Disability Rights Handbook April 2026 - April 2027 51st ed

A guide to benefits and services for all disabled people, their families, carers and advisers.

The handbook provides in-depth, comprehensive guidance on the everchanging benefits system, explains how social care operates around the UK and includes up-to-date information on the benefits, services and resources disabled people have a right to expect.

Fully updated for 2026/27 the handbook includes:

• Benefits for people living with health conditions, injury or disability and for carers, children and young people
• How the system works, how to claim and how to challenge a decision
• Support for people in education or work, not in work, looking for work or in retirement
• Getting and paying for care and support services

The transfer process is not automatic: claimants need to apply for universal credit (or pension credit) when they receive a migration notice letter. Many have yet to respond and face their old benefits stopping and not being replaced.

The handbook provides clear guidance on the benefit system and how to navigate any fundamental changes.