What benefits or financial support might I be entitled to with heart failure in the UK? 

Living with heart failure can bring significant financial pressure, whether through a reduced ability to work or the extra costs of managing your health. In the UK, the social security system is designed to provide a safety net to help cover these additional costs. It is important to remember that many benefits are not ‘means-tested’, meaning they are based on how your condition affects your life, not on how much money you have in the bank. Securing this support is a step in ensuring you can focus on your health and stability without the constant stress of financial worry. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The range of benefits available for long-term health conditions 

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those under State Pension age 

• Attendance Allowance for those over State Pension age 

• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit 

• Help with health costs, including prescription charges 

• Practical support: The Blue Badge and Council Tax reductions 

• Where to find and professional benefit advice 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 

If you are aged 16 to State Pension age and have lived with heart failure for at least three months, you may be eligible for PIP. 

How it works: 

• Non-means-tested: You can claim PIP regardless of your income or savings. 

• Assessment: It is based on how your heart failure affects daily tasks, such as preparing food, washing, and moving around. 

• The Components: PIP has two parts: a ‘Daily Living’ part and a ‘Mobility’ part.⁵ You may qualify for one or both at a standard or enhanced rate. 

Attendance Allowance 

If you are over State Pension age and your heart failure means you need a helping hand at home, you can apply for Attendance Allowance. 

• Eligibility: It is for people who need supervision or care during the day or night due to their condition. 

• The Benefit: It is paid at two different rates depending on the level of care you require. Like PIP, it is not means-tested and does not require you to have a carer actually helping you to qualify. 

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 

If your heart failure makes it difficult to work, or you have reached the end of your Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), you may qualify for New Style ESA. 

• The Requirement: This is based on your National Insurance contributions over the last two to three years. 

• The Assessment: You will undergo a ‘Work Capability Assessment’ to determine if you can work or if you have a ‘limited capability’ for work-related activity. 

Help with Health Costs 

Managing heart failure often requires a long list of medications and frequent trips to the hospital. 

1. Prescription Charges 

In England, if you are under 60 and on a low income, you may be eligible for free prescriptions through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Alternatively, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) can save you money if you need more than three items in three months.  

Note: Prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

2. Healthcare Travel Costs 

If you are referred to a hospital for specialist heart failure tests, you may be able to claim back the cost of travel through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) if you receive certain benefits. 

Practical and Local Support 

There are several practical ways to reduce your daily costs: 

• Blue Badge Scheme: If your breathlessness severely limits your ability to walk, you can apply to your local council for a Blue Badge to help you park closer to your destination. 

• Council Tax Support: You may be eligible for a reduction in your Council Tax if your heart failure means you have had to move to a larger home or if you live alone. 

• Warm Home Discount: Some patients on a low income can get a one-off discount on their electricity bill during the winter months. 

According to the British Heart Foundation, many people miss out on thousands of pounds every year because they think they aren’t ‘sick enough’ to qualify. 

Conclusion 

Seeking financial support is a and responsible way to manage the impact of heart failure on your life. From PIP and Attendance Allowance to help with travel and heating costs, these resources are there to protect your quality of life. The application processes can sometimes feel complex, but there is plenty of help available. By securing the support you are entitled to, you ensure that your financial health is as stable as your physical health, allowing you to live as independently and comfortably as possible. 

Emergency Guidance 

If you are in immediate financial distress and cannot afford food or heating, contact your local council for a ‘Local Welfare Provision’ or ‘Crisis Grant’. You can also call the Citizens Advice national helpline for urgent guidance on 0800 144 8848. 

Authority Snapshot 

This article was written by Dr. Stefan Petrov, a UK-trained physician with experience in general medicine, surgery, and emergency care. Dr. Petrov has helped many patients navigate the process of securing the financial support they need to manage chronic illness. This guide is based on current GOV.UK regulations and advice from the British Heart Foundation, updated for late 2025.