Disability Benefits and Facial Palsy

We are occasionally asked if people with facial palsy can claim benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP). ADP is only relevant to those in Scotland.

Having facial palsy does not automatically mean you are entitled to disability benefits because these benefits rely on answers to a series of specific questions to decide whether you are eligible. The questions relate to difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around, and in most cases these difficulties must be expected to last for at least 12 months from when they started. You can find out more on the government websites:

https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

https://www.mygov.scot/adult-disability-payment/applicants

https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/eligibility

If you are feeling unwell and struggling to work, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). You can find out more information here:

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance

The points system

A points system is used to score candidates on their eligibility. You may have many disabling symptoms associated with facial palsy. Unfortunately if they are not affecting your ability to carry out tasks and activities on the list used by the government to make an assessment, then you will not receive points for them. You need a certain number of points to qualify for benefits. See further information in the links below.

Points system for PIP

Points system for ADP

ESA sample test

Where to find further help

If you feel that you are struggling to do some tasks as a result of your facial palsy or a condition that caused your facial palsy, it is a good idea to seek help from Citizens Advice. They have trained advisors who can help you complete your form, ensuring you put all relevant information down. The website Benefits and Work also has lots of useful advice and information.

Citizens Advice – help for sick of disabled people and carers

Benefits and Work

Please note that the benefits system is evolving with some people being moved to Universal Credit. As this is a complex area and not Facial Palsy UK’s area of expertise, we always recommend people contact Citizens Advice or similar charities who are trained to support people in this area.