Autism Berkshire’s Benefits Advice Service is available to autistic people and their families in the county, whether or not they are members of Autism Berkshire.
Our benefits service manager Kevin Jackson and caseworker Carrie Steers have many years of experience helping people with benefit applications and can help autistic adults and the parents and carers of autistic children.
Support is also available to people with conditions related to autism, including severe dyslexia, dyspraxia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), subject to payment of a fee*.
Please note that we strongly advise people to contact us when they start to prepare to make a benefit application, so that our team can ensure the forms contain as much relevant information as possible for the initial assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Our advisers can help people to understand eligibility and assist with completing application and reassessment forms for the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children aged up to 15
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for over-16s
- Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Carer’s Allowance
They are also able to assist with appeals against decisions made under the Department for Work and Pensions benefits assessment process, including mandatory reconsiderations, and to represent people at benefit assessment hearings and appeal tribunals, subject to payment of a fee and travel expenses.
Initial appointments with one of our advisers to complete a benefits application form (DLA, PIP, ESA, UC, Carer’s Allowance) are free of charge for Berkshire residents who are autistic or who are applying on behalf of an autistic person.*
Paid-for appointments are also available in the evening (subject to availability).*
Face-to-face appointments are currently suspended, with advice available by video link or on the phone
*Visit our website using the link below for details of our current fees for benefits advice.
For more information about the Benefits Service and to request an appointment, call on 01189 594 594 (option 2) or email benefits@autismberkshire.org.uk