For additional guidance on benefits, finances, and support, visit Citizens Advice, Scope, or Disability Rights UK.