Disability Support in Birmingham: A Guide for Ukrainians in the UK

Moseley for Ukraine
Mar 2
4 min read

Updated: Mar 20

Many Ukrainians arriving in the UK already have a registered disability status from Ukraine. It is important to know: Ukrainian disability status is not automatically transferred to the British system.

In the UK, there is no document similar to a "disability group." Instead, there is a system for assessing how a health condition affects a person's daily life, and based on this, social benefits and support are assigned.

Below is step-by-step information on where to seek help in Birmingham.

Step 1. Register with a GP (General Practitioner)

First of all, you need to register with a local family doctor (GP – General Practitioner).

The GP will:

Enter your medical data into the NHS system
Review your Ukrainian medical documents
Refer you to specialists if necessary
Provide medical evidence for benefit applications

Take with you:

Medical certificates from Ukraine

Translations (preferred, but not mandatory)
Examination results and discharge summaries
A list of medications you are currently taking

Step 2. What support exists in the UK?

In Britain, social benefits are granted instead of a "disability group."

PIP (Personal Independence Payment)

This is the main payment for people aged 16 to pension age if:

You have a long-term health condition or disability

The condition has lasted for more than 3 months and is expected to last for more than 9 months
There are difficulties with mobility or daily living activities

Important: The decision is based not only on the diagnosis but on how exactly the condition affects your daily life.

Other options include:

Universal Credit with a Limited Capability for Work component (if a person cannot work due to their health condition)

Where to get help in Birmingham?

Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

The Disability Resource Centre is a charity in Birmingham that supports people with disabilities.

They help with:

Filling out PIP forms
Preparing for medical assessments
Filing appeals in case of rejection
Providing information about your rights
Finding local support programs

Address: Unit 18, Ace Business Park, Mackadown Lane, Birmingham B33 0LD

Phone: 0303 040 2040

Email: drc@disability.co.uk

Website: www.disability.co.uk

Consultations are usually free of charge.

Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC)

The Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC) is an organization that supports refugees and migrants, including Ukrainians.

Particularly important: RMC assists Ukrainians during their first year after arriving in the UK.

They can help with:

Explaining how the social security system works
Filling out PIP or Universal Credit forms
GP registration
Housing issues
Referrals to social services
English language courses (ESOL)

Address: 36 Frederick Street, Birmingham B1 3HN

Phone: 0800 0663 444

Email: info@rmcentre.org.uk

Website: www.rmcentre.org.uk

What do you need to apply for PIP?

National Insurance Number
Your GP's details
Medical evidence
A detailed description of how your condition affects your life

After applying:

You will fill out a comprehensive questionnaire
A medical assessment may be scheduled
A decision will be made

If you are refused, you can apply for a Mandatory Reconsideration or an appeal. DRC helps with this process.

Attendance Allowance in the UK — How to Apply

Attendance Allowance is a UK government benefit for people of State Pension age who need help due to an illness or disability. Payments are managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Who is eligible?

You can apply if you have reached State Pension age (currently 66) and have a physical or mental disability. You must need help with personal care, such as dressing, washing, eating, moving around, taking medication, or supervision (for example, due to a risk of falling). These difficulties must have lasted for at least 6 months (except for terminal illnesses). Your income and savings do not affect your eligibility.

How much is paid? (2025 rates)

There are two rates: £72.65 per week if you need help during the day or night; £108.55 per week if you need help both during the day and night. Payments are tax-free.

How to apply?

Step 1. Get the form. You can call the helpline at 0800 731 0122 or download the form from the GOV.UK website (search: Attendance Allowance claim form).

Step 2. Fill in the form. Describe your worst day. Explain in detail what specific help you need. For example, instead of saying "it is hard to walk," state: "I can only walk 10–15 meters before I have to stop due to pain and breathlessness." Be sure to mention if you experience pain, fatigue, or a fear of falling.

Step 3. Attach documents. It is recommended to include a letter from your GP, hospital records, and a list of medications.

Where to get help in Birmingham?

Ukrainians can seek free assistance with filling out the form at the Refugee and Migrant Centre or the Disability Resource Centre. These organizations help ensure the documents are completed correctly.

Conclusion

There is no automatic recognition of the Ukrainian disability group in the UK.

However, there is a social support system that can provide financial assistance and other services.

Key steps: