Managing finances can be a challenge for anyone, but it can be particularly difficult for brain injury survivors who may no longer be able to work as much as they did prior to their injury, have additional expenses related to their injury or struggle with money management skills.
In this article, we’ll explore the main benefits, grants and services available, as well as some practical tips for managing money day to day.
Seek specialist advice
There are a number of organisations that can provide specialist advice and support for managing money, such as your bank, local Citizens Advice, Communicare, Money Helper, or your local council’s financial advice service.
They can provide guidance on budgeting, debt management, and accessing benefits you may be entitled to following your brain injury.
Identify your challenges
It can be helpful to identify specific areas of money management that you find challenging, such as organising paperwork or budgeting.
Ask someone you trust, such as a friend or family member, to help you with these tasks. You can also consider using a budgeting app to help you manage your finances.
Explore financial assistance
If you’re struggling to pay bills, contact your bank or service provider to discuss your options.
Under the Equality Act, all service providers must make reasonable adjustments so that you are not disadvantaged by your disability.
You can also explore financial assistance programs through your local council or charities that provide support for people with disabilities.
Benefits you may be able to claim
Depending on your age and how your brain injury affects you, you may be entitled to one or more benefits.
These are based on how your condition affects daily life, not on the diagnosis itself.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the extra costs of a long-term condition or disability if you are aged 16 to State Pension age. It is tax-free, is not means-tested, and you can claim it even if you are working. It covers difficulties with memory, concentration and mood, not just physical ones. (gov.uk/pip)
- Universal Credit can help if you are on a low income or out of work, with an extra amount if your health limits your ability to work. (gov.uk/universal-credit)
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can help if you have paid enough National Insurance and have a limited capability for work. (gov.uk/employment-support-allowance)
- Attendance Allowance is for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care. (gov.uk/attendance-allowance)
- Carer’s Allowance may be available to a partner, family member or friend who cares for you. (gov.uk/carers-allowance)
Grants and one-off help
If money is needed quickly, grants can help while a benefit claim is sorted out.
The Headway Emergency Fund offers one-off grants for families and friends to cover travel and accommodation costs when a loved one is in hospital or early rehabilitation.
And if your injury was caused by an accident that was not your fault, a personal injury claim may provide financial support too.
Don’t ignore the problem
It can be tempting to ignore letters or reminders about bills, but this will only make the problem worse.
Seek help early and remember that there is support available. You can find your local Citizens Advice here, Communicare here and Money Helper here. You can also reach out to our Advice & Counselling service for support.
Managing your money after a brain injury can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, it is possible. Remember, you’re not alone in this.
Frequently asked questions about financial help after brain injury
Can you claim PIP for a brain injury?
PIP is based on how your condition affects daily living and getting around, not on the diagnosis, so a brain injury can qualify if it causes enough difficulty with everyday tasks or mobility. The detail is on gov.uk/pip.
Are there grants for brain injury survivors?
Yes, including the Headway Emergency Fund for the early weeks after an injury.
Is PIP changing?
If you already get PIP, you stay on the current rules. Proposed changes for new claimants have been delayed pending a government review due in late 2026. The latest position is always on gov.uk/pip.