Many people find that their finances suffer after a stroke. This can be a real worry, but financial help may be available through the benefits system and other sources.  

The information on these pages is for anyone affected by stroke, including stroke survivors and their loved ones or carers. It can also be accessed in alternative formats.

Can I claim benefits?

Many people are entitled to benefits but are not aware what they can claim. Each benefit has different eligibility criteria.

You can check what benefits you might be entitled to by using an online benefits calculator.

Online benefits calculators you can try include:

What benefits might I get?

Energy bills and the cost of living

Everyday living costs can be challenging.

Find out how to get help with living costs

Illness or disability benefits

There is support if you’re unwell or have a disability.

Learn about illness and disability benefits

Grants and loans

Help with hardship and home adaptations.

Find out about grants and loans

Universal Credit (UC)

This is the main benefit for working-age people.

Learn more about Universal Credit

Out of work or low income benefits

These include help with housing costs.

Click to read about non-UC benefits

Help with health costs

Many people are entitled to free or reduced charges.

Read about getting help for health costs

Stroke Support Helpline 

Our Stroke Support Helpline offers information and support for anyone affected by stroke, including family, friends and carers. 

Call us on 0303 3033 100, from a textphone 18001 0303 3033 100 or email helpline@stroke.org.uk. 

What financial help can I get as a carer?

Providing care for someone after a stroke can impact your income. People tell us this can be a worry, but you may be entitled to some financial support. These pages cover how to get financial support if you care for someone with an illness or disability. There is also information on financial support if a loved one has died.

Learn more about benefits for carers

You can get individual advice from organisations including:

Benefits advisers can advise about what you might be entitled to. Turn2Us has a search tool to help you find benefits advisers in your area.

You usually need to complete a form and provide evidence to support your claim. Each benefit has its own process. More details about each benefit and how to claim are on these webpages and on the government website.

Some forms can be complex and take time to complete. Turn2Us, Age UK and Citizens Advice have some step-by-step guides about completing forms. Turn2Us also has a search tool to help you find a local advice service, some of which may be able to help with forms.

Age UK or Citizens Advice may also be able to provide some support in person or over the phone. This may vary depending on where you live.

Your local council may have welfare rights advisers, but the support offered may vary. These webpages also list individual government webpages and helplines for each benefit.

If your claim is rejected, or you think you’re getting the wrong amount, you can appeal against the decision. We have more information on our Benefits if you’re out of work or on a low income page.

Apply and get information about financial help

Northern Ireland

NI Direct has information on jobs, benefits and grants and how to claim in Northern Ireland.

Scotland

The Scottish Government has information on how to find and use public services in Scotland.

Wales

The Welsh Government has information on how to find and use public services in Wales.

Benefits and finance: support and information

  • Carers UK provides support and information for carers.
    • Carers Line: 0808 808 7777
  • Contact is a charity for families with disabled children under 25. It has a free helpline for parents and carers and offers information about DLA for children and other benefits.
    • Helpline: 0808 808 3555
  • Disability Law Service provides free legal advice to disabled people and their families and carers in England.
    • Phone: 020 7791 9800
  • Scope is a charity that provides support, information and advice to disabled people and their families.
    • Helpline: 0808 800 3333 Textphone 18001 0808 800 3333
  • Step Change offers free, impartial advice on managing debts and other money matters.
    • Debt advice line: 0800 138 1111
  • Advokit is an aphasia-friendly benefits tool. It provides accessible information about disability benefits and support with applying for them.

For sources of support with grants, see our main Grants webpage.

Accessible resources

Access this section's content in various offline formats:

Accommodation after stroke
This guide offers practical tips and information to help you if you need to make changes to your home, or find alternative accommodation after a stroke.
Find out more
Work after a stroke
Going back to work can be a big adjustment, but planning ahead will help you through the process. Here you will find helpful tips for a successful return to work.
Find out more
Managing someone’s finances
This guide explains how to look after someone else's finances when they are no longer able to.
Find out more