Disability Support and Advice
A plain-English United Kingdom guide to finding disability support: where to get general advice, how care and support at home is arranged, benefits and financial help, what to do about discrimination, free help with computers and technology, and support for families raising a disabled child.
Information and links checked: September 2026.
If someone is in immediate danger
Call 999 if someone is seriously unwell or injured, cannot breathe normally, cannot be woken, or is at immediate risk of harm. Use NHS 111 in England, Wales and Scotland for urgent advice that is not an emergency. Never delay emergency help while you look for advice on this page.
Find disability support
Finding the right disability support can be difficult. The organisations below provide information and practical help with different needs. Choose the type of support you are looking for.
1. General disability advice
Scope
Information and practical advice for disabled people and their families, including benefits, work, housing, equipment and everyday living.
Helpline: 0808 800 3333
Disability Rights UK
Guides and specialist information about disability benefits, independent living, personal budgets, education, work and disabled people’s rights.
Disability Rights UK runs different specialist advice lines rather than one general helpline, so please check its website for the line that matches your enquiry.
2. Care and support at home
NHS — Getting a care needs assessment
A care needs assessment looks at the help someone may need with everyday tasks, such as washing, dressing, preparing meals or moving safely around their home. Assessments are arranged through the local council and are free.
Care services arranged after an assessment are not always free. A separate financial assessment usually decides how much, if anything, a person has to pay towards their care.
Find your local council
Use GOV.UK to find the council responsible for adult social care in your area.
3. Benefits and financial help
GOV.UK — Benefits and financial help for disabled people
Official information about disability benefits, help with housing costs, vehicles and transport, work and other financial support.
Sixpence Support UK
Our own plain-English guide to benefits, how to claim and where to get free help with a claim.
4. Discrimination and legal help
Equality Advisory and Support Service
Advice for people who believe they may have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment connected with disability or another protected characteristic.
Helpline: 0808 800 0082
Disability Law Service
Free legal advice for disabled people and their carers in the areas the service currently covers.
Not every type of legal problem is covered and the service cannot promise representation. Please check its current eligibility rules and advice areas before contacting it.
Telephone: 020 7791 9800
5. Help with computers and technology
AbilityNet
Free technology advice and support for older and disabled people. Its volunteers can help with computers, tablets, smartphones and accessibility adjustments.
Helpline: 0300 180 0028
6. Support for families with disabled children
Contact
Advice and information for families raising a disabled child or young person, including benefits, education, health, social care and family life.
Helpline: 0808 808 3555
Sixpence Support UK
Our own guide for families of children with disabilities and additional needs.
External organisations are independent from Sixpence Support UK. Services, eligibility and opening times can change, so please check directly with the organisation.
Information and links checked: September 2026.
Before you contact a service
- Write down what you need help with and any dates, letters or reference numbers.
- Ask what the service can and cannot help with, and whether there is a waiting time.
- Ask for information in a format that suits you, such as large print, easy read or email.
- You can ask a relative, friend or advocate to speak on your behalf with your permission.
This page is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.
- [1] Scope. Advice and support for disabled people and their families · 2026
- [2] Disability Rights UK. Information, guides and rights for disabled people · 2026
- [3] NHS. Getting a care needs assessment · 2026
- [4] GOV.UK. Find your local council · 2026
- [5] GOV.UK. Benefits and financial help if you are disabled · 2026
- [6] Equality Advisory and Support Service. Advice about discrimination and human rights · 2026
- [7] Disability Law Service. Free legal advice for disabled people and their carers · 2026
- [8] AbilityNet. Free tech support and information · 2026
- [9] Contact. Helpline for families with disabled children · 2026